1. What is Current Draw?

Current draw refers to the amount of electrical current (in amperes) that a device or load consumes from a power source (like a battery). It's a crucial parameter for sizing batteries and power systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Ohm's Law formula:

Where:

• \( Current \) — Electrical current in amperes (A)
• \( Power \) — Load power consumption in watts (W)
• \( Voltage \) — Supply voltage in volts (V)

Explanation: The equation shows the direct relationship between power and current, and the inverse relationship between voltage and current for a given power.

3. Importance of Current Calculation

Details: Calculating current draw is essential for determining battery life, selecting appropriate wire gauges, and ensuring electrical systems operate within safe limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the load power in watts and the supply voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the current draw in amperes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is current draw important for batteries?
A: Current draw determines how long a battery will last (battery capacity is typically rated in amp-hours). Higher current draws deplete batteries faster.

Q2: What's the difference between AC and DC current calculations?
A: For resistive DC loads, this simple formula works. For AC or reactive loads, power factor must be considered.

Q3: How does voltage affect current draw?
A: For a given power, higher voltage systems draw less current, which reduces power loss in wires and allows smaller conductors.

Q4: What if my device lists current but not power?
A: You can calculate power by multiplying current (A) × voltage (V). Some devices list both specifications.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's perfectly accurate for DC resistive loads. For devices with varying power consumption, measure actual current with a multimeter.