42 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 42 kW on a 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)59.43 AAt 1.0 PF: 50.52 A
Active / Apparent Power42.0 kW49.41 kVA · 26.03 kVAR
Recommended Breaker80 A (NEC)60 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire6 AWGIEC Metric: 16 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 42 kW at 480V
| Input Rating | 42 kW (480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 59.43 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 50.52 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 42.0 kW (42,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 49.41 kVA / 26.03 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 56.32 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 80 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 6 AWG (NEC) / 16 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 42 kW at 480V (3-Phase)?
At 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial), 42 kW equals 59.43 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 50.52 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 42 kW at 480V?
For 59.43A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 80A with 6 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 60A breaker with 16 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)42 kW at 120V Single-Phase AC42 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC42 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)42 kW at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)42 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC42 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC42 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)42 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)42 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)42 kW at 24V DC Direct Current42 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus