1. What is Electrical Power?

Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It represents the amount of work done by an electrical system per unit time and is measured in watts (W).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental power formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula represents the basic relationship in electrical circuits where power equals the product of voltage and current.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating electrical power is essential for circuit design, energy consumption analysis, electrical safety, and determining the capacity requirements for electrical components and systems.

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. For AC circuits with resistive loads, it's the same, but with reactive loads, power factor must be considered.

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

Q3: What are typical power ratings for household appliances?
A: LED bulb: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Microwave: 800-1500W, Electric heater: 1500-3000W.

Q4: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: For balanced three-phase systems, use P = √3 × V × I × PF, where PF is power factor.

Q5: Why is power calculation important for electrical safety?
A: It helps determine if circuits are overloaded, ensures proper wire sizing, and prevents overheating and potential fire hazards.