1. What is Motor Wattage?

Motor wattage represents the electrical power consumed by a motor, calculated as the product of voltage and current. It's a crucial parameter for determining energy consumption and sizing electrical components.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic power equation:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)

Explanation: This fundamental equation relates the electrical power to the voltage applied and the current drawn by the motor.

3. Importance of Wattage Calculation

Details: Knowing a motor's wattage is essential for proper circuit design, energy efficiency calculations, selecting appropriate wiring and protection devices, and estimating operating costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the operating voltage and full-load current of the motor. For three-phase motors, use line-to-line voltage and phase current.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this formula the same for AC and DC motors?
A: For DC motors and AC motors at unity power factor, yes. For AC motors with reactive power, you need to consider power factor (P = V × I × PF).

Q2: How do I measure motor current?
A: Use a clamp meter around one of the power leads while the motor is operating under normal load conditions.

Q3: What's the difference between input power and output power?
A: Input power is what you calculate here (electrical power). Output power is mechanical power, which is input power multiplied by efficiency.

Q4: Why does my motor draw more current at startup?
A: Motors have high inrush current during startup (5-7x normal current) which decreases as the motor reaches operating speed.

Q5: How does voltage affect wattage?
A: For a given load, higher voltage typically means lower current draw (P = V × I), but motor design affects this relationship.