What does 'kVA' stand for in electrical measurements?

'kVA' stands for kilovolt-amps, which is a unit of apparent power in an electrical system. It represents the total power flowing in a circuit, effectively combining both the real power (measured in kilowatts, kW) and reactive power (which is associated with the energy storage in inductive and capacitive components). The use of kilovolt-amps as a measurement enables engineers and electricians to assess how much power is being used without taking into account the phase difference between voltage and current, particularly in AC systems. This makes it essential in applications involving transformers and generators where apparent power needs to be specified. The term 'kilovolt' denotes a thousand volts, while 'amps' refers to current, giving the combined unit a clear physical meaning in electrical contexts.