Force Converter
Force measurements appear in electrical work when calculating wire pulling tension, conduit support loads, and anchor ratings. Equipment specifications may use Newtons (the SI standard), while field tools and US building codes often reference pound-force. This converter bridges the gap between metric and imperial force units.
Enter a force value in Newtons (or select a different input unit) and instantly see the equivalent in pound-force, kilogram-force, and dynes. All conversions use standard factors through a Newton base unit.
Conversion Factors
| Unit | Newtons (N) |
|---|---|
| 1 Pound-Force (lbf) | 4.44822 N |
| 1 Kilogram-Force (kgf) | 9.80665 N |
| 1 Dyne (dyn) | 0.00001 N |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Newtons and pound-force?
A Newton (N) is the SI unit of force equal to the force needed to accelerate 1 kg at 1 m/s squared. Pound-force (lbf) is the imperial unit equal to the gravitational force on one pound of mass. 1 lbf equals approximately 4.44822 Newtons.
When do electricians need to convert force units?
Electricians encounter force units when calculating wire pulling tension, conduit support loads, and anchor bolt ratings. Equipment specs may list ratings in Newtons while field tools measure in pound-force, requiring conversion between the two.
What is a dyne?
A dyne is a CGS (centimeter-gram-second) unit of force. One dyne equals 0.00001 Newtons (10 micro-Newtons). It is rarely used in electrical trade work but appears in some physics and materials science references.