Frequently Asked Questions

Watts measure the total power or energy rate, while Amps measure the flow rate of electric charge. Think of it like water in a pipe: Amps is the volume of water flowing, and Volts is the pressure. Watts is the total power resulting from both (Volts × Amps).

The basic formula for DC circuits is Amps = Watts / Volts. For AC circuits, you also need to consider the Power Factor (PF): Amps = Watts / (Volts × PF).

Power Factor (PF) is a measure of how efficiently electrical power is being used. It ranges from 0 to 1. Resistive loads like heaters have a PF of 1.0, while inductive loads like motors often have a PF around 0.8.

Knowing the Amps is crucial for safety. It helps you determine the correct wire size and circuit breaker rating to prevent overheating and electrical fires.

Yes, our calculator supports both single-phase and three-phase AC circuits. For three-phase, you can choose between Line-to-Line and Line-to-Neutral calculations.

For a 30 Amp circuit, you typically need a 10 AWG copper wire. However, the exact size depends on the length of the run and the type of insulation. Always consult a licensed electrician.

Generally, yes. 12V is considered low voltage and is less likely to cause severe electric shock compared to 120V. However, 12V systems can still carry high current (Amps), which can cause overheating and fires if wires are undersized.

It depends on the voltage. At 120V, 1000W is about 8.33 Amps. At 12V, 1000W is about 83.33 Amps. This shows why lower voltage systems require thicker cables.