What is the formula for calculating Three Phase kVA?

The formula for calculating Three Phase kVA is derived from the principles of three-phase electrical systems, which involve the use of the line voltage and line current. Three-phase power is typically calculated using the formula that incorporates the square root of three (approximately 1.732) to account for the phase relationships in a balanced load.

The correct formulation states that kVA is equal to the line current multiplied by the line voltage, further multiplied by the square root of three. This accounts for the three-phase nature of the system, where the power in a three-phase circuit is greater than in a single-phase circuit when comparing equal currents and voltages. By dividing by 1000, the result is converted from volt-amperes (VA) to kilovolt-amperes (kVA), enabling the representation in a more manageable unit for power calculations.

This formula is essential for electrical engineers and technicians as it provides a reliable means to calculate the total apparent power in three-phase systems, which is crucial for sizing transformers, generators, and other electrical equipment in various applications.