1. What is the Power Formula?

The power formula P = V × I calculates electrical power in watts, where P is power, V is voltage in volts, and I is current in amperes. This fundamental equation is essential for electrical circuit analysis and design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power (watts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)

Explanation: This formula calculates the electrical power consumed or produced in a circuit by multiplying the voltage across the component by the current flowing through it.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Accurate power calculation is crucial for circuit design, energy consumption analysis, component sizing, electrical safety, and efficiency optimization in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amperes. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator assumes DC circuits or AC circuits with power factor of 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between AC and DC power calculation?
A: For DC circuits, P = V × I directly. For AC circuits, P = V × I × PF (power factor) where PF accounts for phase difference between voltage and current.

Q2: What are typical power values for common appliances?
A: LED bulb: 5-20W, Laptop: 50-100W, Microwave: 800-1500W, Electric heater: 1500-3000W, Refrigerator: 100-400W.

Q3: How does power relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). Power is the rate of energy consumption, while energy is the total consumption over time.

Q4: What are the safety considerations for high power circuits?
A: High power circuits require proper wire sizing, circuit protection, adequate cooling, and compliance with electrical codes to prevent overheating and fire hazards.

Q5: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase balanced systems, use P = √3 × V × I × PF, where V is line voltage and I is line current.