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🏭 Industrial Electrical Conversion · Three-Phase & Single-Phase

15 kVA to Amps at 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)

Exact current (Amps), real power (kW), apparent power (kVA), mechanical horsepower (HP), breaker rating, and conductor size for 15 kVA on a 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial) circuit.

Line Current (0.85 PF)18.04 AAt 1.0 PF: 18.04 A
Active / Apparent Power12.75 kW15.0 kVA · 7.9 kVAR
Recommended Breaker25 A (NEC)20 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire12 AWGIEC Metric: 2.5 mm²

Engineering Breakdown for 15 kVA at 480V

Input Rating15 kVA (480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial))
Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer)18.04 Amps
Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load)18.04 Amps
Real Power (kW / Watts)12.75 kW (12,750 W)
Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR)15.0 kVA / 7.9 kVAR
Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP)17.1 HP
NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker25 A
Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop)12 AWG (NEC) / 2.5 mm² (IEC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many amps is 15 kVA at 480V (3-Phase)?

At 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial), 15 kVA equals 18.04 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 18.04 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).

What size breaker and wire is needed for 15 kVA at 480V?

For 18.04A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 25A with 12 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 20A breaker with 2.5 mm² copper cable.