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Single conversion
To convert from Millivolt-Ampere (mVA) to Gigavolt-Ampere (GVA), use the following formula:
Let's convert 5 Millivolt-Ampere (mVA) to Gigavolt-Ampere (GVA).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Millivolt-Ampere (mVA) is equal to Gigavolt-Ampere (GVA).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Millivolt-Ampere (mVA) to Gigavolt-Ampere (GVA):
| Millivolt-Amperes | Gigavolt-Amperes |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 mVA | GVA |
| 0.001 mVA | GVA |
| 0.1 mVA | GVA |
| 1 mVA | GVA |
| 2 mVA | GVA |
| 3 mVA | GVA |
| 4 mVA | GVA |
| 5 mVA | GVA |
| 6 mVA | GVA |
| 7 mVA | GVA |
| 8 mVA | GVA |
| 9 mVA | GVA |
| 10 mVA | GVA |
| 20 mVA | GVA |
| 30 mVA | GVA |
| 40 mVA | GVA |
| 50 mVA | GVA |
| 100 mVA | GVA |
| 1000 mVA | GVA |
| 10000 mVA | GVA |
For all Apparent Power converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
A Millivolt-Ampere (mVA) is a unit of measurement for apparent power, formally recognized by the International System of Units (SI).
It is a tiny unit, equal to exactly one-thousandth of a Volt-Ampere (0.001 VA).
Because this unit is so small, it is not used for common household appliances but is instead used to measure the power in low-energy systems.
You will typically find mVA used in specifications for:
The Millivolt-Ampere (mVA) is a unit of apparent power. This is the total power in an AC (alternating current) circuit.
However, it's not the same as the "true power" (measured in Watts) that actually does work, like lighting a bulb.
A simple way to understand this is the "beer analogy":
Engineers use mVA to precisely measure this total load in very sensitive, low-power circuits.
The conversion between mVA and its base unit, the Volt-Ampere (VA), is very straightforward. The prefix "milli" means "one-thousandth."
This simple 1,000-to-1 ratio makes it easy to scale measurements.
For example, a small electronic component rated at 250 mVA is drawing 0.25 VA of apparent power.
A Gigavolt-Ampere (GVA) is a unit of measurement for apparent power.
As part of the International System of Units (SI), it represents a massive amount of power: one billion volt-amperes ( VA).
Simply put, GVA is used to describe power on an enormous, national scale.
GVA is used to measure the vast capacity of national power grids and massive power generation facilities.
For comparison, a typical home might use a few kilovolt-amperes (kVA). In contrast, a single large nuclear power plant can have a capacity rated in GVA.
This measurement represents the total apparent power—a combination of real power (the power that does work) and reactive power (power that sustains magnetic fields).
It is a critical figure for engineers planning and managing the infrastructure that powers entire countries.
It is essential to understand the difference between Gigavolt-Amperes (GVA) and Gigawatts (GW).
The relationship between these two measurements is defined by the power factor.
In a large-scale grid, a significant difference between the GVA and GW values indicates a high amount of reactive power. While this power doesn't perform useful work, it still strains equipment and can lead to energy loss. This is why managing the total GVA is crucial for maintaining an efficient power grid.
Major heavy electrical equipment, such as power transformers and generators, is rated in GVA or the more common Megavolt-Amperes (MVA).
This is because the equipment's physical limits are determined by the total voltage and current it can handle, regardless of the power factor.
The GVA rating tells engineers the absolute maximum apparent power a device can safely manage without overheating or failing.
This makes it a vital safety and design specification for the core components of any high-voltage power grid.