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 5 kW on a 120V Single-Phase AC circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)49.02 AAt 1.0 PF: 41.67 A
Active / Apparent Power5.0 kW5.88 kVA · 3.1 kVAR
Recommended Breaker63 A (NEC)50 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire6 AWGIEC Metric: 10 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 5 kW at 120V
| Input Rating | 5 kW (120V Single-Phase AC) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 49.02 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 41.67 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 5.0 kW (5,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 5.88 kVA / 3.1 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 6.71 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 63 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 6 AWG (NEC) / 10 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 5 kW at 120V (1-Phase)?
At 120V Single-Phase AC, 5 kW equals 49.02 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 41.67 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 5 kW at 120V?
For 49.02A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 63A with 6 AWG copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 50A breaker with 10 mm² copper cable.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
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)5 kW at 208V Single-Phase AC5 kW at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)5 kW at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)5 kW at 208V Three-Phase AC5 kW at 230V Three-Phase AC5 kW at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)5 kW at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)5 kW at 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)5 kW at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)5 kW at 24V DC Direct Current5 kW at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus