Sections of the article:
16 Amperes - how many kilowatts of load will the electrical wiring withstand?
Before going into terminology and calculations, it should be noted that kW and Amperes are quantities that are not entirely comparable. Current is measured in Amperes, and power is measured in kilowatts, which by the way can be different: reactive, active, etc.
And, nevertheless, many ask the same question, how many kW are in 16, 25 or 32 Amperes. Perhaps this makes it easier for someone to navigate the calculation of the load on electrical wiring or the selection of circuit breakers.
Be that as it may, the article will talk about how many amperes are in 1 kW and vice versa.
Machine capacity and power indicator
In response to the question, 16 amperes are how many kilowatts, it is worth pointing out that such a circuit breaker can withstand a load of 3.5 kW in a single-phase network and 18.2 kW in a three-phase network. A 32A device is 7 and 36.5 kW, a 40A device is 8.8 and 45.6 kW, a 63A device is 13.9 and 71.8 kW, respectively. In this case, the supply voltage in the outlet in the first case should be no more than 220 volts, and in the second case - no more than 380 volts.
Power or load force is the amount of energy consumed by all electrical appliances that are connected to the same line. To calculate this number, you need to take the current load and select a higher current rating or equal to the resulting value.
Note! The power of the device 16A is 3520 W, 32A - 7040 W, 40A - 8800 W, 63A - 13860 W in a single-phase circuit. The power of the device 16A is 6080 W, 32A - 12160 W, 40A - 15200 W, 63A - 23940 W in a three-phase circuit. The conversion to kilowatts is presented above.
RCD and additional devices
You should not consider the machine separately from other components of the electrical panel. When buying a device, you need to understand that it will be mounted together with an RCD. It is better to use an RCD from the same manufacturer with the machine and from the same series. At the same time, you can be absolutely sure of their best interaction.
RCDs made by domestic manufacturers are inferior in quality to foreign ones. They often do not have electromechanical RCDs in the series, but have less variety in characteristics.
To determine which machine should be installed, it is necessary to take into account many different parameters. The C16 automatic machine is one of the most commonly used in everyday life. The power will allow you to protect equipment, a small number of standard devices.
Characteristics of a 16 amp machine
It is marked on its body with rated current, switching capacity, current limiting class, rated breaking capacity and time-current response characteristics of the switching system. The rated current value is 16 amperes, which can be lowered or increased when the temperature changes in the appropriate direction. The switching capacity is 4500 and 6000 amperes for a household unit, and the current limit is 10 milliseconds.
Purpose
A 25 ampere circuit breaker is a device whose main task is to ensure the safety of the electrical network from overcurrent, that is, from a short circuit with overload. The main purpose of the device is to ensure the safety of the user himself when using the network and electrical appliances.
Such equipment is turned on and off from an electrical circuit. It is most often used to protect an electric stove or other kitchen heating appliances.
Note! It can also be used to protect lighting system, motor, transformer and electronic appliance.
Operating principle
The main element of the device is an electromagnetic and thermal release. The first guarantees protection against short circuits, the second - against overvoltage. An electromagnetic device is a coil with a core, which is placed on a special spring and, under normal conditions, creates an electromagnetic field that attracts the coil core. At the moment of a short circuit, the electric current increases and exceeds that nominally stated according to the technical characteristics. This current flows through the release coil and increases the field. As a result, the circuit is de-energized.
A circuit breaker is a device that ensures that all electrical equipment in the house and on the network operates properly. To calculate how many kilowatts a machine can withstand at 16, 32, 40 and 63 amperes, as well as see their power, just use the table above.
It is impossible to imagine the modern world without electricity. Every home has a variety of appliances, and people sometimes don’t even think about how much power all the devices and devices connected to the power grid consume.
Household appliances have become so integral to people's lives that as soon as a device breaks down, a person begins to get nervous, and some even panic.
