What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate power values measured in volt ampere (V*A), which represents apparent power in electrical systems, into mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s), a unit commonly used to rate engines and mechanical devices. It bridges the gap between electrical power ratings and mechanical power measurements.
How to Use This Tool?
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Input the value in volt ampere (V*A) that you want to convert.
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Select the target unit as horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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Click convert to obtain the equivalent mechanical power value.
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Use the result to compare or specify equipment power performance.
Key Features
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Converts apparent electrical power in volt ampere (V*A) to mechanical horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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Based on standardized conversion factor connecting VA to horsepower.
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Supports engineers and technicians in comparing electrical and mechanical power ratings.
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Useful for sizing and specifying electrical and mechanical equipment using imperial units.
Examples
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100 Volt ampere [V*A] converts to approximately 0.1341 Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
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500 Volt ampere [V*A] converts to approximately 0.6705 Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s).
Common Use Cases
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Comparing electrical apparent power ratings with mechanical power outputs.
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Sizing electric machinery where both electrical input and mechanical output are relevant.
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Rating internal combustion engines and small engine power using horsepower units.
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Specifying power for pumps, motors, and garden equipment in imperial terms.
Tips & Best Practices
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Remember this conversion relates apparent power to mechanical power under ideal conditions.
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Consider power factor and efficiency when applying converted values in real systems.
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Use this tool as a guide to understand equivalences but verify with specific system parameters.
Limitations
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Volt ampere measures apparent power and may not equal actual mechanical output if power factor is less than 1.
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Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s) is an imperial unit; conversions assume consistent measurement contexts.
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Efficiency and power factor should be considered for practical performance assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does volt ampere measure?
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Volt ampere (V*A) is the unit of apparent power in AC circuits, calculated as the product of root-mean-square voltage and current, representing total delivered power regardless of power factor.
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Why convert volt ampere to horsepower?
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Converting volt ampere to horsepower helps compare electrical apparent power with mechanical power, which is important when equipment has both electrical inputs and mechanical outputs.
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Does one volt ampere always equal one watt?
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No, volt ampere equals watts only when the power factor is 1, meaning a purely resistive load; otherwise, apparent power and real power differ.
Key Terminology
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Volt ampere (V*A)
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A unit of apparent power in AC circuits, equal to RMS voltage times RMS current, reflecting total power regardless of phase angle.
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Horsepower (550 ft*lbf/s)
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An imperial unit of mechanical power equal to 550 foot-pound-force per second, used to rate engines and machinery.
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Apparent power
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The product of RMS voltage and current in an AC circuit, measured in volt amperes, representing total power delivered.
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Power factor
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The ratio of real power to apparent power in AC circuits, indicating the phase difference between voltage and current.