1. What is kVA?

kVA (kilovolt-ampere) is a unit of apparent power in an electrical circuit. It represents the total power in an AC circuit, combining both real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAR).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the kVA formula:

Where:

• \( Amps \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( Volts \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• 1000 — Conversion factor from VA to kVA

Explanation: This formula calculates apparent power for single-phase AC circuits by multiplying current and voltage, then converting to kilovolt-amperes.

3. Importance of kVA Calculation

Details: kVA calculation is essential for sizing electrical equipment, determining power requirements, and ensuring proper circuit protection in electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this formula for single-phase or three-phase systems?
A: This formula is specifically for single-phase AC circuits. Three-phase calculations require additional factors.

Q2: What's the difference between kVA and kW?
A: kVA measures apparent power (total power), while kW measures real power (actual usable power). The ratio between them is the power factor.

Q3: When should I use kVA instead of amps?
A: kVA is used for sizing generators, transformers, and UPS systems, while amps are used for conductor sizing and circuit protection.

Q4: Can I use this for DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, power calculation is simpler: P = V × I (watts), and kVA would be equivalent to kW since there's no reactive power in DC.

Q5: How does power factor affect kVA?
A: Power factor represents the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). Lower power factor means more kVA is required to deliver the same amount of real power.