18.5 kW to Amps at 120V Single-Phase AC
Exact current (Amps), real power (kW), apparent power (kVA), mechanical horsepower (HP), breaker rating, and conductor size for 18.5 kW on a 120V Single-Phase AC circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)181.37 AAt 1.0 PF: 154.17 A
Active / Apparent Power18.5 kW21.76 kVA · 11.47 kVAR
Recommended Breaker250 A (NEC)200 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire3/0 AWGIEC Metric: 70 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 18.5 kW at 120V
| Input Rating | 18.5 kW (120V Single-Phase AC) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 181.37 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 154.17 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 18.5 kW (18,500 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 21.76 kVA / 11.47 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 24.81 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 250 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 3/0 AWG (NEC) / 70 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 18.5 kW at 120V (1-Phase)?
At 120V Single-Phase AC, 18.5 kW equals 181.37 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 154.17 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 18.5 kW at 120V?
For 181.37A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 250A with 3/0 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 200A breaker with 70 mm² copper cable.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
5 kW at 120V (1P)10 kW at 120V (1P)15 kW at 120V (1P)20 kW at 120V (1P)25 kW at 120V (1P)30 kW at 120V (1P)45 kW at 120V (1P)50 kW at 120V (1P)75 kW at 120V (1P)100 kW at 120V (1P)150 kW at 120V (1P)200 kW at 120V (1P)250 kW at 120V (1P)500 kW at 120V (1P)18.5 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC18.5 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)18.5 kW at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)18.5 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC18.5 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC18.5 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)18.5 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)18.5 kW at 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)18.5 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)18.5 kW at 24V DC Direct Current18.5 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus