Watts Formula:
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The Watts calculation determines electrical power consumption or production using the fundamental formula P = I × V, where P is power in watts, I is current in amperes, and V is voltage in volts.
The calculator uses the power formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula represents the basic relationship between electrical power, current, and voltage in DC circuits and AC circuits with resistive loads.
Details: Accurate power calculation is essential for electrical system design, energy consumption analysis, circuit protection sizing, and determining appropriate wire gauges for safe electrical installations.
Tips: Enter current in amperes and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: Can this formula be used for AC circuits?
A: Yes, but only for purely resistive loads. For reactive loads (inductive or capacitive), power factor must be considered.
Q2: What's the difference between watts and volt-amps?
A: Watts represent real power, while volt-amps represent apparent power. They are equal only in purely resistive circuits.
Q3: How does this relate to energy consumption?
A: Energy consumption is measured in watt-hours, which is power (watts) multiplied by time (hours).
Q4: What are typical household appliance wattages?
A: LED bulbs: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-400W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Electric heater: 1000-1500W.
Q5: How can I reduce power consumption?
A: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off unused devices, utilize power-saving modes, and consider energy management systems.