12 kW 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 12 kW on a 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)16.98 AAt 1.0 PF: 14.43 A
Active / Apparent Power12.0 kW14.12 kVA · 7.44 kVAR
Recommended Breaker25 A (NEC)20 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire12 AWGIEC Metric: 2.5 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 12 kW at 480V
| Input Rating | 12 kW (480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 16.98 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 14.43 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 12.0 kW (12,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 14.12 kVA / 7.44 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 16.09 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 25 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 12 AWG (NEC) / 2.5 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 12 kW at 480V (3-Phase)?
At 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial), 12 kW equals 16.98 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 14.43 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 12 kW at 480V?
For 16.98A 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.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
5 kW at 480V (3P)10 kW at 480V (3P)15 kW at 480V (3P)20 kW at 480V (3P)25 kW at 480V (3P)30 kW at 480V (3P)45 kW at 480V (3P)50 kW at 480V (3P)75 kW at 480V (3P)100 kW at 480V (3P)150 kW at 480V (3P)200 kW at 480V (3P)250 kW at 480V (3P)500 kW at 480V (3P)12 kW at 120V Single-Phase AC12 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC12 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)12 kW at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)12 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC12 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC12 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)12 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)12 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)12 kW at 24V DC Direct Current12 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus