How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the total electrical load in watts (W) for your circuit.
- Select the appropriate voltage (Volts) for your electrical system (common options are 120V, 240V, and 480V).
- Set the power factor of your electrical load. A typical value is 0.8, but you can adjust this based on your specific equipment.
- Choose the overload protection factor based on your application demand (1.25 for standard, 1.5 for high demand, or 2 for very high demand).
- Click the "Calculate" button to compute the recommended circuit breaker size.
- The calculator will display the calculated current, recommended circuit breaker size, and the next standard size.
Understanding the Results
The calculator provides three key results:
- Calculated Current: The actual current draw based on your inputs.
- Recommended Circuit Breaker Size: The size of circuit breaker that provides appropriate protection for your load.
- Next Standard Size: The next larger standard circuit breaker size that you might consider if needed.
Important Notes
Circuit breakers are critical safety components in electrical systems. It's important to select the correct size to ensure both safety and proper operation of your electrical devices. Always consult with a qualified electrician for complex electrical system designs and installations.
The formula used in this calculator is based on standard electrical engineering principles:
IB = (P × 1000) / (V × PF × OPF)
Where:
- IB = Branch Circuit Current (Amperes)
- P = Total Electrical Load (Watts)
- V = Voltage (Volts)
- PF = Power Factor
- OPF = Overload Protection Factor