1. What is 3 Phase Power?

Three-phase power is a common method of alternating current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. It is more efficient than single-phase power for large industrial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in volts
• \( I \) — Current in amps
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The √3 factor accounts for the phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency, as more current is required to deliver the same amount of real power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter line-to-line voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (typically between 0.8-1.0 for industrial equipment). All values must be valid (voltage > 0, current > 0, 0 ≤ PF ≤ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between line-to-line and line-to-neutral voltage?
A: In 3-phase systems, line-to-line voltage is √3 times the line-to-neutral voltage (e.g., 208V line-to-line is 120V line-to-neutral).

Q2: When should I use this calculation?
A: Use for balanced 3-phase AC systems to determine real power consumption when voltage, current and power factor are known.

Q3: What is a typical power factor value?
A: Resistive loads have PF=1. Induction motors typically have PF=0.8-0.9. Highly inductive loads can have PF as low as 0.3.

Q4: How does this differ from single-phase power calculation?
A: Single-phase uses P = V × I × PF without the √3 factor. Three-phase delivers more power with less conductor material.

Q5: Can I use this for DC systems?
A: No, DC power is simply P = V × I. The √3 factor and power factor concepts don't apply to DC systems.