1. What is Power Factor?

Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (P) to apparent power (V×I) in an AC electrical system. It represents the efficiency with which electrical power is converted into useful work output.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power factor formula:

Where:

• \( PF \) — Power Factor (unitless)
• \( P \) — Real Power (watts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amps)

Explanation: Power factor ranges from 0 to 1, where 1 represents perfect efficiency with all power being used for useful work.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency, resulting in higher energy costs, increased current draw, and potential equipment damage. Utilities often charge penalties for low power factor.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter real power in watts, voltage in volts, and current in amps. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: Ideally, power factor should be close to 1.0. Values above 0.95 are considered good, while values below 0.85 may incur utility penalties.

Q2: What causes low power factor?
A: Inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting cause phase difference between voltage and current, resulting in low power factor.

Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor correction capacitors can be installed to counteract inductive loads and bring power factor closer to unity.

Q4: What's the difference between real and apparent power?
A: Real power (watts) does useful work, while apparent power (VA) is the product of voltage and current. The ratio is power factor.

Q5: Does power factor affect energy bills?
A: Yes, many industrial and commercial customers pay power factor penalties if their power factor drops below a specified threshold (usually 0.85-0.95).