What Is This Tool?
This converter changes units of power from kilovolt ampere (kV*A), a measure of apparent power in AC electrical systems, to centiwatt (cW), a unit expressing very low power. It assists in translating large-scale power ratings into finer power units suitable for low-energy systems.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in kilovolt ampere (kV*A) you want to convert
-
Select kilovolt ampere as the starting unit and centiwatt as the target unit
-
Click the convert button to see the equivalent power value in centiwatt
Key Features
-
Converts apparent power from kilovolt ampere to centiwatt accurately
-
Ideal for bridging high-power industrial ratings with low-power electronics measurements
-
Supports understanding of apparent power in AC systems without factoring power factor
-
Browser-based and easy to use without any software installation
Examples
-
2 kV*A converts to 200000 cW by multiplying 2 by 100000
-
0.5 kV*A converts to 50000 cW by multiplying 0.5 by 100000
Common Use Cases
-
Rating transformers, generators, and UPS systems using apparent power
-
Specifying electrical capacity in buildings and data centers
-
Estimating total load in industrial power system designs
-
Describing power consumption of ultra-low-power electronics and sensors
-
Rating small indicator LEDs and micro-energy harvesters in sensor technology
Tips & Best Practices
-
Ensure correct unit selection for accurate conversion
-
Remember kilovolt ampere expresses apparent power, not real power
-
Use centiwatt for detailed measurements of very low-power devices
-
Be cautious interpreting values when scaling between large and small power units
Limitations
-
Kilovolt ampere only measures apparent power and ignores power factor
-
Centiwatt is suitable for very low power; large values may need scaling
-
Conversion does not reflect actual consumed power in AC systems
-
Apparent power and actual power are different and should not be confused
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does a kilovolt ampere measure?
-
A kilovolt ampere measures apparent power in alternating-current electrical systems, representing the product of RMS voltage and current without considering power factor.
-
When should I use centiwatt as a power unit?
-
Centiwatt is useful for quantifying very low power levels, such as power consumption of ultra-low-power electronics, sensor nodes, or micro-energy harvesters.
-
Is kilovolt ampere the same as real power?
-
No, kilovolt ampere is apparent power and does not represent real power since it does not account for the phase angle or power factor.
Key Terminology
-
Kilovolt ampere (kV*A)
-
A unit of apparent power in AC systems equal to 1,000 volt-amperes, measuring the product of RMS voltage and current without power factor consideration.
-
Centiwatt (cW)
-
A unit of power equal to one hundredth of a watt, used for expressing very low power levels such as in ultra-low-power electronics.
-
Apparent Power
-
The total power in an AC circuit, calculated as the product of RMS voltage and current, without accounting for phase difference.