Calculating DC power usage

dcpower

I am just wondering what voltage to use in this situation when calculating the power consumption of a circuit. (P=VI)

I have a 24V DC power supply with 2 x 3V DC motors in the circuit. I have transformed to voltage to suit the motors and have an Ammeter recording the current.

Would it be correct to use the 24V (supply) in the overall circuit power calculation or do you use 3V as that is what the motors are running at?

Thanks

Best Answer

If you wanting a figure for power you must measure current and voltage at the same place.

measureing the current at the 24V supply and multplying by 24V will give you the input power that the system needs.

measuring the current at the motors ans multiplying by the 3V the motor supply provides will give the power used by the motors only.