15 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 15 kW on a 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)21.23 AAt 1.0 PF: 18.04 A
Active / Apparent Power15.0 kW17.65 kVA · 9.3 kVAR
Recommended Breaker30 A (NEC)25 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire10 AWGIEC Metric: 2.5 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 15 kW at 480V
| Input Rating | 15 kW (480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 21.23 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 18.04 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 15.0 kW (15,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 17.65 kVA / 9.3 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 20.12 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 30 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 10 AWG (NEC) / 2.5 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 15 kW at 480V (3-Phase)?
At 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial), 15 kW equals 21.23 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 kW at 480V?
For 21.23A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 30A with 10 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 25A breaker with 2.5 mm² copper cable.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
5 kW at 480V (3P)10 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)15 kW at 120V Single-Phase AC15 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC15 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)15 kW at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)15 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC15 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC15 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)15 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)15 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)15 kW at 24V DC Direct Current15 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus