kilovolt ampere

/ˈkɪləˌvoʊlt ˈæmpɪr/
noun
  1. A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 volt-amperes, used to measure apparent power in an electrical circuit.
    • The new data center requires a 2,000 kilovolt-ampere backup generator.
    • The generator is rated at 500 kilovolt-amperes, enough to power a small factory.
    • Electricians use kilovolt-ampere ratings to size transformers for buildings.