1. What is Phase Current in 3 Phase AC?

Phase current is the current flowing through each individual phase in a three-phase alternating current (AC) system. It's calculated using the power, voltage, and power factor of the system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the phase current formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Phase current (A)
• \( P \) — Power (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage (V)
• \( PF \) — Power Factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the three-phase nature of the system (√3 factor) and the power factor which represents the phase difference between voltage and current.

3. Importance of Phase Current Calculation

Details: Calculating phase current is essential for proper sizing of circuit breakers, wires, and other electrical components in a three-phase system to ensure safe and efficient operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts, voltage in volts, and power factor (typically between 0.8 and 1 for most systems). 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 the efficiency of power usage in the system.

Q2: What's the difference between line current and phase current?
A: In a balanced 3-phase system, line current equals phase current in a star (wye) connection, but is √3 times phase current in a delta connection.

Q3: What is a typical power factor value?
A: For most industrial loads, power factor ranges from 0.8 to 0.95. Resistive loads have PF=1, while inductive loads have lower PF.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for single-phase systems?
A: No, this is specifically for 3-phase systems. For single-phase, use I = P / (V × PF).

Q5: Why is the √3 factor used?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the 120° phase difference between the three phases in a balanced system.