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A Volt-Ampere (VA) is a unit of measurement for "apparent power" in an electrical circuit.
It represents the total power supplied by a source, which is critical for understanding a device's full electrical load.
Think of VA as the total potential power a device can draw.
In contrast, Watts (W) measures the actual working power the device consumes.
This is the key difference between "apparent power" (VA) and "real power" (Watts). The VA rating is always greater than or equal to the wattage.
The difference between these two measurements is known as the "power factor (PF)."
The VA rating is crucial for correctly sizing equipment like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and transformers.
Why? Because these devices must support the entire electrical load—which includes both real and reactive power—not just the power being actively used.
Sizing a UPS based only on Watts could lead to overloading and system failure, as it wouldn't account for the total current the connected devices draw.
The formula to calculate Volt-Amperes is straightforward:
VA = Volts Amperes
By multiplying a device's operating voltage by the current (in amps) it draws, you can determine its apparent power.
This calculation is essential for IT professionals and electricians when assessing power needs or planning for new hardware.