When calculating the amperage on a branch circuit, you must know if it is a
single or a three phase circuit. In case of a 3 phase circuit, you will have a
constant multiplier that you'll need to use in the formula. Look at the examples
below, and how the formula is used.
Calculating Amperage - 1 Phase
I (Amperage - also known as Current)
VA (Volt Amp - also known as Watt)
V (Volt)
Formula to Use:
I = VA / V
Example 1:
Find the Amperage of an 2400 VA load on a 120 Volt, 1 phase branch circuit.
Use the formula above, and substitute the given values.
I = 2400 / 120 = 20 Amps
Example 2:
Find the Amperage of an 5600 VA load on a 240 Volt, 1 phase branch circuit.
Use the formula above, and substitute the given values.
I = 5600 / 240 = 23.34 Amps
Calculating Amperage - 3 Phase
I (Amperage - also known as Current)
VA (Volt Amp - also known as Watt)
V (Volt)
1.732 (Multiplying Factor to use for 3 Phase circuits; Sometimes this is represented as the square root of 3)
Formula to Use:
I = VA / (V * 1.732)
Example 1:
Find the Amperage of an 2400 VA load on a 240 Volt, 3 phase branch circuit.
Use the formula above, and substitute the given values.
I = 2400 / (240 * 1.732) = 5.78 Amps
Example 2:
Find the Amperage of an 7600 VA load on a 480 Volt, 3 phase branch circuit.
Use the formula above, and substitute the given values.