What Is This Tool?
This unit converter allows you to convert power measurements from Btu (IT)/hour, a unit expressing heat transfer rates, into electric horsepower, which rates electric motor power output. It's useful for comparing heating capacity to mechanical power in various equipment.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the power value in Btu (IT)/hour in the input field.
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Select Btu (IT)/hour as the source unit and horsepower (electric) as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent power in electric horsepower.
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Use the output to compare heating power with electric motor ratings.
Key Features
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Converts Btu (IT)/hour to electric horsepower accurately using the defined conversion rate.
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Supports power unit conversion applicable in HVAC and motor sizing contexts.
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Provides example conversions for practical understanding.
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Browser-based and easy to use without any installation.
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Includes relevant use cases tailored to heating and electric motor applications.
Examples
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1000 Btu (IT)/hour is equal to 0.3928567 horsepower (electric).
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500 Btu (IT)/hour converts to 0.19642835 horsepower (electric).
Common Use Cases
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Rating HVAC equipment and determining air conditioner or furnace capacity based on heat input/output.
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Specifying boiler, water heater, or gas-furnace heat output for installation and maintenance.
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Estimating building heat losses or gains to aid in sizing heat exchangers within heating systems.
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Comparing heating or cooling capacity with electric motor power when working with industrial equipment.
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Sizing motor controllers, starters, and electrical supply capacity using consistent power units.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure measurements are taken under steady-state conditions for reliable conversion results.
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Use this conversion for electric horsepower only; mechanical horsepower differs and requires separate consideration.
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Cross-check power ratings on equipment nameplates when applying conversions for motor sizing.
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Leverage the tool to assist in preparing accurate specifications and invoices by converting between units.
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Understand the context of each unit’s definition to apply the conversion appropriately.
Limitations
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Conversion assumes steady-state conditions without accounting for system inefficiencies or power losses.
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Applicable only to electric horsepower; other horsepower metrics vary and are not supported.
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Accuracy depends on the precision of underlying thermal and electrical power measurements.
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Does not consider dynamic or transient conditions in power usage and transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does Btu (IT)/hour measure?
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Btu (IT)/hour measures the rate of heat transfer, representing one International Table British thermal unit delivered or removed per hour.
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What is electric horsepower used for?
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Electric horsepower rates the power output of electric motors and drives, defined as exactly 746 watts.
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Can I use this conversion for mechanical horsepower?
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No, this conversion applies only to electric horsepower, as mechanical horsepower has a different value.
Key Terminology
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Btu (IT)/hour
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A unit of power representing one International Table British thermal unit transferred per hour, used to measure heat transfer rates.
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Horsepower (electric)
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A unit of power equivalent to exactly 746 watts, used to rate electric motors and their power output.
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Conversion Rate
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The fixed factor used to convert from Btu (IT)/hour to electric horsepower: 1 Btu (IT)/hour = 0.0003928567 horsepower (electric).