Home
Back
AC Power Formula:
| From: | To: |
AC Power Consumption refers to the real power used by electrical devices in alternating current systems. It represents the actual work-performing capacity of the electrical energy consumed, measured in watts (W).
The calculator uses the AC power formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the actual power consumed by accounting for both the voltage-current product and the phase difference between them through the power factor.
Details: Power factor represents the efficiency of power usage in AC circuits. A power factor of 1 indicates perfect efficiency, while lower values indicate reactive power losses. Industrial and commercial users often pay penalties for low power factors.
Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amperes, and power factor as a decimal between 0 and 1. All values must be positive, with power factor typically ranging from 0.7 to 1.0 for most applications.
Q1: What is the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: Real power (W) performs actual work, while apparent power (VA) is the product of voltage and current without considering power factor. Real power = Apparent power × Power factor.
Q2: What are typical power factor values?
A: Residential: 0.85-0.95, Commercial: 0.85-0.90, Industrial: 0.70-0.85. Motors and inductive loads typically have lower power factors.
Q3: How can I improve power factor?
A: Install power factor correction capacitors, use synchronous motors, or implement active power factor correction circuits in electronic devices.
Q4: Why is power factor important for energy billing?
A: Utilities charge industrial and commercial customers for both real power (kWh) and reactive power (kVARh). Poor power factor increases overall electricity costs.
Q5: Does this calculation apply to DC circuits?
A: No, for DC circuits the formula simplifies to W = V × I since there is no phase difference and power factor is always 1.