500 kVA to Amps at 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)
Exact current (Amps), real power (kW), apparent power (kVA), mechanical horsepower (HP), breaker rating, and conductor size for 500 kVA on a 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial) circuit.
Line Current (0.85 PF)601.41 AAt 1.0 PF: 601.41 A
Active / Apparent Power425.0 kW500.0 kVA · 263.39 kVAR
Recommended Breaker800 A (NEC)700 A (IEC Nominal)
Recommended Copper Wire2× 1000 kcmil (Parallel)IEC Metric: 2× 400 mm²
Engineering Breakdown for 500 kVA at 480V
| Input Rating | 500 kVA (480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial)) |
| Amperage at 0.85 Power Factor (Industrial Motor/Transformer) | 601.41 Amps |
| Amperage at 1.00 Power Factor (Resistive Load) | 601.41 Amps |
| Real Power (kW / Watts) | 425.0 kW (425,000 W) |
| Apparent Power (kVA) & Reactive Power (kVAR) | 500.0 kVA / 263.39 kVAR |
| Equivalent Mechanical Horsepower (HP) | 569.93 HP |
| NEC 125% Continuous Circuit Breaker | 800 A |
| Minimum Copper Conductor (100 ft / 30 m, ≤3% Drop) | 2× 1000 kcmil (Parallel) (NEC) / 2× 400 mm² (IEC) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is 500 kVA at 480V (3-Phase)?
At 480V Three-Phase AC (US Industrial), 500 kVA equals 601.41 Amps at an industrial power factor of 0.85 (or 601.41 Amps at unity power factor 1.0).
What size breaker and wire is needed for 500 kVA at 480V?
For 601.41A continuous load, NEC requires a 125% rated breaker of 800A with 2× 1000 kcmil (Parallel) copper conductors, while IEC standard sizing uses a 700A breaker with 2× 400 mm² copper cable.
Other Power Ratings & Voltages
5 kVA at 480V (3P)10 kVA at 480V (3P)15 kVA at 480V (3P)20 kVA at 480V (3P)25 kVA at 480V (3P)30 kVA at 480V (3P)45 kVA at 480V (3P)50 kVA at 480V (3P)75 kVA at 480V (3P)100 kVA at 480V (3P)150 kVA at 480V (3P)200 kVA at 480V (3P)250 kVA at 480V (3P)500 kVA at 120V Single-Phase AC500 kVA at 208V Single-Phase AC500 kVA at 230V Single-Phase AC (IEC)500 kVA at 240V Single-Phase AC (NEC)500 kVA at 208V Three-Phase AC500 kVA at 230V Three-Phase AC500 kVA at 400V Three-Phase AC (IEC Europe)500 kVA at 415V Three-Phase AC (UK / AU)500 kVA at 600V Three-Phase AC (Canada / Heavy)500 kVA at 24V DC Direct Current500 kVA at 48V DC Battery / Telecom Bus