¿What is the formula for converting kVA to amps?
- I AC = Amps.
- V LL = Line-Line Volts.
- V LN = Line-Neutral Volts.
- I AC1Ø = Current / Amps 1 phase.
- I AC2Ø = Current / Amps 2 phases.
- I AC3Ø = Current / Amps 3 phases.
- S (kVA) = Kilovoltio-Amperes.
Let’s break down the formula:
- KVA: Kilovolt-amperes is the apparent power of the equipment. This is the maximum amount of power that the equipment can handle at full load. It’s important to note that KVA is different from KW (kilowatts), which is the actual power consumed by the equipment.
- Volts: This is the voltage rating of the equipment. It is the electrical potential difference between two points.
- Amps: This is the current draw in amperes. The formula calculates the maximum amount of current that the equipment will draw at full load.
So, to convert KVA to amps, you need to know the voltage and power factor of the equipment. Then, you simply divide the KVA rating by the product of the voltage and power factor. The resulting value is the maximum amount of current that the equipment will draw at full load.
How to convert from kVA into amp:
Step 1: Determine the Voltage
The first step is to determine the voltage rating of the equipment. The voltage rating is usually specified on the nameplate or in the equipment specifications. For example, let’s say that the voltage rating of the equipment is 480 volts.
Step 2: Determine the Power Factor
The next step is to determine the power factor of the equipment. The power factor is the ratio of the real power (in watts) to the apparent power (in VA). It represents the efficiency of the equipment. The power factor is usually specified on the nameplate or in the equipment specifications. For example, let’s say that the power factor of the equipment is 0.85.
Step 3: Determine the Apparent Power in KVA
The third step is to determine the apparent power in kilovolt-amperes (KVA). The KVA rating of the equipment is usually specified on the nameplate or in the equipment specifications. For example, let’s say that the KVA rating of the equipment is 50 KVA.
Step 4: Use the Formula
Now that you have the voltage, power factor, and KVA rating, you can use the formula to calculate the current draw in amps. The formula is:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
where:
Amps: is the current draw in amperes
KVA: is the apparent power in kilovolt-amperes
Volts: is the voltage in volts
Power Factor: is the efficiency of the equipment (usually between 0.8 and 1.0)
Substituting the values we have:
Amps = 50 KVA / (480 volts x 0.85)
Amps = 65.79 amps
Therefore, the equipment will draw a maximum of 65.79 amps of current at full load.
It’s important to note that the maximum current draw calculated from the formula represents the maximum current that the equipment can handle at full load. If the equipment is not operating at full load, the actual current draw will be less than the maximum. Additionally, the actual current draw may vary due to factors such as changes in voltage or changes in the load on the equipment.
Examples of KVA to amperage calculator:
Example 1: Transformer
Suppose you have a transformer with a KVA rating of 50 and a voltage rating of 480 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x 1.732)
Amps = 50 / (480 x 1.732)
Amps = 60.61
So the transformer can deliver a maximum of 60.61 amps at 480 volts.
Example 2: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Suppose you have a UPS with a KVA rating of 10 and a voltage rating of 120 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x 1.0)
Amps = 10 / (120 x 1.0)
Amps = 83.33
So the UPS can deliver a maximum of 83.33 amps at 120 volts.
Example 3: Generator
Suppose you have a generator with a KVA rating of 100 and a voltage rating of 240 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x 1.732)
Amps = 100 / (240 x 1.732)
Amps = 240.38
Example 4: Motor
Suppose you have an electric motor with a KVA rating of 50 and a voltage rating of 480 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 50 / (480 x 0.85)
Amps = 64.81
So the motor can draw a maximum of 64.81 amps at 480 volts with a power factor of 0.85.
Example 5: Welder
Suppose you have a welder with a KVA rating of 20 and a voltage rating of 230 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / Volts
Amps = 20 / 230
Amps = 0.087
So the welder can draw a maximum of 87 amps at 230 volts.
Example 6: Lighting System
Suppose you have a lighting system with a KVA rating of 15 and a voltage rating of 120 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 15 / (120 x 0.9)
Amps = 138.89
So the lighting system can draw a maximum of 138.89 amps at 120 volts with a power factor of 0.9.
