RMS Wattage Calculator
Enter the value of voltage, V(V) and current, I(A) to determine the value of RMS wattage, Wrms(W).
RMS Wattage Formula:
RMS wattage signifies the effective or average power delivered by an AC circuit, even though voltage and current constantly fluctuate. Measured in watts (W), it provides a DC equivalent, reflecting the heating effect of the AC power.
Unlike DC with constant values, AC power fluctuates. RMS wattage accounts for these variations, giving a more accurate picture of actual power usage. RMS wattage allows for a direct comparison of power consumption between AC and DC systems delivering the same heating effect.
By multiplying the RMS voltage and RMS current, we obtain the RMS wattage, which reflects the effective power delivered by the AC circuit. This value is equivalent to the DC power that would produce the same heating effect in a resistive load.
Imagine a water hose with constantly changing water pressure. RMS wattage is like calculating the average water flow rate that would deliver the same amount of water over time as the fluctuating pressure hose.
RMS wattage, Wrms(W) in watts can be determined by the product of voltage, V(V) in volts and current, I(A) in amperes.
RMS wattage, Wrms(W) = Vrms(V) * Irms(A)
Wrms(W) = rms wattage in watts, W.
Vrms(V) = peak wattage in watts, W.
Irms(A) = current in amperes, A.
RMS Wattage Calculation:
- An AC circuit with a purely resistive load (power factor = 1) has an RMS voltage of 120 volts (VRMS) and an RMS current of 2 amperes (IRMS). What is the RMS wattage consumed by the circuit?
Given: Vrms(V) = 120V, Irms(A) = 2A.
RMS wattage, Wrms(W) = Vrms(V) * Irms(A)
Wrms(W) = 120 * 2
Wrms(W) = 240W.
- An appliance has a power rating of 100 watts (WRMS) and operates on a 120-volt (VRMS) AC circuit. estimate the RMS current (IRMS) drawn by the appliance.
Given: Vrms(V) = 120V, Wrms(W) = 100W.
RMS wattage, Wrms(W) = Vrms(V) * Irms(A)
Irms(A) = Wrms(W) / Vrms(V)
Irms(A) = 100 / 120
Irms(A) = 0.833A.