What does a power factor meter indicate?

A power factor meter indicates the real power used as a percentage of apparent power. This is significant in electrical systems because it illustrates how effectively electrical energy is being converted into useful work output. The power factor is a dimensionless number ranging from 0 to 1, and a higher power factor signifies more efficient usage of electrical power.

Real power, measured in watts, reflects the actual power consumed by the devices in the circuit to perform useful work, while apparent power, expressed in volt-amperes, represents the total power flowing in the circuit, including both useful and reactive power. Therefore, the power factor is calculated as the ratio of real power to apparent power, offering insight into efficiency and potential energy losses within the system.

Understanding the power factor is essential in power management, as it can affect energy costs and system reliability. A low power factor may indicate excessive reactive power, leading to inefficiencies that could necessitate the installation of power factor correction equipment.