What Is This Tool?
This tool enables quick and easy conversion between electric horsepower and volt amperes (V*A), two important units of power used in electrical and mechanical engineering contexts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the numeric value in horsepower (electric) that you wish to convert.
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Select the input unit as horsepower (electric) and the output unit as volt ampere [V*A].
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent value in volt amperes based on the standard conversion.
Key Features
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Converts electric horsepower, a measure of motor power, to volt amperes, the unit for apparent power in AC circuits.
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Provides straightforward calculations based on a fixed conversion rate of 1 horsepower (electric) equals 746 volt amperes.
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Ideal for use in motor specification, equipment sizing, and electrical system planning.
Examples
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2 horsepower (electric) converts to 1492 volt ampere [V*A].
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0.5 horsepower (electric) converts to 373 volt ampere [V*A].
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting electric motor power ratings on nameplates such as pumps and compressors.
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Sizing motor controllers, starters, and electrical supply for industrial machinery.
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Comparing power ratings and specifications by converting between watts, horsepower, and volt amperes.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion to bridge mechanical and electrical power understandings when designing or specifying equipment.
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Consider the actual motor efficiency and power factor when applying the converted apparent power in real-world scenarios.
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Ensure your electrical system accounts for both real and apparent power for accurate sizing and safety.
Limitations
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Volt ampere measures apparent power and may differ from real power if power factor is not 1.
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Electric horsepower is fixed at 746 watts but actual motor power can vary due to efficiency and load conditions.
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Additional calculations may be needed for precise energy usage or load analysis beyond this conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does 1 electric horsepower equal in volt amperes?
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One electric horsepower is equivalent to 746 volt amperes according to the standard conversion used in electrical engineering.
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Why is volt ampere different from watts?
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Volt ampere is a unit of apparent power that includes all power in an AC circuit, while watts measure real power consumed; they are equal only when the power factor is 1.
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When should I use this converter tool?
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Use it when you need to relate mechanical motor power ratings to electrical apparent power for equipment sizing, comparison, or system planning.
Key Terminology
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Horsepower (electric)
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A unit of power rating electric motors, exactly equal to 746 watts, representing the mechanical work rate of an electric machine.
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Volt ampere [V*A]
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The unit of apparent power in an AC circuit, calculated as the product of RMS voltage and RMS current, representing total power without power factor consideration.
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Apparent Power
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Total power in an AC circuit measured in volt amperes, including both real power and reactive power components.