1. What is 3-Phase Current?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase current formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in Amperes (A)
• \( P \) — Power in Watts (W)
• \( V \) — Line-to-line voltage in Volts (V)
• \( PF \) — Power Factor (unitless, 0-1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates the current in a balanced three-phase system considering the power factor.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A lower power factor means more current is required to deliver the same amount of real power.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts, line-to-line voltage in volts, and power factor (0-1). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is line-to-line voltage?
A: It's the voltage measured between any two line conductors in a three-phase system.

Q2: What is a typical power factor value?
A: For resistive loads it's 1.0, for inductive loads (like motors) it's typically 0.8-0.95.

Q3: Can I use this for single-phase calculations?
A: No, for single-phase use \( I = P / (V \times PF) \) (without the √3 factor).

Q4: Why is three-phase power more efficient?
A: Three-phase systems can deliver more power with less conductor material compared to single-phase.

Q5: What if my system is unbalanced?
A: This calculator assumes a balanced load. For unbalanced systems, each phase must be calculated separately.