1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = V × I) calculates electrical power consumption in watts from voltage and current measurements. It is one of the fundamental equations in electrical engineering and physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts
• \( I \) — Current in amperes

Explanation: The equation demonstrates the direct proportional relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical circuits.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for electrical system design, energy consumption analysis, circuit protection, and determining appropriate component ratings.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between AC and DC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly applies. For AC circuits, power factor must be considered: P = V × I × PF.

Q2: How is power related to energy consumption?
A: Energy consumption (in watt-hours) = Power (watts) × Time (hours). Power represents the rate of energy consumption.

Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: Common household appliances range from 5W (LED bulb) to 3000W (electric heater). Always check manufacturer specifications.

Q4: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Calculating power helps determine appropriate wire sizes, circuit breaker ratings, and prevents overload conditions that could cause fires.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, use P = √3 × V × I × PF. This calculator is designed for single-phase DC or resistive AC circuits.