In a resistive circuit, voltamps and watts are equal, because the power factor is 1 (100%). In an inductive circuit, since the current lags the voltage, voltamps is generally higher than watts. In other words, apparent power is higher than actual, usable power.

Is there an easy formula to convert voltamp ratings to amps in an inductive, non-transformer, circuit. Capacitve circuit?

 

Oops. double posted <_<

 

Power factor = True power/Apparent power

= W/VA