Power Converter

Power is the rate of using or producing energy. Engines are rated in horsepower, heaters and air conditioners in BTU per hour or tons, and electrical devices in watts and kilowatts. This converter handles all of them, including the difference between mechanical horsepower (745.7 W) and metric horsepower, PS or CV (735.5 W).

How to use Power Converter

1. Type the value you want to convert.
2. Choose the unit you have in From and the unit you want in To. The swap button turns the conversion round.
3. Read the answer, with the formula underneath. For example, 1 ton of refrigeration = 12,000 BTU/h = 3.517 kW.
4. Open All units to see the value in every unit at once, and copy the one you need.

When it comes in handy

• Comparing car engine power quoted in kW, hp and PS.
• Sizing an air conditioner in tons, BTU/h or kW.
• Converting generator and solar inverter ratings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a "1.5 ton" air conditioner in kW?

A ton of refrigeration is the cooling power of melting one short ton of ice a day: 12,000 BTU/h, or about 3.517 kW of cooling. A 1.5 ton unit gives about 5.3 kW of cooling. Its electrical consumption is much lower, depending on its efficiency.

Why are there two kinds of horsepower?

Mechanical (imperial) horsepower is 550 foot-pounds per second, 745.7 W. Metric horsepower (PS in Germany, CV in France and Italy) is 75 kilogram-force metres per second, 735.5 W, about 1.4% less.