Power Converter

Horsepower (hp) and kilowatts (kW) both measure power output. 1 horsepower = 0.746 kilowatts. Cars in the US use horsepower, while most other countries use kilowatts. Electric vehicles globally use kW. Understanding both helps compare engine performance and electric motor efficiency internationally.

Power conversions follow decimal multiplication: 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts, 1 megawatt = 1,000 kilowatts = 1,000,000 watts. Home appliances use watts/kilowatts, while power plants use megawatts/gigawatts. These conversions are essential for electrical engineering, energy audits, and understanding power consumption.

Air conditioners use BTU/hour in the US and watts/kilowatts internationally. Conversion: 1 BTU/hour = 0.293 watts. A 12,000 BTU/hour AC equals about 3.5 kW. Understanding both ratings helps choose appropriate cooling capacity when traveling or buying international appliances.

Solar systems use watts for panel rating and kilowatts for system size. Important conversions: panel watts to system kilowatts, daily kilowatt-hour production, and power density calculations. These conversions help size renewable energy systems and calculate return on investment for solar installations.

EV charging uses kilowatts globally: Level 1 (1.4-1.9 kW), Level 2 (3.3-19.2 kW), DC fast charging (50-350 kW). Understanding these power levels helps estimate charging times and plan EV trips. Higher kW ratings mean faster charging but require appropriate electrical infrastructure.

Home appliances range from LED bulbs (5-15 watts) to electric dryers (2000-5000 watts). Key conversions help calculate electricity costs: multiply appliance watts by hours used, then convert to kilowatt-hours for billing. Understanding power ratings helps choose energy-efficient appliances and manage electricity costs.