Current Calculation Formula:
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The basic electrical formula I = P/V calculates current (I) from power (P) and voltage (V). This fundamental relationship is known as Ohm's Law for power calculations.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula shows the direct relationship between power and voltage in determining current flow in an electrical circuit.
Details: Calculating current is essential for circuit design, selecting appropriate wire gauges, determining fuse sizes, and ensuring electrical safety in systems.
Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the current in amperes.
Q1: Can this formula be used for both AC and DC circuits?
A: For DC circuits, use directly. For AC circuits, this applies to real power (not apparent power) and assumes unity power factor.
Q2: What are typical current values in household circuits?
A: Standard household circuits in the US are typically 15 or 20 amps at 120 volts.
Q3: How does current relate to wire size?
A: Higher currents require thicker wires to prevent overheating. Electrical codes specify maximum current for each wire gauge.
Q4: What happens if voltage is zero?
A: The formula becomes undefined (division by zero). In practice, zero voltage means no current will flow.
Q5: Can this calculate power if I know current and voltage?
A: Yes, the formula can be rearranged as P = I × V to calculate power from current and voltage.