20 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 20 kW on a 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)98.04 AAt 1.0 PF: 83.33 A
Active / Apparent Power20.0 kW23.53 kVA · 12.39 kVAR
Recommended Breaker125 A (NEC)100 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire3 AWGIEC Metric: 25 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 20 kW at 240V
| Input Rating | 20 kW (240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 98.04 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 83.33 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 20.0 kW (20,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 23.53 kVA / 12.39 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 26.82 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 125 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 3 AWG (NEC) / 25 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 20 kW at 240V (1-Phase)?
At 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC), 20 kW equals 98.04 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 83.33 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 20 kW at 240V?
For 98.04A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 125A with 3 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 100A breaker with 25 mm² copper cable.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
5 kW at 240V (1P)10 kW at 240V (1P)15 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)20 kW at 120V Single-Phase AC20 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC20 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)20 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC20 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC20 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)20 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)20 kW at 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)20 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)20 kW at 24V DC Direct Current20 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus