How to Convert HP to Wattage
Finding the horse power (HP) in an electrical device can be calculated if you have the wattage specifications. In some cases, the wattage may not be identified. There may be a metal tag or paper label that only lists the voltage and amperage of the device. In cases such as these, and by applying basic electrical formulas, you can find the wattage and horsepower of any electrical device. Most all electrical appliances will have some form of electrical specifications located near the bottom of the unit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Locate the electrical specifications for your particular device. As an example, a refrigerator powered by 120VAC has an amperage draw of 15 amps. Find the total wattage of the appliance by multiplying the voltage times the amperage (W = V x A). The wattage consumed is equal to 1,800 watts.
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Understand that there is also a basic conversion for HP to wattage. In this conversion, 746 watts is equal to 1 horsepower.
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3
Calculate the amount of horsepower used by the refrigerator. Divide 1,800 watts by 746 watts per HP. The amount of horsepower of the refrigerator is equal to 2.41 HP.
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Find the wattage to an electric motor that has a power specification of 5.0 HP. Multiply 5.0 HP times 746 watts per HP. The total wattage of the electric motor is equal to 3,730 watts.
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5
Calculate the amperage draw from the electric motor when 120VAC is supplied from the main electrical panel. Using the basic electrical formula from step 1 and converting it through algebra, the formula now reads: amperage is equal to wattage divided by voltage (a = w/v). The amperage draw of the 5.0 HP motor is equal to 3,730 watts/120VAC which is 31.08 amperes.
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Tips & Warnings
In cases where the electrical specifications are not located on the unit itself, this information listed in the owners manual.
