1. What is Electrical Load Calculation?

Electrical load calculation determines the current (in amps) drawn by an electrical device or system based on its power consumption (watts) and the supply voltage (volts).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Ohm's Law:

Where:

• \( Watts \) — Power consumption of the device
• \( Volts \) — Supply voltage

Explanation: This fundamental electrical equation shows the relationship between power, voltage, and current in a circuit.

3. Importance of Load Calculation

Details: Accurate load calculations are essential for circuit design, breaker sizing, wire gauge selection, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the device's power consumption in watts and the supply voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between real power and apparent power?
A: This calculator uses real power (watts). For AC circuits with reactive components, power factor must be considered for apparent power (VA) calculations.

Q2: How do I calculate load for multiple devices?
A: Calculate each device separately and sum the currents, or sum all wattages first then divide by voltage.

Q3: What are typical household voltages?
A: In North America: 120V for most circuits, 240V for large appliances. Elsewhere: typically 230V.

Q4: Why is my calculated load higher than expected?
A: Some devices have startup surges or power factors less than 1. Check if you're using peak or continuous wattage.

Q5: How does this relate to circuit breaker sizing?
A: Breakers should be sized to handle 125% of continuous loads (devices on for 3+ hours).