How Many Amps Is 15 kW?
15 kW = 15,000 W. At 240 V single-phase (PF 0.8): 78.1250 A. At 400 V three-phase (PF 0.8): 27.0633 A per phase. As DC at 240 V: 62.5000 A. Use the calculator below for any voltage or circuit type.
Real example: a 15 kW (20 HP) motor or standby generator
15 kW is a 20 HP three-phase motor or a mid-size home standby generator. At 400 V PF 0.8 it draws about 27 A per phase; at 480 V about 22.6 A. Single-phase at 240 V it would be 78 A, which is why 15 kW loads are three-phase.
15 kW to Amps — Reference Chart
| Circuit | Voltage | PF | Amps |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC | 120 V | — | 125.0000 A |
| DC | 240 V | — | 62.5000 A |
| DC | 480 V | — | 31.2500 A |
| AC 1Ø | 120 V | 1.0 | 125.0000 A |
| AC 1Ø | 240 V | 1.0 | 62.5000 A |
| AC 1Ø | 240 V | 0.8 | 78.1250 A |
| AC 3Ø (L-L) | 208 V | 0.8 | 52.0448 A |
| AC 3Ø (L-L) | 400 V | 0.8 | 27.0633 A |
| AC 3Ø (L-L) | 480 V | 0.8 | 22.5527 A |
Wire & breaker: As a 20 HP motor, size the circuit by NEC Article 430 FLC tables, not 125%. As a resistive/generator load at 400 V three-phase the current is ~27 A, calling for a 30–40 A breaker depending on duty. An electrician should confirm. Background: watts vs amps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 15 kW at 240V single-phase?
15 kW at 240V DC or PF 1 = (15 × 1,000) ÷ 240 = 62.5000 amps. For AC single-phase with PF 0.8: 15,000 ÷ (240 × 0.8) = 78.1250 amps.
How many amps is 15 kW on a 400V three-phase supply?
15 kW on 400V three-phase at PF 0.8 = (15 × 1,000) ÷ (√3 × 400 × 0.8) = 27.0633 amps per phase. At unity PF: 21.6506 amps.
How many amps is 15 kW at 400V three-phase?
15 kW at 400 V three-phase, PF 0.8 = 15,000 ÷ (√3 × 400 × 0.8) = 27.0633 A per phase. At unity PF it is 21.6506 A. Convert back with amps to kW.