Since there are usually many different devices operating in an apartment or house, the uninterrupted operation of a computer, refrigerator or TV and other devices often leads to exceeding the permissible standards in electrical networks, and as a result, a short circuit occurs.
What is meant by modular machines
The concept of “modular” is due to the fact that each pole of the switch is built as a full-fledged classic module. In fact, a multi-pole switch is built from several units assembled into a single, non-separable unit.
Abbreviations on circuit breakers Source spravkavrn.ru
Healthy! Thus, it is impossible to use a multi-pole as several single-pole. While it is quite possible to assemble a “big” one from “small” ones.
For single-phase networks (220 V), 1-pole or 2-pole automatic switches are used. Three-pole or four-pole are used in three-phase (380 V). In unpaired (one- and three-pole) only the phase opens, the zero remains intact.
In addition, there are 2 versions of double-pole switches:
- 2p - made of 2 single-pole switches combined into one housing. In this situation, both poles are protected.
- 2p+n - the design includes a 1-pole circuit breaker and a 1-pole switch. They are connected and assembled into a single body. As a result, the zero does not have its own releases, and the contacts are opened only by a special mechanism controlled by a mechanical drive.
How machines are mistakenly chosen
In practice, they usually choose an automatic machine without much thought. Many are based on the required load, namely, they try to install such a machine so that it simply does not turn off under heavy load. So, for example, if 5 kW is required, then they install a 25 A automatic machine, if there is a 3 kW load - a 16 amp automatic, and so on. But this approach is completely ill-considered, since it will only lead to equipment breakdown or, even worse, to an electrical fire or even a fire.
The circuit breaker was invented to protect against overload. This is a protection switching device, not an electrical panel decoration.
Operating principle of circuit breaker
The AB (circuit breaker) is designed to protect from overload all devices connected in the electrical circuit directly after it.
If it is chosen incorrectly, it will not work properly. So, for example, if you use an electric cable that is designed for 4-5 amperes and run 20-30 amperes through it, then such a machine will not turn off immediately, but will wait until the insulation melts and a short circuit occurs. Then it will turn off. But this is not what proper operation of the circuit breaker should lead to. Therefore, it is important to consider in advance, when installing a 16-amp machine, how many kW it will withstand in the presence of wires of a certain cross-section and maximum operating load.
Ideally, it should turn off as soon as it senses an overload. Then the wires will remain in order and the connected equipment will not burn out.
Protection against power surges in the apartment
In order to prevent power surges and protect wiring from overload, you need to be careful when using extension cords and tees. When an overload occurs in the network, the wiring begins to heat up and a short circuit or fire may occur.
Another important factor is the cross-section of the wiring (to put it simply, its thickness), on which its endurance depends. Therefore, ideally, it is necessary to calculate the load not only on individual sockets, but also on the entire electrical network of the apartment. Then it will be easier to determine the total permissible power of electrical appliances, lamps and chandeliers. Such precautions are especially useful in older homes.
To avoid problems with a lack of sockets, it is necessary to plan their location and number in advance. During major renovations of apartments, the wiring is often completely replaced with a new one with a larger cross-section. In this case, it is permissible to install European sockets, the current strength of which is from 10A to 16A; the total power of electrical appliances, accordingly, can be much greater.
There are some standards according to which there should be at least 2 sockets in each room (1 for every 4 square meters of area), and in the kitchen - 4. But today this number is not enough. In order not to overload the existing sockets, it is better to install additional ones, taking into account the total permissible load on the wiring.
By following simple precautions and maintaining the wiring in your home in good condition, you can protect your home from fire and keep electrical appliances in working order for a long time.
Choosing the right machine
How can you understand how many kilowatts a 16-amp machine can withstand in practice?
The most common correct way to select a circuit breaker is:
- determine the wire cross-section
- according to the rules of electrical installations, find the current that is permissible for such a wire cross-section
- select the machine that suits these parameters
For example, there is a copper wire with a cross section of 1.5 sq. mm. The current allowed for it is a maximum of 18-19 amperes. Accordingly, according to the rules, you need to choose a suitable machine, but with a downward shift according to the table. And this turns out to be 16 amperes. That is, you can install a 16 amp machine.
