Power Factor Formula 3 Phase

3-Phase Power Factor Formula:

\[ PF = \frac{P_{kW}}{V \times I \times \sqrt{3} / 1000} \]

Power Factor (PF):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is 3-Phase Power Factor?

Definition: Power factor is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA) in a 3-phase AC electrical system.

Purpose: It measures how effectively electrical power is being used, with 1.0 being perfect efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ PF = \frac{P_{kW}}{V \times I \times \sqrt{3} / 1000} \]

Where:

\( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)
\( P_{kW} \) — Real power (kilowatts)
\( V \) — Line-to-line voltage (volts)
\( I \) — Current (amps)
\( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for 3-phase systems (≈1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio between the actual power being used (kW) and the total power flowing in the circuit (kVA).

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 and may result in utility penalties.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the real power in kW, line-to-line voltage (default 480V), and current in amps. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power factor value?
A: Typically 0.95 or higher is considered good. Values below 0.85 may incur penalties from utilities.

Q2: How can I improve power factor?
A: Use power factor correction capacitors, reduce motor idling, and avoid oversized motors.

Q3: Why is √3 used in the formula?
A: It accounts for the phase difference in 3-phase systems (120° between phases).

Q4: What's the difference between single-phase and 3-phase power factor?
A: Single-phase uses PF = P/(V×I) without the √3 factor.

Q5: Can power factor be greater than 1?
A: No, the calculator limits results between 0 and 1. If you get >1, check your measurements.