1. What is the Wattage Equation?

The Wattage equation calculates electrical power in watts by multiplying voltage (in volts) by current (in amps). This fundamental relationship is known as Joule's first law or the electrical power formula.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Wattage equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows the direct proportional relationship between voltage, current, and power in an electrical circuit.

3. Importance of Wattage Calculation

Details: Calculating wattage is essential for determining power consumption, sizing electrical components, ensuring circuit safety, and estimating energy costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and current in amps. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power in watts.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between watts and watt-hours?
A: Watts measure instantaneous power, while watt-hours measure energy consumption over time (watts × hours).

Q2: How does wattage relate to amperage in household circuits?
A: In standard 120V circuits, each amp equals 120 watts. Circuit breakers typically protect 15-20 amp circuits (1800-2400 watts).

Q3: Can I calculate wattage for AC circuits with this?
A: This gives apparent power for simple AC circuits. For true power in AC, you need to consider power factor (W = V × A × PF).

Q4: Why is wattage important for appliances?
A: Wattage determines energy usage and heat production, helping select proper wiring and prevent circuit overloads.

Q5: How do I convert watts to other power units?
A: 1 watt = 0.001 kilowatts = 3.412 BTU/hr = 0.00134 horsepower.