Home
Back
AC Current Formula:
| From: | To: |
AC (Alternating Current) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time. It's the form of electrical power most commonly delivered to businesses and residences.
The calculator uses the AC current formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the alternating current based on the power consumed, the voltage supplied, and the power factor which represents the phase difference between voltage and current.
Details: Calculating AC current is essential for proper electrical system design, circuit protection, equipment selection, and energy efficiency analysis in AC power systems.
Tips: Enter power in watts, voltage in volts, and power factor (typically between 0.7-1.0). All values must be positive numbers with power factor between 0 and 1.
Q1: What is power factor and why is it important?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power. It's important because a low power factor indicates inefficient power usage and may result in higher electricity costs.
Q2: What's the difference between AC and DC current?
A: AC current changes direction periodically while DC current flows in one constant direction. Most household appliances use AC while batteries provide DC.
Q3: When is the power factor equal to 1?
A: Power factor equals 1 in purely resistive circuits where voltage and current are in phase, representing the most efficient power transfer.
Q4: How does power factor affect current calculation?
A: A lower power factor means higher current is required to deliver the same amount of real power, which is why it's included in the calculation.
Q5: Can this formula be used for three-phase systems?
A: This formula is for single-phase AC systems. Three-phase systems require a different calculation that includes the square root of 3 (√3) in the denominator.