1. What is kVA?

kVA (kilovolt-ampere) is a unit of apparent power in an electrical circuit. It represents the total power in an AC circuit, combining both the real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAR).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( kVA \) — Kilovolt-amperes (apparent power)
• \( P \) — Power in Watts (real power)

Explanation: This converts Watts to kVA by dividing by 1000 (since 1 kVA = 1000 VA).

3. Importance of kVA Calculation

Details: kVA is crucial for sizing electrical equipment like transformers, generators, and UPS systems. It helps determine the capacity needed for electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the power in Watts (W) and the calculator will convert it to kVA. The input must be a positive number.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between kW and kVA?
A: kW measures real power while kVA measures apparent power. The ratio between them is the power factor (PF = kW/kVA).

Q2: When should I use kVA instead of kW?
A: Use kVA when sizing electrical equipment like transformers or generators, as they must handle the total apparent power.

Q3: How does power factor affect kVA?
A: Lower power factor means more kVA is needed to deliver the same kW. A perfect power factor (1.0) means kW = kVA.

Q4: What's a typical kVA rating for household appliances?
A: Most household appliances range from 0.5 kVA (small devices) to 5 kVA (large appliances like air conditioners).

Q5: How do I convert kVA to amps?
A: Amps = (kVA × 1000) / Voltage. For example, 1 kVA at 120V = 8.33A.