How do I convert kVA to amps?
When shopping for solar generators, you’ll see various power ratings. These include watts, amps, volts, kilowatts (kW), and kilo-volt amperes (kVA). Understanding these terms is essential for choosing the right generator for your needs. While amps are common and easy to recognize on home appliances, kVA is less familiar outside the power generation industry.
kVA, or kilovolt-ampere, is a key term you'll encounter in generator specifications. It indicates the power output of a generator. When you multiply the voltage (or the force moving electrons around the circuit) by the amps (or the electrical output), the output is kVA. The higher the kVA, the more power the generator can produce.
kVA is the apparent power of a generator, while kW is the real power of any electric system. The difference between the two (kVA and kW) is the power factor (PF). The PF for single-phase circuits is typically 1, whereas it is 0.73 for three-phase generators or transformers.
There are times when knowing the amperage of a generator is crucial. For instance, when you need to match your generator’s output with the electrical demands of your appliances, understanding the relationship between kVA and amps helps you make informed decisions. The relation between kVA and amps depends on the voltage of the circuit.
Single-phase Circuit
If you want to calculate the amps of a single-phase circuit, all you need to do is multiply kVA by 1000 and then divide the result by the volts.
Amps = (1000 × kVA) ÷ V
For example, for a 5 kVA single-phase generator, the current flowing through a 115-Volt AC circuit will be 5 x 1000 ÷ 115 = 43.5 A
If your calculator the amps of a three-phase circuit, it will be
Amps = (1000 x kVA) ÷ (V x 1.73)
For example, for a 5 kVA three-phase generator, the current flowing through a 115-Volt AC circuit will be 5 x 1000 ÷ (115 x 1.73) = 25.1 A
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Final Thoughts
Converting kVA to amps is easy once you understand the terminologies like kilovolt-amp, amps, volts, and watts. You can calculate the right size and power of the generator for your target appliance, and how many working hours to sustain the appliance power.