Three-Phase Power Calculator

Delta configuration connects phases in a triangular pattern without a neutral wire, providing high starting torque and fault tolerance. Wye (star) configuration connects phases to a common neutral point, using less starting current and is typically used for power transmission.

For apparent power: S = √3 × V × I ÷ 1000 (kVA). For active power: P = √3 × V × I × cos(φ) ÷ 1000 (kW). For reactive power: Q = √3 × V × I × sin(φ) ÷ 1000 (kVAR). Where V is line-to-line voltage, I is line current, and cos(φ) is power factor.

Most industrial loads have power factors between 0.7 to 0.95. Motors typically range from 0.8-0.9, fluorescent lighting around 0.9-0.95, and resistive heaters approach 1.0. Poor power factor increases current draw and utility costs.

Enter the line-to-line voltage (VLL) measured between any two phases. Common three-phase voltages include 208V, 240V, 480V, and 600V for low voltage systems, or higher voltages like 4160V and 13.8kV for medium voltage applications.

Reactive power (kVAR) represents energy that oscillates between source and load without doing useful work. It's needed to maintain magnetic fields in motors and transformers but increases current requirements and utility costs if not properly managed with power factor correction.

In wye configuration, phase voltage = line voltage ÷ √3, and phase current = line current. In delta configuration, phase voltage = line voltage, and phase current = line current ÷ √3. This affects motor selection and protection requirements.