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How to Calculate Electrical Power

Electrical Power Formula:

\[ P = V \times I \]

Volts (V)
Amperes (A)

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1. What is Electrical Power?

Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. The SI unit of power is the watt (W), which equals one joule per second.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic power formula:

\[ P = V \times I \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current in a circuit.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating electrical power is essential for designing electrical systems, selecting appropriate components, and ensuring electrical safety in circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power calculations?
A: For DC circuits, power is simply P=VI. For AC circuits, you need to consider power factor (P=VI×PF for single-phase).

Q2: How can I calculate power if I only know resistance?
A: You can use P = V²/R or P = I²R if you know voltage or current along with resistance.

Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: Small devices might use 10-100W, while large appliances like ovens or AC units can use 1000-5000W.

Q4: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy is power multiplied by time (E=P×t). For example, a 100W device running for 10 hours uses 1kWh of energy.

Q5: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Knowing power helps determine if circuits are overloaded, which can prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

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