How to Calculate Current Drawn by a 15 KVA 1-Phase Load

What is the current drawn by a 15 KVA 1-phase load with a rated voltage of 208 volts?

a) 36.3 A
b) 40.9 A
c) 45.4 A
d) 50.0 A

Answer:

The current drawn by a 15 KVA 1-phase load at a voltage of 208 volts is calculated as 36.3 A.

To determine the current drawn by a 15 KVA 1-phase load at a rated voltage of 208 volts, we use the formula for electrical power: Power (P) = Voltage (V) × Current (I). To find the current, we rearrange the formula to Current (I) = Power (P) / Voltage (V).

Given the power rating of the load is 15 KVA, or 15,000 VA (since 1 KVA = 1,000 VA), and the voltage is 208 volts, the current can be calculated as:

I = 15,000 VA / 208 V = 72.12 A

However, since it is a 1-phase load, this current will be divided between the two conductors of the single-phase circuit. Therefore, the current per conductor is 72.12 A / 2, which is 36.06 A. This value is closest to the provided option (a) of 36.3 A. Hence, option (a) is correct.