Example 7: HVAC System
Suppose you have an HVAC system with a KVA rating of 80 and a voltage rating of 240 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 80 / (240 x 0.95)
Amps = 353.33
So the HVAC system can draw a maximum of 353.33 amps at 240 volts with a power factor of 0.95.
Example 8: Elevator
Suppose you have an elevator with a KVA rating of 30 and a voltage rating of 480 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 30 / (480 x 0.9)
Amps = 69.44
So the elevator can draw a maximum of 69.44 amps at 480 volts with a power factor of 0.9.
Example 9: Battery Charger
Suppose you have a battery charger with a KVA rating of 5 and a voltage rating of 120 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 5 / (120 x 0.8)
Amps = 52.08
So the battery charger can draw a maximum of 52.08 amps at 120 volts with a power factor of 0.8.
Example 10: Industrial Oven
Suppose you have an industrial oven with a KVA rating of 150 and a voltage rating of 480 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 150 / (480 x 0.9)
Amps = 347.22
So the industrial oven can draw a maximum of 347.22 amps at 480 volts with a power factor of 0.9.
Example 11: Water Pump
Suppose you have a water pump with a KVA rating of 40 and a voltage rating of 240 volts. To convert KVA to amperage, you can use the formula:
Amps = KVA / (Volts x Power Factor)
Amps = 40 / (240 x 0.8)
Amps = 208.33
So the water pump can draw a maximum of 208.33 amps at 240 volts with a power factor of 0.8.
kVA to amperage, chart for generator :
Generator 1 to 100kVA
| A | Single-phase Amps (120V) | Single-phase Amps (240V) | Three-phase Amps (208V) | Three-phase Amps (240V) | Three-phase Amps (480V) | Observation |
| 1 | 8.3 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 1.3 |
Suitable for small appliances, such as lights and fans
|
| 2.5 | 20.8 | 10.4 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 3.3 |
Suitable for small power tools, such as drills and saws
|
| 5 | 41.7 | 20.8 | 15 | 13.0 | 6.5 |
Suitable for larger power tools, such as air compressors and welders
|
| 7.5 | 62.5 | 31.3 | 23 | 20.8 | 10.4 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 10 | 83.3 | 41.7 | 30 | 26.0 | 13.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 15 | 125 | 62.5 | 45 | 39.0 | 19.5 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 20 | 167 | 83.3 | 60 | 52.0 | 26.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 25 | 208 | 104 | 75 | 65.0 | 32.5 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 30 | 250 | 125 | 90 | 78.0 | 39.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 40 | 333 | 167 | 120 | 104.0 | 52.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 50 | 417 | 208 | 150 | 130.0 | 65.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 60 | 500 | 250 | 180 | 156.0 | 78.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 75 | 625 | 313 | 225 | 195.0 | 97.5 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
| 100 | 833 | 417 | 300 | 260.0 | 130.0 |
Suitable for larger equipment, such as air conditioners and water pumps
|
Observations:
- The values in the table are based on a standard power factor of 0.8, and may
Generator 100 to 500kVA
| kVA | Single Phase (240V) Amps | Three Phase (415V) Amps | Observations |
| 100 | 417 | 144 |
A 100 kVA generator can power a small office, workshop or retail store with limited electrical demands.
|
| 125 | 521 | 180 |
A 125 kVA generator is ideal for small to medium-sized industrial or commercial applications, such as data centers, hospitals, and shopping centers.
|
| 150 | 625 | 216 |
A 150 kVA generator is suitable for powering medium to large industrial or commercial facilities, such as factories, office buildings, and hospitals.
|
| 200 | 833 | 288 |
A 200 kVA generator is commonly used for larger facilities such as factories and commercial buildings, as well as for outdoor events and construction sites.
|
| 250 | 1042 | 360 |
A 250 kVA generator is commonly used for larger facilities such as factories and commercial buildings, as well as for outdoor events and construction sites.
|
| 300 | 1250 | 432 |
A 300 kVA generator can be used for a variety of applications, including powering large buildings, hospitals, and data centers.
|
| 350 | 1458 | 504 |
A 350 kVA generator is suitable for powering large industrial facilities and data centers.
