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 and voltage. It's derived from Ohm's Law and is essential for designing and analyzing electrical circuits.

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 optimizing electrical system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes 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 this be used for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, use directly. For AC circuits, this gives apparent power; you'll need power factor for true power.

Q2: What are typical household current values?
A: In North America, standard outlets provide 120V with currents typically 15-20A. Large appliances may use 240V.

Q3: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). This calculator gives instantaneous power.

Q4: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts measure real power, volt-amps measure apparent power. They're equal in purely resistive DC circuits.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact, but real-world measurements may have instrument errors.