What does 4000 VA mean?

pianotuna wrote:
Hi all,

What exactly does 4000 VA mean in an autoformer? In a generator? In an inverter?

Thanks in advance.

It means that the Voltage times the Amps (Which by the way is NOT the same thing as Watts in this case) must not exceed 4000

For example 120 Volts times 40 amps = 4800 VA which is 800 two much

120n volts times 30 amps is 3600 VA, and thus ok

For the record 3600 VA times a power factor of 0.9 = 3240 Watts

Power factors in DC systems are always 1, but in AC systems involving Motors, Transformers or other inductive loads may be lower. Only resistive loads are PF 1.0 (light bulbs, Space/water/Fridge heaters)