If a 6kW device in uk takes 26 amps (6000/230), does this mean the same device in the US will take 50 amps(6000/120)?

[howieleem]

If a 6kW device in uk takes 26 amps (6000/230), does this mean the same device in the US will take 50 amps(6000/120)?

 

[Wilko]

Hi - if you used a transformer to get the right voltage then yes the transformer primary (the 120V side) current draw might be that, plus a bit more for transformer efficiency losses.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

As per Wilko, it's not clear if you mean the 230V version of the device operating on 120V (which as he says, probably won't work) or a 120V version of the same device, which would indeed require 50A.

However, many USA electrical installations have a 120-0-120V configuration, meaning that while small appliances and lights operate at 120V from hot (line) to neutral, 240V is also available between the two hot (line) wires. Equipment of this kind of power rating is most commonly arranged to take its power at 240V rather than 120V and hence would consume 25A. One could use a 30A, 240V branch circuit and NEMA 14-30 4-prong plug and receptacle, which is the current standard for clothes dryers for example.

 

[howieleem]

As per Wilko, it's not clear if you mean the 230V version of the device operating on 120V (which as he says, probably won't work) or a 120V version of the same device, which would indeed require 50A.

However, many USA electrical installations have a 120-0-120V configuration, meaning that while small appliances and lights operate at 120V from hot (line) to neutral, 240V is also available between the two hot (line) wires. Equipment of this kind of power rating is most commonly arranged to take its power at 240V rather than 120V and hence would consume 25A. One could use a 30A, 240V branch circuit and NEMA 14-30 4-prong plug and receptacle, which is the current standard for clothes dryers for example.

So if it was a 120V version of the device drawing 50amps, they must have much bigger mains cables in the US?

 

[Pete999]

So if it was a 120V version of the device drawing 50amps, they must have much bigger mains cables in the US?

Isn't everything bigger in the US? Sorry Megawatt Mate.

 

[snowhead]

So if it was a 120V version of the device drawing 50amps, they must have much bigger mains cables in the US?

In theory Yes, but they wouldn't put a 6kw load on a 120v supply.
As Lucien, above, it would be on 240v..

 

[AJshep]

Depends if it's a resistive load... In the UK alot of resistive loads have a KW rating but its worked out on using their resistance at the intended voltage.
If you take a 3KW kettle in the UK that approximately draws 13amps at 230v the resistance of the element is approx 17 ohms

If this were running at 120v / 17ohms the current would be less at 8.6amps but it would take longer to boil.

If it were and inductive load then yes it would draw more current.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

If it were and inductive load then yes it would draw more current.

Different kinds of loads will behave in different ways, some will take increased current, some decreased, some won't function. Most 230V-rated loads that are significantly inductive will not function on 120V, or if the device has a voltage selector that allows it to function correctly on 120V, it matters not what kind of load it is.

As per my post #2, it's not clear whether the OP meant the exact same device rated for 230V only, or a similar one rated for 120V only, or a dual-voltage one.