Amp to kW Calculator
Convert current in amperes (Amps) to real power in kilowatts (kW).
Ampere to Kilowatt Converter
Common Amp to kW Conversions
Click on these links to see instant conversions with common values:
Understanding Amp to kW Conversion
Converting amperes (Amps) to kilowatts (kW) requires knowing the voltage and, for AC circuits, the power factor. Kilowatts represent the real power consumed by a load.
Conversion Formulas
For DC Circuits:
kW = (Amps (I) × Volts (V)) / 1000
For AC Single-Phase Circuits:
kW = (Amps (I) × Volts (V) × Power Factor (PF)) / 1000
For AC Three-Phase Circuits:
kW = (√3 × Amps (I) × Volts (V) × Power Factor (PF)) / 1000
Where:
• I = Current in Amperes
• V = Voltage in Volts
• kW = Power in Kilowatts
• PF = Power Factor (between 0 and 1)
• √3 ≈ 1.732
kW = (Amps (I) × Volts (V)) / 1000
For AC Single-Phase Circuits:
kW = (Amps (I) × Volts (V) × Power Factor (PF)) / 1000
For AC Three-Phase Circuits:
kW = (√3 × Amps (I) × Volts (V) × Power Factor (PF)) / 1000
Where:
• I = Current in Amperes
• V = Voltage in Volts
• kW = Power in Kilowatts
• PF = Power Factor (between 0 and 1)
• √3 ≈ 1.732
Key Concepts
- Ampere (A): The unit of electric current.
- Volt (V): The unit of electric potential difference.
- Kilowatt (kW): The unit of real power.
- Power Factor (PF): The ratio of real power to apparent power in AC circuits.
Typical Current and Voltage Ratings for kW
| Device | Current (A) | Voltage (V) | Approx. Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Strip Light | 0.5 | 12 | 0.006 |
| Phone Charger | 1 | 5 | 0.005 |
| Hair Dryer | 15 | 120 | 1.8 |
| Electric Oven Element | 20 | 240 | 4.8 |
| Small Electric Motor | 5 | 480 | 2.4 (assuming PF=0.8) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between kW and kVA?
kW (kilowatts) is real power, the power that does actual work. kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is apparent power, the total power supplied, including reactive power. For resistive loads, kW and kVA are equal.
Why is power factor important in AC circuits?
Power factor accounts for the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits. A low power factor means that more current is needed to deliver the same amount of real power, leading to inefficiencies and higher electricity bills.