|
| 400 | 1667 | 576 |
A 400 kVA generator can be used for large industrial facilities, large office buildings, and other high-demand applications.
|
| 500 | 2083 | 720 |
A 500 kVA generator is typically used for large industrial facilities, data centers, and hospitals.
|
Note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific application and equipment being powered by the generator. It is important to consult with a qualified electrician or generator technician to determine the appropriate generator size and capacity for your specific needs
Generator 500 to 5000kVA
| kVA | Single Phase | Two Phase | Three Phase | Observations |
| 500 | 722 | 834 | 902 |
This range is suitable for medium-sized buildings, factories or large households.
|
| 600 | 867 | 1001 | 1083 |
A 600 kVA generator can provide backup power for a large commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 750 | 1083 | 1252 | 1354 |
A 750 kVA generator can provide backup power for a hospital or data center.
|
| 800 | 1156 | 1335 | 1444 |
A 800 kVA generator can power a small to medium-sized industrial facility.
|
| 1000 | 1445 | 1668 | 1805 |
A 1000 kVA generator can power a large factory or manufacturing plant.
|
| 1250 | 1806 | 2085 | 2256 |
A 1250 kVA generator can provide backup power for a large data center or hospital.
|
| 1500 | 2167 | 2502 | 2708 |
A 1500 kVA generator can power a large industrial or manufacturing facility.
|
| 2000 | 2890 | 3336 | 3610 |
A 2000 kVA generator can provide backup power for a large office building or shopping center.
|
| 2500 | 3613 | 4171 | 4512 |
A 2500 kVA generator can power a small town or large facility such as an airport or stadium.
|
| 3000 | 4336 | 5005 | 5415 |
A 3000 kVA generator can power a large industrial complex or critical infrastructure.
|
| 3500 | 5059 | 5838 | 6318 |
A 3500 kVA generator can provide backup power for a large city or military base.
|
| 4000 | 5783 | 6671 | 7221 |
A 4000 kVA generator can power a large metropolitan area or regional transportation hub.
|
| 4500 | 6506 | 7504 | 8124 |
A 4500 kVA generator can provide backup power for a large-scale manufacturing or production facility.
|
| 5000 | 7229 | 8337 | 9028 |
A 5000 kVA generator can power a large city or serve as a primary source of power for a major infrastructure project.
|
It’s important to note that the values in this table are approximate and should be used as a general guide. The actual amperage required may vary depending on the specific equipment being powered and other factors such as the length of the cable and the temperature of the environment. It’s always best to consult with a qualified electrician or engineer to determine the exact amperage requirements for a given application.
Transformers 1 to 1000kVA
| kVA | Single Phase Amps (120V) | Single Phase Amps (240V) | Three Phase Amps (208V) | Three Phase Amps (240V) | Three Phase Amps (480V) | Observations |
| 1 | 8.3 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 1.3 |
Suitable for small electrical loads, such as lighting and appliances.
|
| 2 | 16.7 | 8.3 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 2.6 |
Ideal for small commercial or industrial loads.
|
| 3 | 25 | 12.5 | 9.1 | 7.8 | 3.9 |
Suitable for small motors and machinery.
|
| 5 | 41.7 | 20.8 | 15.2 | 13 | 6.5 |
Suitable for larger motors and machinery.
|
| 10 | 83.3 | 41.7 | 30.3 | 26 | 13 |
Ideal for large commercial or industrial loads.
|
| 15 | 125 | 62.5 | 45.5 | 39 | 19.5 |
Suitable for larger machinery and equipment.
|
| 25 | 208 | 104 | 75.8 | 65 | 32.5 |
Suitable for large machinery and equipment.
|
| 37.5 | 313 | 156 | 113 | 97.5 | 48.8 |
Suitable for larger industrial loads.
|
| 50 | 417 | 208 | 151 | 130 | 65 |
Ideal for large industrial loads.
|
| 75 | 625 | 312 | 227 | 195 | 97.5 |
Suitable for heavy industrial loads.
|
| 100 | 833 | 417 | 303 | 260 | 130 |
Ideal for very heavy industrial loads.