If the wire is copper and its cross-section is 2.5 sq. mm, then only a current of up to 26-27 amperes is allowed. Therefore, the maximum you can use is a 25-amp machine. Although, for reasons of reliability, it is better to install a 20-amp machine.
In this way, the parameters of the required machine for the remaining wire sections are calculated.
Selecting a machine by rated current
The considered formulas are widely used in calculations of the input circuit breaker. Using one of them - I = P/209 with a load P of 1 kW, the current strength for a single-phase network is 1000 W/209 = 4.78 A. The result can be rounded up to 5 A, since the actual voltage in the network is not always corresponds to 220 V.
The lighting group is calculated separately. As a rule, the power of lighting devices is estimated at 1.5-2 kW, so a separate machine with a rating of 10 A will be sufficient for them.
Powerful household units are connected not only to automatic machines, but also to residual current devices. Part of the total power should be reserved for lighting and sockets installed in the premises. Correctly performed calculations will allow you to install the wiring efficiently and select the desired switch. In this case, the operation of the equipment will be safe and durable.
Expert opinion
Viktor Pavlovich Strebizh, lighting and electrical expert
Any questions ask me, I will help!
Before talking about the procedure for connecting a 16-amp machine, you should understand the main structural elements of the device. If there is something you don’t understand, write to me!
Types of slot machines
When choosing a circuit breaker, it is very important to study all the characteristics of the device. It is also necessary to carefully calculate the total power of all devices that are supposed to be connected to each group of machines. Not only the speed of operation of the switch, but also the quality of its operation will depend on these factors.
Most often, both in everyday life and in production, 16A machines are found. They are usually installed in electrical panels. Therefore, the question of how much a 16-amp machine can withstand is always relevant.
Where is the C16 assault rifle used?
For domestic use, the device is suitable as an input device installed in front of the meter. In this case, the number of poles depends on the number of phases and the requirements that are developed by the energy management organization.
For individual electrical devices, it is permissible to install machines on one pole.
It is necessary to take into account how many kilowatts a 16-amp machine holds and how much the device consumes. It is better to choose protection with indicators higher than that of the equipment.
Features of switches
Circuit breakers are made of materials that are completely harmless to human health. Self-extinguishing thermoplastic is used in the manufacture of the device body. It is able to withstand very high temperatures. Its contacts are made of copper plates, silver plated for better contact and durability.
The design of the circuit breaker contains a special thermal relay, which is activated when the current flow exceeds the norm, and the electrical circuit opens without causing a short circuit. The higher the current indicator, the faster the operation speed of the machine. The count goes on in fractions of a second.
The scope of use of automatic switches is very extensive and extends from their installation in incoming electrical panels to distribution boards of apartments or houses. To use circuit breakers, special distribution boards are produced with already installed DIN rails for the required number of circuit breakers. The buyer only needs to choose the one that meets his wishes and install the shield in the apartment or house.
Despite the apparent simplicity of using circuit breakers, it is better to entrust the connection of a 16-amp circuit breaker to a specialist.
In terms of rated current, circuit breakers differ both in current strength (rated from 1A to 6300A) and in the load on the circuit (220V, 380 and 400V). In addition, switches are usually distinguished by their response speed.
I once wrote about the wiring for the hob, that I was installing a new one, etc. Then I really screwed up with the cable - I didn’t expect that the induction cooker would consume 7.5 kW. And it cannot be plugged into a regular 16A (Ampere) outlet. Some time passed, and a guy wrote to me that he also installs a hob, and wants to connect it to a regular 16A outlet? The question was something like this: will the outlet withstand the voltage from the stove? And 16 A is how many kilowatts ? Just awful! I didn’t expose the guy, but such a connection could burn down your apartment! Be sure to read on...
