Home
Back
Power Factor Formula:
| From: | To: |
Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (measured in watts) to apparent power (measured in volt-amps) in an AC electrical system. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output.
The calculator uses the power factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of the actual power being used (real power) to the power that is being supplied to the circuit (apparent power).
Details: Power factor is important because it affects the efficiency of power distribution. A low power factor indicates poor utilization of electrical power, which can result in higher energy costs and reduced system capacity.
Tips: Enter the motor's power in watts, operating voltage in volts, and current draw in amps. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the power factor, which should ideally be close to 1 for maximum efficiency.
Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: Ideally, power factor should be as close to 1 as possible. Values below 0.9 typically indicate poor power factor that may need correction.
Q2: Why do motors have less than perfect power factor?
A: Motors are inductive loads that create reactive power, which doesn't do useful work but is needed to maintain the magnetic field in the motor.
Q3: How can power factor be improved?
A: Power factor correction capacitors can be added to counteract the inductive reactance and improve the power factor.
Q4: Does power factor affect my electricity bill?
A: Some utilities charge penalties for low power factor, as it requires them to provide more current for the same amount of real power.
Q5: Is this calculator suitable for three-phase motors?
A: No, this calculator is for single-phase motors only. Three-phase power factor calculation requires additional factors.