Enter values above and click Calculate.
What is Load Current?
Load current is the amount of current (in amperes) drawn by electrical equipment when it is operating at a given power, voltage, and power factor. It is one of the most important parameters for selecting protective devices, cables, transformers, and switchgear.
Why Calculate Load Current?
Accurately calculating load current helps in:
- Cable sizing – to avoid overheating and excessive voltage drop.
- Breaker and fuse selection – ensuring safe protection against overloads.
- Transformer and generator sizing – matching capacity to expected load demand.
- Energy efficiency and safety – preventing equipment failure due to undersized conductors or protection.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator uses the standard formulas for load current:
- Single Phase:
I=P×1000V×PFI = \frac{P \times 1000}{V \times PF}I=V×PFP×1000
- Three Phase:
I=P×10003×V×PFI = \frac{P \times 1000}{\sqrt{3} \times V \times PF}I=3×V×PFP×1000
Where:
- III = Current in Amperes (A)
- PPP = Power in kilowatts (kW)
- VVV = Voltage in Volts (V)
- PFPFPF = Power Factor (0 < PF ≤ 1)
Practical Applications
- Industrial installations: for sizing MCC panels, feeders, and switchgear.
- Commercial buildings: for designing distribution networks.
- Renewable energy systems: for inverter and battery sizing.
- Educational purposes: for students learning basic electrical engineering.
Important Note
This calculator provides quick results based on ideal assumptions. For critical designs, always verify results with:
- Equipment manufacturer datasheets
- National and international standards (IEC, NEC, IS, etc.)
- Professional electrical engineering design practices