|
| 150 | 1250 | 625 | 455 | 390 | 195 |
Suitable for large power transformers.
|
| 200 | 1667 | 833 | 606 | 520 | 260 |
Ideal for very large power transformers.
|
| 300 | 2500 | 1250 | 909 | 780 | 390 |
Suitable for high-voltage power transmission systems.
|
| 500 | 4167 | 2083 | 1515 | 1300 | 650 |
Ideal for very high-voltage power transmission systems.
|
| 750 | 6250 | 3125 | 2273 | 1950 | 975 |
Suitable for extremely high-voltage power transmission systems.
|
| 1000 | 8333 | 4167 | 3030 | 2600 | 1300 |
Ideal for extra high-voltage power transmission systems.
|
Observations:
- The values in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the transformer’s efficiency and other factors.
- For single-phase loads, the amperage values are based on a voltage of 120V or 240V. For three-phase loads, the amperage values are based on a voltage of 208V, 240V, or 480V.
- Transformers with higher kVA ratings are capable of handling larger electrical loads and can be used for more demanding applications.
Transformers 1000 to 5000kVA
| kVA | Single Phase Amps (240V) | Two Phase Amps (240V) | Three Phase Amps (415V) | Observation |
| 1000 | 4167 | 4800 | 2889 |
A 1000 kVA transformer can supply power to a small-to-medium-sized commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 1250 | 5209 | 6000 | 3611 |
A 1250 kVA transformer can supply power to a medium-sized commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 1500 | 6250 | 7200 | 4333 |
A 1500 kVA transformer can supply power to a medium-to-large-sized commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 2000 | 8333 | 9600 | 5778 |
A 2000 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 2500 | 10417 | 12000 | 7222 |
A 2500 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 3000 | 12500 | 14400 | 8667 |
A 3000 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized commercial or industrial facility.
|
| 3500 | 14583 | 16800 | 10111 |
A 3500 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized industrial facility.
|
| 4000 | 16667 | 19200 | 11556 |
A 4000 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized industrial facility.
|
| 4500 | 18750 | 21600 | 13000 |
A 4500 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized industrial facility.
|
| 5000 | 20833 | 24000 | 14444 |
A 5000 kVA transformer can supply power to a large-sized industrial facility or a small power substation.
|
Observations:
- The above table is calculated based on a 3-phase system with a line voltage of 415V and a line frequency of 50Hz.
- The amperage values shown in the table are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific transformer’s efficiency and power factor.
- It’s essential to consider the power factor when sizing transformers for an application. A transformer with a low power factor may require a larger kVA rating to deliver the same amount of real power as a transformer with a higher power factor.
- Transformers with a kVA rating larger than 5000 are usually custom-built and not typically available as standard off-the-shelf products.
- It’s important to consult with a licensed electrician or engineer to determine the appropriate transformer size and specifications for a specific application, as there may be additional factors to consider, such as voltage drop, current overload protection, and safety regulations.
UPS 1 to 1000kVA
| kVA | Voltage (V) | Amperes (A) | Observation |
| 1 | 120 | 8.33 |
Suitable for small home appliances and electronics.
|
| 2 | 120 | 16.67 |
Suitable for small office and commercial equipment.
|
| 3 | 120 | 25 |
Suitable for small to medium office equipment.
|
| 5 | 120/208 | 21.7/31.2 |
Suitable for medium office equipment and small data centers.
|
| 10 | 120/208 | 43.3/62.5 |
Suitable for medium to large office equipment and small data centers.
|
| 15 | 120/208 | 65/93.8 |
Suitable for medium to large office equipment and small data centers.
|
| 20 | 208/240 | 69.4/83.3 |
Suitable for medium to large office equipment and small data centers.
|
| 30 | 208/240 | 104/125 |
Suitable for large office equipment, small to medium data centers, and industrial applications.
|
| 40 | 208/240 | 138.9/166.7 |
Suitable for large office equipment, medium data centers, and industrial applications.
|
| 50 | 208/240 | 173.6/208.3 |
Suitable for medium to large data centers and industrial applications.
|
| 75 | 208/240 | 260.4/312.5 |
Suitable for large data centers and industrial applications.
