Finding how much power your appliances use will let you measure each month’s electricity bills. And if you’ve been the one purchasing electrical appliances for your house, you definitely need to know what kilovolt-amps and amps are.
But did you ever wonder why knowing what kilovolt-amperes and amperes – especially for your air conditioning system – are so essential? Does all of this really matter as long as you’ve got your appliance working properly?
Yes, it matters! These units indicate your air conditioner’s usage, and when you know how much power each appliance consumes, you can minimize your electricity bills.
If you want to cut down on electricity bills and want to know more about what the kilovolt-amps and amps are, read on:
Understanding Kilovolt-Amperes And Amps
kVA or Kilovolt-amps is the measure of apparent power. It shows the overall amount of power-in-use in the system.
In a 100% efficient and effective system, the kW is equivalent to the kVA. But in practicality, the electrical system is never 100% efficient.
Therefore, not all system’s “apparent power” is used for work output.
Basically, one kVA equals 1000 volt-amps. The volt is the measure for electrical pressure, and the amperes is the measure of electrical current.
On the other hand, the amperes or amps is the unit in the SI system. It measures electron numbers in a power-circuit. A being the symbol of amps.
Amperes measure electric-flow as the electric current. Consider the electric current as water flow via a hosepipe – more flow of water means higher current!
How to Calculate KVA
Electrical appliances come with operational parameters and electrical ratings on a sticker in the back. Often it’s beneficial to convert this useful info into something more.
For instance, if you look at power in the kilovolt-amps or kVA, it will provide you with information on amperes, voltages, watts, the power factor, etc.
You can use a simple, universal formula to find kVA.
S (kVA) = VA / 1000
For instance, if A is 12 amps and V is 220 volts, what will be kVA? Put these values into kilovolts-amperes.
S (kVA) = (200) (12) / 1000 = 2.4 kVA
How To Convert KVA To Amps
Kilovolt-ampere or kVA is the compounded unit comprised of electrical current (A) and electrical potential (V).
One Kilovolt-amperes (kVA) is a commonly used unit and denotes 1000 volt-amps. In most cases, it’s useful to know how to convert kVA to amps.
Luckily, you can convert kVA to amps using three easy ways:
Manual Conversion
The first is the manual conversion through a formula. The Kilovolt-amperes equation is:
S (kVA) = VA / 1000
Since we have to find amperes from the kVA, the formula will be:
I (A) = 1000 x S (kVA) / V (V)
Additionally, you can convert kVa to amperes in two different phases; here are they:
Single-Phase Formula
To calculate the amperes for a single-phase, you can use the following equation:
I (A) = 1000 x S (kVA) / V (V)
I stands for amperes, apparent power S denotes kilovolt-amps, and V implies voltage.
Suppose you have a five kVA generator at 200 volts. Put these values to the amps equation, and you’ll get amperes for a single phase.
I (A) = 1000 x 5 / 200 = 25 amperes or amps
Three-Phase Formula
To calculate the amperes or amps for three phases, you can use the following formula.If you have a line-to-line voltage, the equation will be:
I(A) = 1000 × S(kVA) / (√3 × VL-L(V) )
I implies amps, S denotes kilovolt-amps, and V signifies RMS voltage.
On the other hand, if you have a line-to-neutral voltage, the formula will be:
I(A) = 1000 × S(kVA) / (3 × VL-N(V) )
KVA To Amps Conversion Table
The second and comparatively easier way to convert kVA to amps is a conversion table. It’s handy if you want to avoid complex calculations and computations.
Therefore, here’s a KVA to amps conversion table:
kVA* | Voltage (220V) | Amperes (A) |
1 kVA | 220 V | 4.55 amperes |
5 kVA | 220 V | 22.73 amperes |
10 kVA | 220 V | 45.45 amperes |
20 kVA | 220 V | 90.91 amperes |
45 kVA | 220 V | 204.55 amperes |
60 kVA | 220 V | 272.73 amperes |
90 kVA | 220 V | 409.09 amperes |
*apparent power
Online Calculator
The simplest method among all three is the online kVA to amps converter calculator.
If you’re roaming the shops, looking for a new AC, and want to convert kVA to amperes instantly, the online converter calculator is a perfect source to use.
All you have to do is input kVA and volts, and you’ll get your amps.
Why Knowing Your AC’s Electricity Matters
Before you go out in the market and purchase an AC, you must know how electricity for your air conditioning system works for a more cost and electricity-efficient solution.
Make sure you remember the basic difference between amperes (electrical flow), watts (electrical power), and volts (electrical potential), and compare the air conditioners you’re looking at.
Consider the difference in power-requirements between the window and central air conditioners and how these different voltages can impact your potential electricity bills.
In case you aren’t sure what you require, consult a professional.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
What is 1 KVA in amps?
One KVA (Kilovolt-Amperes) is equivalent to 1000 volt-amps.
How many KVA is in 400 amps?
In 400 amperes, there are 90 kilovolt-amperes or kVA.
What is KVA formula?
Here’s the formula for kVA:
P (kVA) = VA / 1000
Here, P (kVA) denotes power in kilovolt-amperes, “V” implies voltage, and “A” means current in amps or amperes.
How many amps is a 15 KVA transformer?
If it’s a single-phase 15 kVA transformer, then the amps are 125 (at 120V), 62.5 (at 240V), 31.3 (at 480V), 25.0 (at 600V), 6. 25 (at 2400V), and 3.6 (at 4160V).
However, if it’s the three-phase 15 kVA transformer, then the amperes are 41.7 (at 120V), 36.1 (at 240V), 18.1 (at 480V), 14.5 (at 600V), 3.61 (at 2400V), and 2.09 (at 4160V).
What can a 5.5 KVA generator power?
A 5.5 kVA generator can power a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner with 10,000 BTU cooling capacity, a microwave oven, and a host of other household appliances and sensitive electronic equipment, including a computer, laptop, etc.
What size generator do I need to run my AC?
The size of a generator depends on the size of your air conditioner. Nevertheless, if you’ve got a 3 ton (36,000 BTUs, 30-Amps) AC unit, you’ll need a minimum 14 KW size generator.
But if you have a 4 ton (48,000 BTUs, 40 Amps) unit, a 17 KW size generator is ideal. On the other hand, if the AC is 5 ton (60000 BTUs, 50 Amps), you’ll require a 20 KW size generator.
Conclusion
Air conditioners consume excessive electricity, and if you don’t pay timely attention, you’ll have to continue paying exorbitant utility bills.
So, to minimize energy bills and consumption, you should know what kilovolt-amps and amps are.