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

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 Rating15 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 Breaker30 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.