Electrical Unit Conversions Explained
Electrical equipment is rated in different units depending on the trade and the quantity being described. Converting between them is a routine part of sizing circuits and comparing equipment.
Watts, kW, and amps
Watts and kilowatts describe real power; amps describe current. Converting between them requires knowing the circuit voltage, since power equals voltage times current.
kVA vs. kW
kVA (apparent power) and kW (real power) are the same only when power factor is 1.0. For most real loads, apparent power is somewhat higher than real power — see the Electrical Power category for power factor calculations.
Horsepower and kilowatts
Horsepower measures mechanical power, while kilowatts measure electrical power. The two are related by a fixed conversion factor (1 HP = 0.746 kW), commonly used to compare motor ratings across unit systems.