kVA to Amps Calculator
kVA is apparent power, so the conversion is simply amps = (kVA × 1,000) ÷ volts — no power factor needed, because kVA already includes it. A 5 kVA generator on a 240-volt circuit delivers about 20.8 amps.
Voltage
20.8 amps
5 kVA on a 240-volt single-phase circuit is about 20.8 amps.
Will it trip the breaker? That's well within a 30-amp circuit (safe continuous limit 24A). It's getting close to that 30A circuit's comfortable limit — don't pile much else on it.
Runs in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere. Estimates assume nominal voltage and ideal conditions; confirm with a licensed electrician and local code before sizing wire or breakers.
What each breaker can safely carry
The raw rating vs. the safe continuous load (the 80% rule — what actually keeps the breaker from tripping on a load running 3+ hours).
| Breaker | Watts @120V | Watts @240V | Safe continuous @120V |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 A | 1,800 W | 3,600 W | 1,440 W |
| 20 A | 2,400 W | 4,800 W | 1,920 W |
| 30 A | 3,600 W | 7,200 W | 2,880 W |
| 40 A | 4,800 W | 9,600 W | 3,840 W |
| 50 A | 6,000 W | 12,000 W | 4,800 W |
The formula
Multiply the kVA by 1,000, then divide by the voltage. Amps = (kVA × 1000) ÷ Volts. Don't multiply by power factor — kVA is already apparent power, and doing it twice is the most common kVA mistake.
Example: A 5 kVA generator on a 240-volt circuit: 5000 ÷ 240 = 20.8 amps.
One caveat that keeps people safe: This is a guide for estimation only. Conversions assume nominal voltage and ideal conditions; real installations vary with power factor, voltage drop, temperature, wire type, and continuous vs. brief use. It doesn't replace the National Electrical Code or a licensed electrician — always confirm with a pro and local code before sizing wire, breakers, or circuits.
Hiring out the wiring?
Before you pay anyone to touch your panel or wiring, make sure they're actually licensed. You can check a contractor's license on StateCreds — our sister site.
Verify a contractor's license by state →Common questions
- How many amps is a 5 kVA generator?
- About 20.8 amps at 240V, or 41.7 amps at 120V. Generators are usually rated in kVA (apparent power); divide by the voltage to get the amps a circuit must carry.
- What's the difference between kVA and kW?
- kW is real power (the work actually done); kVA is apparent power (the total the system has to supply). They're linked by power factor: kW = kVA × PF, so kW is always ≤ kVA. Generators are rated in kVA because they must supply the apparent power.
- Do I multiply kVA by power factor to get amps?
- No — that's the classic error. kVA already includes the power factor, so amps = kVA × 1000 ÷ volts directly. You'd only apply power factor when converting kVA to kW.
- Is this single-phase or three-phase?
- Single-phase (homes, small generators). Three-phase uses a √3 factor: amps = (kVA × 1000) ÷ (√3 × line-voltage) — size that with an electrician.
Sizing a generator by amps is one piece — here's the related kW conversion.
kW to amps →