Electricity: what is the difference between kVA and kW?

For uninitiated people, kilowatt (kW) and kilovolt ampere (kVA) may seem to mean the same thing. However, understanding the difference between these two power units that characterize our daily electricity consumption is very important. This allows you to choose The electricity supply the most adapted to your needs while controlling your costs.

SirEnergies distinguishes between these two units of measurement for you.

Definition of kW (kilowatt) and kVA (kilovoltampere)

kW indicates the power used by an electrical appliance to function normally. For its part, kVA allows you to specify the power of the electric meter that you have chosen.

What does kW or kilowatt mean?

Let's do a quick reminder of your distant physics lessons that you must have forgotten. The symbol kW Refers to kilowatt. One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. It's about Of the multiple of the most used watt.

This unit of measurement is associated with the nominal power of each of your household electrical appliances. Technically, the power (watt) is equal to the product of the voltage (volt) and the intensity of the current (ampere) that passes through the device.

Unlike kVA, kW does not take reactive power into account. Thus, kW measures only how much energy is actually consumed to do a specific job.

What does kVA or kilovolt ampere mean?

The symbol kVA refers to kilovolt ampere. The kVA is a multiple of the volt ampere (VA) and is equivalent to 1,000 VA. This unit of measurement characterizes apparent electrical power. We also talk of subscribed power Of the counter.

To put it simply, the kilovolt ampere measures the power actually made available by the network to operate your electrical installation. It's the maximum load of your meter for optimal functioning of all your electrical devices.

The essential difference between kVA and kW

The main difference between kVA and kW is that the kVA takes into account both active power and reactive power, while the kW only measures active power.

This means that the kVA value is always equal to or greater than the kW value, due to the addition of reactive power in the kVA calculation.

Key differences kW vs kVA - Source: SirEnergies

kVA and kW conversion: instructions for use

It is considered that 1 kVA electricity is equal to 1 kW, which makes the calculation very simple. For example, 9 kVA in kW gives 9 kVA = 9 kW.

kVA to kW and W conversion table - Source: Engie

Use both power units to optimize your consumption

While kilowatts allow you to quantify all of your effective operating electrical power needs, kilovolt amperes tell you how many resources are available to meet these needs. There is therefore an arbitration to be made for the consumer when subscribing to his electricity offer.

Optimizing the power of the electric meter to avoid the risk of disjunctions

Ideally, The power of an electric meter in kVA must at least equal the cumulative nominal power of all your electrical devices operating simultaneously at any given time.

A meter whose subscribed power is for example 3 kVA will only tolerate the use of devices whose cumulative active power is 3 kW. If the power of the electric meter is insufficient at an instant T, it is Breaks off automatically. This can be really annoying, especially if cases of disjunction are repeated frequently.

Before choosing the power of your electric meter, it is therefore a good idea to carefully assess your consumption with your supplier or electrician taking into account certain factors: number and electrical appliances used, use of electric heating, size of the home, size of the home, frequency of use and nominal power of each element...

Optimizing the power of the electric meter to avoid paying too high bills

The higher the number of kVA on your meter, the higher the price of your subscription is also. If a subscribed power of 9 kVA is sufficient to meet all of your electrical consumption needs at all times, choosing a 12 kVA meter is not economically advantageous for you. You will pay more for nothing, because, by excess, active power is not as close as possible to your real needs.

So you have to estimate the number of kilowatts needed before any action at the risk of seeing your electricity bill increase.

The kW allows quantify the nominal power of your electrical devices, while kVA refers to The subscribed power of the electric meter.

To be sure to draw on the electrical network the power necessary for smooth and secure consumption, you can count on the support of SirEnergies. After analyzing your consumption profile, we show you the ways to consume better in order to make significant savings. With a reliable electricity supplier, we will also help you take out the contract that best suits your situation.

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