1. What is Power Consumption?

Power consumption refers to the electrical energy used by an appliance or device over time. It is calculated using the fundamental electrical power formula that relates voltage, current, and power in electrical circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This fundamental formula calculates the instantaneous electrical power consumed by a device when you know the voltage applied and the current flowing through it.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Calculating power consumption is essential for electrical safety, circuit design, energy efficiency assessment, and determining operating costs of electrical appliances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts (V) and current in amperes (A). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between power and energy?
A: Power (watts) is the rate of energy consumption, while energy (watt-hours) is power multiplied by time - the total amount consumed.

Q2: How do I calculate energy consumption from power?
A: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). Multiply power in kilowatts by usage time to get energy consumption.

Q3: What are typical voltage values?
A: Common voltages include 120V (North America), 230V (Europe), 240V (UK/Australia). Always check your local electrical standards.

Q4: Can I use this for AC and DC circuits?
A: This formula works for DC circuits and AC circuits with resistive loads. For reactive AC loads, power factor must be considered.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your voltage and current measurements.