1. What is Single Phase Current?

Single phase current refers to the alternating current (AC) electric power distribution where all voltages vary in unison. It's commonly used in residential applications for lighting, heating, and small appliances.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic electrical power equation:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in Amperes (A)
• \( P \) — Power in Watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in Volts (V)

Explanation: This equation shows the relationship between power, voltage and current in a single phase AC circuit.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Calculating current is essential for proper circuit design, selecting appropriate wire sizes, circuit breakers, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between single phase and three phase?
A: Single phase has one alternating voltage, while three phase has three voltages offset by 120°. Three phase is more efficient for high power applications.

Q2: What are typical single phase voltages?
A: Common single phase voltages are 120V in North America and 230V in many other countries.

Q3: Does this account for power factor?
A: This simple calculator assumes resistive load (power factor = 1). For reactive loads, use \( I = P/(V \times PF) \).

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's mathematically precise for DC or purely resistive AC circuits. For AC with reactive components, additional factors must be considered.

Q5: Why is current calculation important?
A: Knowing current helps prevent circuit overloads, ensures proper component sizing, and maintains electrical safety standards.