Formula Used:
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The Load Current(3-Phase 3-Wire OS) Calculator calculates the current flowing through a 3-phase 3-wire overhead system based on power transmitted, maximum voltage, and phase difference. This calculation is essential for proper system design and electrical safety.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the RMS current in a 3-phase 3-wire overhead system, accounting for the square root of 2 factor for peak-to-RMS conversion and the power factor (cosine of phase difference).
Details: Accurate load current calculation is crucial for proper cable sizing, circuit protection design, voltage drop calculations, and ensuring electrical system safety and efficiency in 3-phase overhead systems.
Tips: Enter power transmitted in watts, maximum voltage in volts, and phase difference in radians. All values must be valid positive numbers.
Q1: What is a 3-phase 3-wire overhead system?
A: A 3-phase 3-wire system is an electrical power distribution system that uses three conductors to transmit three-phase power without a neutral conductor, commonly used in overhead transmission lines.
Q2: Why is the square root of 2 used in the formula?
A: The square root of 2 factor converts the peak voltage (Vm) to RMS voltage, as RMS current is calculated using RMS voltage values in AC systems.
Q3: What is phase difference in electrical systems?
A: Phase difference (Φ) is the angular displacement between voltage and current waveforms in an AC circuit, measured in radians or degrees.
Q4: How does power factor affect load current?
A: Lower power factor (higher phase difference) results in higher current for the same power transfer, which increases system losses and requires larger conductors.
Q5: What are typical applications of this calculation?
A: This calculation is used in designing overhead transmission lines, sizing transformers and switchgear, and planning electrical distribution networks for industrial and utility applications.