One of the main foundations of engineering is understanding how electrical power is measured and converted.

    This interactive calculator can help you go from watts to volt amperes and over 60 additional power units in no time. Just select your starting unit, ending unit, and add an amount to convert in the field above.

    But what happens if you need to change your watts to volts? This question and answer guide talks about watts, volts, and the conversion steps between the two.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


    What is power?

    The equations can be more complex, but basically, the power in an electric system (known as P) equals the volts multiplied by the currents.

    P = V * I

    Where:

  • P stands for power
  • V refers to voltage in volts
  • I is the current in amps

  • What is a watt?

    A watt can best be defined as an SI unit of power. Each watt equals one joule per second.

    In terms of the power in an electric circuit, its the difference of one volt and the current one ampere. We use watts to measure electrical power.

    1 Watt = 1 Joule / Second = 1 Volt · Ampere

    What is a volt?

    A volt is also a type of measurement used for defining the amount of electricity. A volt is best defined as an SI unit of electromotive force.

    It's the variation of potential from one ampere of current against one ohm of resistance.

    Imagine it this way. Picture electricity as a type of flow, kind of like water. Now imagine that the electrons are a conductor, similar to a wire.

    The measured rate of the electricity flow is called the electric current. Now we can measure that electric flow through different forms of metrics (think about centimeters vs. inches).

    Volts and watts are both forms of measurement for this current but are taken differently.

    When would I need to convert watts to volts?

    You may want to convert watts to volts when replicating an item that needs the same electrical force in a different type of current.

    Different electric engineering projects may request a formula based on volts when the original formula was based upon watts.

    Being able to easily convert these concepts is a vital part of accurate equations.

    What tools will I need?

    To convert watts to volts you'll want the following:

    • Pencil
    • Notebook
    • Calculator
    • Ammeter
    • The electrical current you plan on measuring

    What Is An Ammeter?

    An ammeter is a specific measuring tool used primarily for measuring currents.

    If you don't have one you can usually purchase one online. Look through reviews for ammeters that offer fullscale deflection, internal or coil resistance, and a strong accuracy.

    Ammeters price range can start as low as $5 and can go as high as $50 depending on the kind you're looking for.

    How to convert watts to volts?

    First, it's important to understand that volts and watts are two pieces of a triad (along with amps) in which two amounts can be calculated.

    In order to do this, you want to work with the following formula:

    Volts = Watts / Amperes

    Now, this is where it gets more complicated so we suggest taking it step by step.

    1. Where to Start

    You're going to start by putting the AC ammeter near a power wire in the AC circuit.

    This doesn't have to be a hot wire, a neutral common wire found in the circuit can also work. Either wire will effectively carry the current.

    2. How to Convert Wattage

    Now that you have a carrier for the current, convert the wattage of 1000 watts for circuits with an amperage of 10 amperes.

    Applying the formula

    Next, translate your measurements into the formula to get the current equivalent in volts. This can be done in the following way:

    Volts = 1000 watts / 10 amperes

    Volts = 100

    By dividing 1000 watts by 10 amperes, you are looking for results equal to 100 volts.

    3. When you want to Use Ammeters

    Using Ammeters is a relatively similar process. Just start by installing the inline ammeter to the DC circuit.

    You can do this by putting the meter on any one of the electrical wires

    Remember, the meter can be put on negative wires as well as positive wires, the measurement will still be accurate. You want to make sure that the power is passing through the ammeter.

    4. Safety Reminders

    It's important to remember while handling you ammeter that you are dealing with an electric current and it can be potentially dangerous.

    By being aware of the signs, you can keep yourself safe and out of harm's way. To monitor your safety at all times be aware of the following signs:

    • Low Danger Level: Very minimum to the mild sensation when measuring current.
    • Medium Danger Level: A painful shock, feeling as if you cannot let go, muscular paralysis or severe shock.
    • High Danger Level: Labored or upset breathing to extreme breathing difficulty, finally resulting in burns or extended time periods without breath. Potentially fatal.

    Final words?

    If you're looking to save time and energy you'd otherwise spend on performing formulas, we suggest trying out an online calculator.

    You want to make sure that the online calculator you choose offers various measurement options as well as accuracy.

    Our power calculator allows you to easily convert watts to other power units in addition to performing a number of complex equations.

    If you need to perform even more equations to complete an engineering job or project, just scroll through our extensive calculator list to find the right calculator for your needs.

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