120 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 120 kW on a 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)169.81 AAt 1.0 PF: 144.34 A
Active / Apparent Power120.0 kW141.18 kVA · 74.37 kVAR
Recommended Breaker225 A (NEC)175 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire2/0 AWGIEC Metric: 70 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 120 kW at 480V
| Input Rating | 120 kW (480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 169.81 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 144.34 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 | 225 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 2/0 AWG (NEC) / 70 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 120 kW at 480V (3-Phase)?
At 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial), 120 kW equals 169.81 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 144.34 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 120 kW at 480V?
For 169.81A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 225A with 2/0 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 175A breaker with 70 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)120 kW at 120V Single-Phase AC120 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC120 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)120 kW at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)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 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)120 kW at 24V DC Direct Current120 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus