1. What is Power Factor?

Power Factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (measured in watts) to apparent power (measured in volt-amperes) in an AC electrical system. It indicates how effectively electrical power is being used, with a range from 0 to 1.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power factor formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Real power in watts (W)
• \( V \) — Voltage in volts (V)
• \( I \) — Current in amperes (A)

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of actual power being used to the power that is being supplied to the circuit.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: A high power factor (close to 1) indicates efficient power usage, while a low power factor means poor utilization of electrical power, which can lead to higher costs and system inefficiencies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter real power in watts, voltage in volts, and current in amperes. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will automatically limit the result between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: Ideally, power factor should be as close to 1 as possible. Values above 0.95 are generally considered good, while values below 0.85 may need correction.

Q2: How can I improve power factor?
A: Power factor can be improved by adding power factor correction capacitors, reducing reactive power consumption, or using more efficient equipment.

Q3: Does power factor affect electricity bills?
A: Yes, many utilities charge penalties for low power factor as it increases transmission losses and requires larger equipment.

Q4: What causes low power factor?
A: Inductive loads like motors, transformers, and fluorescent lighting typically cause low power factor by creating phase differences between voltage and current.

Q5: Is this calculator valid for three-phase systems?
A: No, this calculator is for single-phase systems only. Three-phase systems require a different calculation that accounts for the square root of 3 (√3).