What unit measures True Power in a circuit?

True Power in a circuit is measured in Watts (W). True Power represents the actual power consumed by a circuit to perform work. It is the product of voltage, current, and the cosine of the phase angle between them (the power factor) in AC circuits. This measure distinguishes it from apparent power, which is expressed in Volt-Amperes (VA), and reactive power, measured in Volt-Amperes Reactive (VAR).

True Power reflects the energy that is converted into useful work, such as lighting a bulb or powering a motor. Understanding this concept is essential for analyzing and designing electrical circuits because it directly relates to the energy consumed and impacts utility billing and efficiency considerations. By focusing on the actual power that does useful work, engineers and technicians can ensure systems are optimized for performance and cost-effectiveness.