120 kW to Amps at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)
Exact current (Amps), real power (kW), apparent power (kVA), mechanical horsepower (HP), breaker rating, and conductor size for 120 kW on a 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)588.24 AAt 1.0 PF: 500.0 A
Active / Apparent Power120.0 kW141.18 kVA · 74.37 kVAR
Recommended Breaker800 A (NEC)600 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire2× 1000 kcmil (Parallel)IEC Metric: 2× 400 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 120 kW at 240V
| Input Rating | 120 kW (240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 588.24 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 500.0 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 120.0 kW (120,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 141.18 kVA / 74.37 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 160.92 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 800 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 2× 1000 kcmil (Parallel) (NEC) / 2× 400 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 120 kW at 240V (1-Phase)?
At 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC), 120 kW equals 588.24 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 500.0 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 120 kW at 240V?
For 588.24A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 800A with 2× 1000 kcmil (Parallel) copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 600A breaker with 2× 400 mm² copper cable.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
5 kW at 240V (1P)10 kW at 240V (1P)15 kW at 240V (1P)20 kW at 240V (1P)25 kW at 240V (1P)30 kW at 240V (1P)45 kW at 240V (1P)50 kW at 240V (1P)75 kW at 240V (1P)100 kW at 240V (1P)150 kW at 240V (1P)200 kW at 240V (1P)250 kW at 240V (1P)500 kW at 240V (1P)120 kW at 120V Single-Phase AC120 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC120 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)120 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC120 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC120 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)120 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)120 kW at 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)120 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)120 kW at 24V DC Direct Current120 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus