1. What is the Motor Power Formula?

The motor power formula calculates the electrical power consumption of a single-phase AC motor. It accounts for both the real power (measured in watts) and the reactive power through the power factor.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the motor power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula multiplies voltage and current, then adjusts for the phase difference between them using the power factor.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating motor power is essential for sizing electrical components, determining energy consumption, and ensuring proper motor operation within its rated capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (typically 0.8 for motors unless known otherwise). 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, representing how effectively current is being converted into useful work.

Q2: What's a typical power factor for motors?
A: Induction motors typically have power factors between 0.7 and 0.9, with 0.8 being a common default value.

Q3: Is this formula different for three-phase motors?
A: Yes, three-phase power calculation includes a √3 factor: \( P = \sqrt{3} \times V \times I \times PF \).

Q4: Why measure motor power?
A: Power measurement helps assess motor efficiency, detect problems, and calculate operating costs.

Q5: How does power relate to motor size?
A: Motor power rating (in horsepower or watts) indicates its mechanical output capability, while this formula calculates electrical input power.