Current Formula:
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The current calculation formula I = P / V is used to compute electrical current in single-phase AC or DC circuits. It calculates the current flowing through a circuit based on the power consumed and the voltage applied.
The calculator uses the fundamental electrical formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula represents Ohm's Law for power calculation, showing the direct relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical circuits.
Details: Accurate current calculation is essential for circuit design, electrical safety, proper wire sizing, fuse and breaker selection, and ensuring electrical equipment operates within safe limits.
Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: Can this formula be used for both AC and DC circuits?
A: Yes, for single-phase circuits, this formula applies to both AC and DC systems when using RMS values for AC.
Q2: What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase current calculation?
A: Three-phase calculations require additional factors like power factor and use different formulas (I = P / (√3 × V × PF)).
Q3: Why is current calculation important for electrical safety?
A: Knowing the current helps select proper wire sizes, circuit breakers, and fuses to prevent overheating and electrical fires.
Q4: What if I have apparent power (VA) instead of real power (W)?
A: For AC circuits with reactive components, use I = S / V where S is apparent power in volt-amperes (VA).
Q5: How does power factor affect current calculation?
A: In AC circuits with poor power factor, the actual current will be higher than calculated by I = P / V. Use I = P / (V × PF) for accurate results.