1. What is the 3 Phase Heater Amperage Formula?

The 3 Phase Heater Amperage formula calculates the current (I) in a three-phase heating system based on power (P) and line voltage (V). For heaters, power factor is assumed to be 1 (unity).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 3 phase heater amperage formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Line voltage in volts (V)
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Approximately 1.732 (constant for 3-phase systems)

Explanation: This formula calculates the current drawn by a balanced three-phase resistive load (heater) assuming unity power factor.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Accurate current calculation is essential for proper circuit breaker sizing, wire selection, and ensuring safe operation of heating systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter power in watts and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator assumes a balanced three-phase system with unity power factor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is power factor assumed to be 1 for heaters?
A: Heating elements are purely resistive loads, which means they have a power factor of 1 (unity).

Q2: What is the difference between line voltage and phase voltage?
A: In three-phase systems, line voltage is the voltage between any two lines, while phase voltage is the voltage across a single phase. This calculator uses line voltage.

Q3: Can this calculator be used for motor loads?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for resistive heating loads. Motor loads have different power factors and require additional considerations.

Q4: What if my system is not balanced?
A: This calculator assumes a balanced three-phase system. For unbalanced systems, more complex calculations are required.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: The calculation provides a theoretical value. Actual current may vary slightly due to factors like temperature, wire resistance, and voltage fluctuations.