1. What is Wattage?

Wattage (power) is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It is measured in watts (W) and represents the amount of energy consumed or produced per unit time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental power formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)

Explanation: This formula calculates the electrical power consumption or production based on the voltage and current in a circuit.

3. Importance of Wattage Calculation

Details: Calculating wattage is essential for determining energy consumption, sizing electrical components, calculating electricity costs, and ensuring electrical safety in various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts (V) and current in amperes (A). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between watts and watt-hours?
A: Watts measure power (rate of energy use), while watt-hours measure energy consumption (power × time).

Q2: Can I use this for AC circuits?
A: This formula works for DC circuits and AC circuits with purely resistive loads. For reactive loads, power factor must be considered.

Q3: How do I calculate energy cost from wattage?
A: Multiply wattage by hours of use to get watt-hours, then convert to kWh and multiply by your electricity rate.

Q4: What are typical wattage values for household appliances?
A: LED bulb: 5-15W, Laptop: 50-100W, Refrigerator: 100-800W, Microwave: 600-1200W, Electric heater: 1000-1500W.

Q5: How does wattage relate to circuit breaker sizing?
A: Circuit breakers are rated for current (amperes). Divide wattage by voltage to get current and ensure it doesn't exceed the breaker rating.