prompter: What `Volt*Ampere` units are used for?

assistant: The unit VA (volt-ampere) is used in electrical engineering to measure apparent power in an AC circuit. Apparent power is the total electrical power load applied to the components of the circuit. It includes power resulting from oscillating currents that effectively do not transfer energy (so called reactive power). Electrical components must be designed to endure the apparent power, so the unit VA is sometimes used to rate the maximum load, e.g., of AC power supplies or transformers.

Technically, 1 VA is equivalent to 1 Watt. However, the unit VA is used for apparent power to avoid confusion with active power (measured in Watts), which is the actual energy that is actually transferred and can be used, e.g., to light a lamp or drive a motor.

prompter: What is the common VA used in households. List by country.

assistant: A volt-ampere (SI symbol: V⋅A or V A, simplified as VA) is the unit for the apparent power in an electrical circuit. Volt-amperes are usually used for analysing alternating current (AC) circuits. VA units are dimensionally equivalent to Watts.

prompter: Oh... I see, is there any way that I can increase the Watts output from the outlet? I need to run several kitchen machines from the same outlet and every time I plug in the kettle and the microwave the power goes out?

assistant: It is not recommended to increase the wattage output from an outlet beyond its rated capacity, as this can cause electrical hazards such as fire or damage to appliances. The best solution would be to distribute the load by plugging the kitchen machines into different outlets or circuits, or by using lower wattage appliances that do not exceed the outlet's capacity. Alternatively, you can consult an electrician to evaluate and potentially upgrade your electrical system to accommodate your needs.

assistant: In your case, it might be the breaker keeps tripping due to overloading. However, the breakers are usually set to fit with other limitations in your home, for example, the gauge (thickness) of the larger wires going from the meter to the main panel, and the wires from the breaker to the outlet. Upgrading all these means replacing the main panel, the wires and getting new breakers, causing high complexity and expenses.
A cheaper and easier solution is to add an additional breaker if your main panel has space left and connect it to a new dedicated outlet for one of the power-hungry machines. Or you can first try connecting some of them to outlets in other rooms which are likely powered by different breakers.

assistant: If you're experiencing power outages every time you plug in your kettle and microwave, it's possible that you're exceeding the electrical capacity of the outlet. To increase the amount of power available from the outlet, you have a few options:

1. Upgrade your electrical panel: If you have an older electrical panel, upgrading to a newer one with a higher capacity may resolve your issue.

2. Install a dedicated circuit: You can have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for your kitchen machines to ensure that they have a separate, dedicated source of power.

3. Use a power strip with surge protection: Using a power strip with surge protection can help you manage the power draw from multiple devices, and protect your appliances from power surges.

4. Use energy-efficient appliances: Replacing older, inefficient appliances with newer, energy-efficient models can reduce the power draw and help prevent power outages.

If you're unsure of the best solution for your situation, it's best to consult with a licensed electrician who can assess your electrical system and recommend the best course of action.

assistant: Theoretically, yes, it's possible to increase the wattage output from an outlet. However, this is not a trivial task and depending on where you live, it might not be possible at all without breaking building codes. You might need to use more than one outlet, but first ensure they are distributed over different phases.

assistant: Volt times Ampere is Watt and it it the SI-unit used for power.

prompter: Thank you that is correct

assistant: No problem. Happy to help!