Guys, if you don’t know what and how it’s calculated! If at school it was bad with physics, and especially with electricity! Then it’s better for you not to get involved in connecting electric stoves! Call someone who understands!
Now let's talk about voltage and current!
How much power can the outlet handle?
For the average life of an average family, more and more electricity is required. This is due to the fact that the well-being of the population of our country is growing, new types of various household devices are appearing.
Increasingly, it turns out that the number of sockets in an apartment is limited, but there are a lot of devices that need to be connected and constantly used.
Only a limited number of electrical appliances can be connected to one outlet
How much load can one socket withstand?
The question of how many plugs can be plugged into one extension cord is quite confusing. After all, there are many factors on which the endurance of electrical wiring depends in each specific case. In order to determine the capabilities of one outlet, you need to understand some concepts and definitions.
Voltage . This is a physical quantity that shows the work done to move a charge from one point in an electrical circuit to another. The unit of measurement is Volt. For our country, the accepted voltage is 220 V. This indicator must be taken into account, since it is used to calculate the load that the outlet can withstand.
Current strength . This is the ratio of the amount of charge passing through a certain surface to the time of this passage. It is measured in Amperes. For our sockets, this value is mainly from 6.3A to 10A.
Instruments for measuring current strength
Power . Shows the rate of conversion, consumption or transmission of electrical energy of any system. Measured in Watts. The power of electrical appliances is indicated in the technical specifications, and also, as a rule, on the housing.
The permissible load on an outlet is an indicator of the number of watts that both the outlet itself and the wiring can withstand when several devices or one powerful device are operating simultaneously.
A simple calculation with the indicators we have will look like this: to calculate the permissible number of watts, you just need to multiply the current by the voltage. For our domestic sockets, this calculation will look like this: 6.3A * 220V = 1386 W. Thus, the total power of devices that can be simultaneously connected to one outlet should not exceed 1386 W.
First, I’ll answer the question - 16A how many kilowatts (kW)?
Everything is very simple - the voltage in the home electrical network is 220V (Volts), to find out how much a 16A outlet can withstand - 220 X 16 = 3520 Watt, and as we know in 1 kW - 1000 W , it turns out - 3.52 kW
If the formula from school physics is P= I * U, where P (power), I (current), U (voltage)
In simple words, a 16A socket in a 220V circuit can withstand a maximum of 3.5 kW!
Induction hob and socket
An induction hob consumes 7.5 kW of energy with all 4 burners turned on. If you divide in reverse order, you get 7.5kW (7500W)/220V = 34.09A
As you can see, the 34A consumption will simply melt your 16A socket!
Well, okay, you think...
Then I’ll install a 32-40 A outlet and connect the stove! But that was not the case, you need to know what wire you have in the wall, and also what machine everything is connected to in the panel!
The thing is that the wires also have a maximum power threshold! So if you have a wire with a cross-section of 2.5 mm, then it can withstand only 5.9 kW!
Also, the machine should be set to 32A, or better yet, 40A. Once again I recommend this article! More details there!
So calculate correctly! Otherwise, your socket-wiring will melt from the high voltage and a fire could easily occur!
How to convert Amps to Kilowatts in a single-phase network
W is A multiplied by B:
And vice versa - A is equal to W divided by B:
When making calculations, the P value must be taken exclusively in W. 1 kW = 1000 W.
1 Kilowatt is how much Ampere is
1 kW = 1000 W/220 V = 4.54 A
Table for selecting a machine based on current and power.
Real example. It is necessary to replace the electrical plug on a 2.2 kW washing machine. Using the formula, we substitute the values:
I = 2200/220 = 10 A.
For longer-term and safer operation, a minimum of 25% must be added to the resulting number. 10 + 2.5 = 12.5. This product is probably not produced at this denomination, and when purchasing you need to round up. The best option for replacement would be a 16 A plug.
