Tons to Amps Calculator

Convert cooling capacity (Tons of Refrigeration) to electrical current (Amps) for HVAC systems. Calculate power consumption, breaker size, and cable requirements.

HVAC Electrical Calculator:

Convert cooling tons to electrical amps using voltage, power factor, and efficiency. Get breaker recommendations and cable size estimates for safe installations.

Tons to Amps Converter

Mode

Cooling capacity of HVAC system

Supply voltage

Typical range: 0.8 - 0.95 for HVAC motors

Motor and compressor efficiency (typical: 80-95%)

Calculation Results

Enter cooling capacity and voltage

then click "Calculate" for results

Tons to Amps Calculator

Air conditioning systems are rated in tons, but electrical panels and circuits are designed using amps. Converting between these units helps electricians, HVAC technicians, and building planners choose the right breakers, wires, and power supplies for cooling equipment.

Formulas Used in This Calculator

The conversion happens in two steps. First, we convert cooling capacity into electrical power (kW), then calculate current based on voltage and power factor.

Step 1: Convert Tons to Power
kW = (Tons × 12,000) ÷ 3412
1 Ton ≈ 3.517 kW of electrical power
Step 2: Calculate Current (Single Phase)
Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (Voltage × Power Factor × Efficiency)
Step 2: Calculate Current (Three Phase)
Amps = (kW × 1000) ÷ (√3 × Voltage × Power Factor × Efficiency)
√3 ≈ 1.732 for three-phase systems

Tons to Amps Reference Table

Below is a reference table showing typical amp draws for common HVAC systems at different voltages:

Tons BTU/hr Voltage Phase Amps kW
1 12,000 230V Single 6.5 A 3.5 kW
1.5 18,000 230V Single 9.8 A 5.3 kW
2 24,000 230V Single 13.0 A 7.0 kW
2.5 30,000 230V Single 16.3 A 8.8 kW
3 36,000 230V Single 19.5 A 10.6 kW
3.5 42,000 230V Single 22.8 A 12.3 kW
4 48,000 230V Single 26.0 A 14.1 kW
5 60,000 230V Single 32.5 A 17.6 kW
5 60,000 400V Three 9.5 A 17.6 kW
7.5 90,000 400V Three 14.2 A 26.4 kW
10 120,000 400V Three 18.8 A 35.2 kW
15 180,000 415V Three 27.2 A 52.8 kW
20 240,000 415V Three 36.3 A 70.3 kW
25 300,000 440V Three 41.5 A 87.9 kW
30 360,000 440V Three 49.8 A 105.5 kW
40 480,000 460V Three 62.1 A 140.7 kW
50 600,000 480V Three 72.4 A 175.8 kW
75 900,000 480V Three 108.6 A 263.8 kW
100 1,200,000 480V Three 144.8 A 351.7 kW
150 1,800,000 480V Three 217.2 A 527.5 kW