Stands for Kilo volt-ampere. In ac power, the measurement of the total volts times the amps, divided by 1,000. It is a rating used for sizing electrical equipment such as generators.
The key here is to understand the difference between kW (kilowatts) and kVA (kilo-volt-amperes). kVA describes non-linear loads, while kW assumes a resistive load where current and voltage are on the same vector.
For the complicated math: http://www.powerstream.com/VA-Watts.htm .
For an easy, online calculator: http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Power_Calculator.aspx .
The key here is to understand the difference between kW (kilowatts) and kVA (kilo-volt-amperes). kVA describes non-linear loads, while kW assumes a resistive load where current and voltage are on the same vector.
For the complicated math: http://www.powerstream.com/VA-Watts.htm .
For an easy, online calculator: http://www.dieselserviceandsupply.com/Power_Calculator.aspx .
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