What Is This Tool?
This unit converter helps you transform power values from electric horsepower, commonly used for electric motors, into megawatts, a unit suited for larger power generation scales.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the power value in electric horsepower.
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Select the unit horsepower (electric) as the source unit.
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Choose megawatt [MW] as the target unit.
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Click convert to get the equivalent power in megawatts.
Key Features
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Converts power measurements from electric horsepower to megawatts.
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Provides a precise conversion factor based on established definitions.
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Supports comparisons across different power unit scales for industrial and energy applications.
Examples
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10 horsepower (electric) converts to 0.00746 megawatts.
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100 horsepower (electric) converts to 0.0746 megawatts.
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting electric motor specifications on pumps, fans, and compressors.
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Sizing controllers and power supplies for industrial equipment.
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Comparing motor power ratings with large power plant outputs during planning.
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Conducting energy audits and engineering design for electrical systems.
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify the definition of horsepower used matches electric horsepower at 746 watts.
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Use this conversion primarily for steady-state power comparisons rather than instantaneous values.
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Consider the scale difference when converting small motor ratings to megawatt units.
Limitations
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Converted values are often very small because electric horsepower represents smaller scale power.
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The formula is based on the exact electric horsepower definition; other horsepower types require different conversions.
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Not suitable for variable or instantaneous power without additional context.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does 1 horsepower (electric) represent in watts?
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One electric horsepower is exactly defined as 746 watts, representing the power output equivalent in electric motors.
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Why convert electric horsepower to megawatts?
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The conversion helps compare electric motor power ratings with larger generation capacities like power plants and utility-scale projects.
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Can I use this conversion for mechanical or metric horsepower?
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No, this tool is specific to electric horsepower, which is exactly 746 watts; other horsepower definitions need different conversions.
Key Terminology
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Horsepower (electric)
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A unit of power exactly equal to 746 watts, used mainly for rating electric motors.
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Megawatt [MW]
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A unit of power equal to one million watts, used for large-scale power generation and consumption.