3 kW to Amps
3 kW is 13.04 A at 230 V and 25 A at 120 V (single-phase, power factor 1). Table for DC and three-phase, power factor 0.8, and the formula.
Formula
Worked example
- I = 3 × 1,000 / (230 × 1) = 13.04 A
- With a power factor of 0.9: I = 3 × 1,000 / (230 × 0.9) = 14.49 A
On other supplies
| Supply | Voltage | Current at pf 1 | Current at pf 0.8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC | 12 V | 250 A | not used |
| DC | 24 V | 125 A | not used |
| DC | 48 V | 62.5 A | not used |
| Single-phase | 120 V | 25 A | 31.25 A |
| Single-phase | 230 V | 13.04 A | 16.3 A |
| Single-phase | 240 V | 12.5 A | 15.63 A |
| Three-phase | 208 V | 8.327 A | 10.41 A |
| Three-phase | 400 V | 4.33 A | 5.413 A |
| Three-phase | 415 V | 4.174 A | 5.217 A |
| Three-phase | 480 V | 3.608 A | 4.511 A |
Three-phase rows use the line-to-line voltage. DC ignores the power factor.
What 3 kW looks like
3 kW is about the element of a domestic water heater, or a small portable generator at full output.
This is an estimate of the load current only. Choosing a cable or a breaker also needs the installation method, the ambient temperature, the voltage drop and the rules you work to.
Frequently asked questions
How many amps is 3 kilowatts?
3 kW is 13.04 A on a 230 V single-phase supply and 25 A on 120 V, both with a power factor of 1. The current depends on the voltage, so it is a different answer on every supply.
What if the power factor is not 1?
The current rises. At 230 V and a power factor of 0.9, 3 kW draws 14.49 A. Heaters and filament lamps are close to 1, while motors and many power supplies are lower.
What about a three-phase supply?
3 kW on 400 V three-phase at a power factor of 0.8 is 5.413 A. The line voltage is used with the factor √3 (about 1.732).
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