What current does a 3Ø, 480-volt, 45 kVA load draw compared to a delta-connected load?

To determine the current drawn by a 3-phase, 480-volt, 45 kVA load connected in a delta configuration, we start with the formula for calculating the current in a three-phase system, which is given by:

I = P / (√3 × V_line)

In this case, the power P is 45 kVA (or 45,000 VA), and the line voltage V_line is 480 volts.

When applying the formula, we first convert the power from kVA to watts:

I = 45000 / (√3 × 480)

Calculating this gives us the line current. The formula inherently accounts for the three-phase nature of the load and the specific configuration (delta in this case).

In a delta connection, the total power distribution remains consistent based on the voltage and the power factor; thus, the line current calculated using the above relationship correctly reflects the nature of a delta connection. Importantly, because a delta connection uses phase voltages that are determined by the line voltage, the relationship between the line current and the load does not change.

Therefore, the current drawn from the supply lines remains consistent irrespective of the connection type, confirming that the line current calculated for the load will be the