1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I) is a fundamental formula in electrical engineering that calculates the power consumption or generation in an electrical circuit. It relates voltage (V), current (I), and power (P).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in Watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in Volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in Amperes (A)

Explanation: The equation shows that power is directly proportional to both voltage and current in an electrical circuit.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power is essential for designing electrical systems, determining energy consumption, sizing components, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between AC and DC power calculations?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly. For AC circuits, you need to consider power factor (P = V × I × PF).

Q2: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy is power multiplied by time (E = P × t). To calculate energy costs, multiply energy by your electricity rate.

Q3: What are typical household voltages?
A: Common voltages are 120V (North America) or 230V (Europe) for mains electricity, with lower voltages for electronics.

Q4: Can I calculate current if I know power and voltage?
A: Yes, the equation can be rearranged as I = P / V. This is useful for circuit design and fuse sizing.

Q5: What about three-phase power systems?
A: Three-phase power uses P = √3 × V × I × PF, where V is line-to-line voltage and PF is power factor.