One horsepower is equivalent to how many watts?

One horsepower is equivalent to 746 watts. This conversion is important in various engineering and technical contexts, especially in control systems, where understanding power requirements for motors and other equipment is essential for system design and analysis.

The unit of horsepower was originally developed as a way to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses, and it continues to be used today to describe motor output. The reason 746 watts is the correct figure comes from the historical context—one mechanical horsepower represents the ability to do 550 foot-pounds of work per second, which converts to 746 watts when using the formula for work and power.

Recognizing this conversion is crucial for technicians in the field who must work with various power sources, fixtures, and systems, ensuring compatibility and proper operation of equipment.