1. What is the Current Formula?

The current formula (I = P/V) calculates electrical current in amperes from power in watts and voltage in volts. This is derived from the fundamental relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the current formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula shows that current is directly proportional to power and inversely proportional to voltage.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Calculating current is essential for circuit design, selecting appropriate wire gauges, choosing circuit protection devices, and ensuring electrical safety.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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) when power factor is 1.

Q2: What are typical current values in household circuits?
A: In North America (120V), a 60W bulb draws about 0.5A. Most household circuits are 15A or 20A.

Q3: How does current relate to wire size?
A: Higher currents require thicker wires to prevent overheating. National electrical codes specify maximum currents for different wire gauges.

Q4: What if my power is in kilowatts?
A: Convert kilowatts to watts by multiplying by 1000 before using the calculator (1 kW = 1000 W).

Q5: Why is current calculation important for safety?
A: Knowing the current helps prevent circuit overloads which can cause fires, and ensures proper sizing of fuses/circuit breakers.