What Is This Tool?
This unit converter translates power values from pound-foot per hour, an imperial measure of mechanical power, into kilowatts, the standard SI unit for power. It helps bridge legacy mechanical units with modern international standards.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the power value in pound-foot/hour unit.
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Select pound-foot/hour as the source unit and kilowatt as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent power in kilowatts.
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Use the output for comparison or documentation purposes.
Key Features
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Converts mechanical power from pound-foot/hour to kilowatt.
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Supports translating legacy and historical power ratings.
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Provides clear output in standard SI power units.
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Browser-based and easy to use for engineers and historians.
Examples
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10 pound-foot/hour = 3.7661609675818e-6 kilowatt
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1,000 pound-foot/hour = 0.00037661609675818 kilowatt
Common Use Cases
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Expressing very low mechanical power outputs in legacy imperial units such as clock or gear-train power.
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Documenting power specifications of vintage or historical equipment.
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Estimating mechanical work rates for hand-crank or slow winch machinery using modern units.
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Converting old imperial power ratings for comparison with electrical and mechanical systems.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure correct unit selection for accurate conversion.
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Use the tool for continuous power output ratings over an hour.
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Apply this conversion when comparing legacy mechanical equipment with modern power systems.
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Be aware of the very small values resulting from conversion due to the unit scale.
Limitations
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Pound-foot/hour represents very low power, so converted values are very small decimals requiring careful interpretation.
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This unit is uncommon in modern contexts and mostly relevant for historical or niche mechanical analysis.
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Conversion assumes continuous power output over time, so it may not reflect instantaneous or varying power accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why convert pound-foot/hour to kilowatt?
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To express legacy mechanical power ratings in an internationally recognized SI unit, enabling clearer comparison and integration with modern power measurements.
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Is pound-foot/hour commonly used today?
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No, it is rarely used in current practice and mostly appears in historical or specific mechanical engineering contexts.
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Can this conversion handle variable power rates?
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No, it assumes continuous power output over one hour and may not accurately reflect instantaneous or fluctuating power levels.
Key Terminology
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Pound-foot/hour [lbf*ft/h]
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An imperial unit of power representing one foot-pound force of work done continuously per hour.
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Kilowatt [kW]
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A metric unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, measuring the rate of energy conversion or transfer.