1. What is Volt-Amps (VA)?

Volt-Amps (VA) is a unit of measurement for apparent power in an electrical circuit. It represents the product of the root-mean-square (RMS) voltage and the RMS current in the circuit.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the VA formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Voltage in volts
• \( A \) — Current in amperes

Explanation: The apparent power in a circuit is simply the product of the voltage and current.

3. Importance of VA Calculation

Details: VA is important for sizing wires, circuit breakers, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). It represents the total power that must be supplied to a device, including both real and reactive power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between VA and Watts?
A: Watts represent real power, while VA represents apparent power. They are equal in purely resistive loads, but differ in circuits with reactive components.

Q2: Why is VA important for UPS sizing?
A: UPS systems are rated in VA because they must supply the total apparent power, not just the real power.

Q3: How do I measure voltage and current?
A: Use a multimeter to measure voltage across a component and current through it.

Q4: Does VA change with AC frequency?
A: The VA rating itself doesn't change with frequency, but the relationship between VA and Watts (power factor) may change.

Q5: Can I use this for DC circuits?
A: Yes, for DC circuits VA equals Watts since there's no reactive power.