What does "kVA" stand for in electrical terminology?

In electrical terminology, "kVA" stands for kilovolt-amps. This unit of measurement is used to express apparent power in an electrical circuit. Apparent power combines both active power (measured in kilowatts, kW) and reactive power (measured in kilovars, kVAR), giving a comprehensive understanding of the total power flow within a system.

The term "kilovolt" indicates a voltage level that is 1,000 volts, while "amps" refers to the current or flow of electricity in amperes. Therefore, when you multiply kilovolts by amps, you arrive at kilovolt-amps, which signifies the total electrical power before any consideration of the phase difference between voltage and current.

This metric is particularly useful in power generation and distribution, as it helps engineers and electricians size equipment and systems according to their power handling capabilities. Understanding kVA is essential for ensuring devices are correctly rated and can operate efficiently without the risk of overload.