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Single conversion
To convert from Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) to Megavolt-Ampere (MVA), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) to Megavolt-Ampere (MVA).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) is equal to Megavolt-Ampere (MVA).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) to Megavolt-Ampere (MVA):
| Kilovolt-Amperes | Megavolt-Amperes |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 kVA | MVA |
| 0.001 kVA | MVA |
| 0.1 kVA | MVA |
| 1 kVA | MVA |
| 2 kVA | MVA |
| 3 kVA | MVA |
| 4 kVA | MVA |
| 5 kVA | MVA |
| 6 kVA | MVA |
| 7 kVA | MVA |
| 8 kVA | MVA |
| 9 kVA | MVA |
| 10 kVA | MVA |
| 20 kVA | MVA |
| 30 kVA | MVA |
| 40 kVA | MVA |
| 50 kVA | MVA |
| 100 kVA | MVA |
| 1000 kVA | MVA |
| 10000 kVA | MVA |
For all Apparent Power converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA) is a unit of measurement for "apparent power."
Apparent power represents the total amount of power being used in an electrical circuit. One kVA is equal to 1,000 volt-amperes.
Think of it as the complete power load, which is why kVA is the most important measurement for correctly sizing heavy-duty electrical equipment.
Apparent power (kVA) is a combination of two distinct types of power:
You can calculate kVA using a simple formula.
For a single-phase circuit, which is common in most homes and small businesses, the kVA formula is:
kVA = (Voltage × Amperes) / 1000
For example, a 240-volt circuit drawing 50 amps would have an apparent power of 12 kVA.
(240 Volts × 50 Amps) / 1000 = 12 kVA
This is the most crucial part: Key equipment like generators, transformers, and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are all rated in kVA.
This kVA rating tells you the true maximum load the equipment can safely handle.
If you only look at the real power (kW) when sizing a generator or UPS, you risk choosing a unit that is too small.
An undersized unit can overload, overheat, or fail when you need it most.
The kVA rating provides the complete power picture, ensuring your equipment can handle both the "useful" (kW) and "wasted" (kVAR) power safely.
A Megavolt-Ampere (MVA) is a unit of measurement for apparent power in an electrical system.
It is a large unit, equal to one million volt-amperes ( VA or VA).
Think of MVA as the "total" power flowing through the system. This total amount includes the "useful" power that does work, as well as the "reactive" power required to keep the system running.
It's important not to confuse apparent power (MVA) with real power (MW). Although they are related, they measure different things:
Real Power (MW): This is the "useful" power that does actual work, like lighting a bulb, running a motor, or heating a home. It is measured in Megawatts (MW).
Apparent Power (MVA): This is the combination of real power and reactive power (MVAR). Reactive power doesn't do valuable work, but it's needed by equipment like motors and transformers to create magnetic fields.
A utility company must be able to supply the entire apparent power (MVA), even though customers only use the real power (MW). This is why MVA is a crucial measurement for system capacity and grid management.
You will notice that large electrical equipment, like transformers and generators, is rated in MVA, not MW.
This is because this equipment is designed to handle a specific total voltage and current, regardless of the load it's connected to.
The MVA rating represents the equipment's true total capacity. This rating ensures the device can safely manage the entire apparent power load (both real and reactive) without overheating or failing, which is essential for safety and reliability.
The power triangle best explains the relationship between MVA, MW, and power factor.
This relationship gives us a simple formula to convert MVA to MW using a value called the Power Factor. The power factor (a number between 0 and 1) measures how efficiently the electrical system is using power.
The formula is:
MW = MVA Power Factor
This calculation is fundamental for engineers designing and managing efficient power grids.