Convert between Kilovolt ampere and other Power units.
Kilovolt Ampere as a Unit of Power
The kilovolt ampere (kVA) is a unit of apparent power used in electrical engineering. It is derived from the volt and ampere, representing a measurement of electrical power in an AC (alternating current) circuit. One kilovolt ampere is equal to 1,000 volt-amperes (VA). Strongly associated with the capacity of electrical systems, kVA is crucial when determining the size of transformers and generators.
In practical terms, kVA indicates the total amount of power a system can handle, including both active (real) and reactive power. While kVA is often used in specifications for electrical equipment, it’s important to understand that it does not include the power factor of a system. The power factor is a measure of how effectively the power is being converted into useful work output, making kW (kilowatt) a more relevant measure for real power consumption.