TruePFC™ Technology Power Factor Explained

Power factor isn’t as complicated as it may seem. When a facility has low power factor, the facility demands more apparent power from the utility than the amount of real power that it actually uses. The power factor of an AC electric power system is defined as the ratio of real power (circuit capacity) to the apparent power (current X voltage) and is a number between 0 and 1. It is sometimes expressed as a percentage, e.g., .50 pf = 50% pf.

A power factor closer to 1.0 or 100% indicates a more efficient system. In contrast, low power factor creates wasted energy, which is either burned off by a facility or returned to the utility in a way that causes resistance – and damage – on power lines. Low power factor loads increase losses in a power distribution system and result in increased energy costs.

As this scenario plays out in commercial and industrial facilities around the world, the amount of energy wasted becomes exponential.

For a technical discussion of power factor, visit our technical page.