|
| 100 | 208/240 | 347.2/416.7 |
Suitable for large data centers and industrial applications.
|
| 150 | 208/240 | 520.8/625 |
Suitable for large data centers and industrial applications.
|
| 200 | 208/240 | 694.4/833.3 |
Suitable for large data centers and industrial applications.
|
| 300 | 480 | 312.5 |
Suitable for large industrial applications.
|
| 400 | 480 | 416.7 |
Suitable for large industrial applications.
|
| 500 | 480 | 520.8 |
Suitable for large industrial applications.
|
| 750 | 480 | 781.2 |
Suitable for large industrial applications.
|
| 1000 | 480 | 1041.7 |
Suitable for large industrial applications.
|
Observations:
- The voltage used by UPS systems may vary depending on the location and application. The table includes the most common voltages used in North America.
- The amperes listed in the table are based on a power factor of 1.0. Actual amperes may differ depending on the power factor of the load.
- UPS systems are commonly used to provide backup power for critical equipment such as servers, data centers, and industrial machinery. The appropriate kVA rating for a UPS system depends on the power requirements of the equipment being protected.
- It’s important to consider the efficiency of the UPS system when selecting the appropriate kVA rating. The efficiency of a UPS system may vary depending on the load level and design of the system.
Motors 1 to 1000kVA
| kVA | Voltage (V) | Number of Phases | Amperes (A) | Real Examples |
| 1 | 120 | 1 | 8.33 |
Small air compressor
|
| 1 | 240 | 1 | 4.17 |
Small air conditioner
|
| 2 | 240 | 1 | 8.33 |
Small electric water heater
|
| 3 | 208 | 3 | 8.18 |
Submersible well pump
|
| 3 | 480 | 3 | 3.63 | Industrial mixer |
| 5 | 208 | 3 | 13.9 |
Large air compressor
|
| 5 | 480 | 3 | 6.81 |
Large air conditioner
|
| 7.5 | 208 | 3 | 20.9 |
Industrial conveyor
|
| 7.5 | 480 | 3 | 10.1 |
Large hydraulic pump
|
| 10 | 208 | 3 | 27.9 | Industrial blower |
| 10 | 480 | 3 | 13.6 |
Industrial vacuum
|
| 15 | 208 | 3 | 41.9 |
Large industrial mixer
|
| 15 | 480 | 3 | 20.5 |
Industrial shredder
|
| 20 | 208 | 3 | 55.9 |
Large industrial pump
|
| 20 | 480 | 3 | 27.2 | Industrial chiller |
| 25 | 208 | 3 | 69.9 | Industrial boiler |
| 25 | 480 | 3 | 34.0 |
Large industrial fan
|
| 30 | 208 | 3 | 83.9 |
Large industrial compressor
|
| 30 | 480 | 3 | 40.9 |
Large industrial shredder
|
| 40 | 208 | 3 | 111.9 |
Large industrial mixer
|
| 40 | 480 | 3 | 54.4 |
Large industrial air compressor
|
| 50 | 208 | 3 | 139.8 |
Large industrial water pump
|
| 50 | 480 | 3 | 68.0 |
Large industrial fan
|
| 75 | 208 | 3 | 209.7 |
Large industrial crane
|
| 75 | 480 | 3 | 101.9 |
Large industrial air handler
|
| 100 | 480 | 3 | 144 |
Centrifugal Pump
|
| 200 | 480 | 3 | 289 | Chiller |
| 300 | 480 | 3 | 433 | Conveyor |
| 400 | 4160 | 3 | 333 | Crusher |
| 500 | 4160 | 3 | 416 | Large Blower |
| 600 | 4160 | 3 | 500 |
Large Compressor
|
| 700 | 4160 | 3 | 583 | Large Fan |
| 800 | 4160 | 3 | 666 | Water Pump |
| 900 | 4160 | 3 | 750 | Large Crane |
| 1000 | 4160 | 3 | 833 | Mining Shovel |
Note: These values are provided as examples and may vary depending on the specific motor and application. It is important to always consult the manufacturer’s specifications and consult with a licensed electrician when designing and installing electrical systems.
