kW to Amps Calculator
Convert real power (kW) to electrical current (Amps) to help you size circuit breakers and wiring.
Load Details
Calculated Current
Understanding the kW to Amps Conversion
Converting kilowatts (kW) to amps is essential for safely connecting a load to a power source like a generator. While kW measures the 'real power' doing the work, amps measure the electrical current, which determines the required wire and breaker size. The conversion depends on the system's voltage and whether it's single-phase or three-phase.
The Formulas
Single-Phase:
Amps = (kW × 1000) / (Volts × Power Factor)
For most simple (resistive) loads like heaters or incandescent bulbs, the Power Factor is 1, so the formula simplifies to Amps = (kW × 1000) / Volts.
Three-Phase:
Amps = (kW × 1000) / (Volts × Power Factor × 1.732)
The inclusion of the square root of 3 (≈1.732) and the Power Factor is critical for three-phase systems, which are common for industrial motors and heavy equipment.