1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation (P = I × V) is a fundamental formula in electrical engineering that calculates power in watts from current in amps and voltage in volts. It's part of Ohm's Law and is essential for electrical system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows that power is directly proportional to both current and voltage. Doubling either current or voltage will double the power.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use this for AC and DC circuits?
A: Yes, for DC circuits and AC circuits with purely resistive loads. For reactive AC loads, power factor must be considered.

Q2: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amps represent apparent power. They're equal in DC circuits but differ in AC circuits with reactive components.

Q3: How do I convert watts to amps?
A: Use the inverse formula: I = P / V. You'll need to know the voltage to perform this conversion.

Q4: Why is my appliance rated in amps but not watts?
A: Some appliances are rated in amps because they're designed for a specific voltage (like 120V or 240V), making the power calculation straightforward.

Q5: What's a typical power consumption for household devices?
A: LED bulbs: 5-20W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W, depending on size and model.