1. What is 3-Phase Current?

The 3-phase current is the current flowing through each conductor in a three-phase system. It's calculated based on the power, voltage, and power factor of the system. This calculation is essential for proper sizing of electrical components and safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3-phase current formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Phase current (Amps)
• \( P \) — Power (Watts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (Volts)
• \( PF \) — Power Factor (unitless, 0 to 1)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Approximately 1.732 (constant for 3-phase systems)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the balanced three-phase power system where the current is distributed across three conductors.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation is crucial for selecting proper wire sizes, circuit breakers, and other electrical components to ensure safety and prevent overheating.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts, voltage in volts, and power factor (typically between 0.8 and 1 for most systems). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is power factor?
A: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power, ranging from 0 to 1. A higher power factor indicates more efficient power usage.

Q2: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: The √3 accounts for the phase difference (120°) between the three phases in a balanced system.

Q3: What's the difference between line and phase current?
A: In a star (wye) configuration, line current equals phase current. In delta configuration, line current is √3 times phase current.

Q4: Can I use this for single-phase systems?
A: No, for single-phase use \( I = P / (V \times PF) \) without the √3 factor.

Q5: What are typical power factors?
A: Resistive loads have PF=1, motors typically 0.8-0.9, and heavily inductive loads may be 0.5 or lower.