kVA to Amps Single Phase Converter
Instantly calculate the electrical current in Amps from Apparent Power (kVA) and Voltage for single-phase AC systems.
Calculate Current (Amps)
Enter the apparent power in kVA and the system voltage. The calculator instantly determines the current draw in Amps for your single-phase circuit.
Single Phase kVA to Amps
Get an accurate current calculation for sizing breakers and cables.
Understanding Electrical Power
Key concepts for single-phase circuits
Apparent Power (kVA)
Kilovolt-amperes (kVA) measures the total power supplied to a circuit, combining both real power (kW) and reactive power (kVAR).
The Conversion Formula
For single-phase systems, Current (I) in Amps is calculated by multiplying the kVA by 1,000 (to get Volt-amperes) and dividing by the Voltage (V).
Why Voltage Matters
Higher voltage systems draw less current for the same kVA rating. This is why heavy appliances often use 240V instead of 120V to reduce cable thickness and heat.
Sizing Safety Margins
Calculated Amps represent the continuous load. Electrical codes (like the IET Wiring Regulations in the UK) require breakers and cables to be sized at 125% of the continuous load.
Common kVA to Amps Conversions (230V)
Pre-calculated current draws for standard single-phase kVA ratings at a nominal voltage of 230V.
| Apparent Power (kVA) | Voltage (V) | Current (Amps) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kVA | 230 V | 4.35 A | Small electronics, lighting circuits |
| 3 kVA | 230 V | 13.04 A | Standard UK household ring main |
| 5 kVA | 230 V | 21.74 A | Small generators, large appliances |
| 10 kVA | 230 V | 43.48 A | Medium backup generators, EV chargers |
| 15 kVA | 230 V | 65.22 A | Large residential supply, workshops |
| 20 kVA | 230 V | 86.96 A | Heavy-duty single-phase equipment |
kVA to Amps FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about single-phase electrical calculations.
The formula to convert kVA to Amps in a single-phase system is: Amps (I) = (kVA × 1000) / Voltage (V). For example, 5 kVA at 230V equals approximately 21.74 Amps.
kVA (kilovolt-amperes) measures ‘apparent power’, which is the total power supplied to a circuit. kW (kilowatts) measures ‘real power’, which is the actual power doing useful work. The ratio between them is the Power Factor (PF).
No. Because kVA already represents the total apparent power, the power factor is inherently accounted for. You only need the kVA value and the voltage to find the current in Amps. If you only have kW, you must first divide by the power factor to get kVA.
The standard nominal single-phase voltage in the UK and most of Europe is 230V AC (with a tolerance of +10% / -6%). In North America, the standard is typically 120V or 240V.
To convert kW to Amps, you need the Power Factor (PF). The formula is: Amps = (kW × 1000) / (Voltage × PF). If the PF is unknown, a standard estimate of 0.8 is often used for general calculations, though exact values are required for precise electrical design.