Understanding Power Factor of LED Downlight And How It Effects Your Electrical Systems ?

Power factor is the relationship (phase) of current and voltage in AC electrical distribution systems. Under ideal conditions current and voltage are [in phase" and the power factor is [100%." If inductive loads (motors) are present, power factor less than 100% (typically 80 to 90%) can occur.

In AC circuits, the power factor is the ratio of the real power that is used to do work and the apparent power that is supplied to the circuit.

The power factor can get values in the range from 0 to 1.

When all the power is reactive power with no real power (usually inductive load) - the power factor is 0.

When all the power is real power with no reactive power (resistive load) - the power factor is 1.

Low power factor, electrically speaking, cause`s heavier current to flow in power distribution lines in order to deliver a given number of kilowatts to an electrical load.

The effects?
The power distribution system in the building, or between buildings, can be overloaded by excess (useless) current.
Generating and power distribution systems owned by Edisto Electric have their capacity measured in KVA (kilo amps).

With unity power factor (100%), it would take 2,000 KVA of generating and distribution network capacity to deliver 2,000 KW. If the power factor dropped to 85%, however, 2,353 KVA of capacity would be needed. Thus, we see that lower power factor has an adverse effect on generating and distribution capacity.

Low power factor overloads generating, distribution, and networks with excess KVA.

If you own a large building, you should consider correcting poor power factor for either or both of these reasons:
• To reduce the possibility of additional power factor charges in the event that Edisto Electric starts billing for PF corrections and
• To restore the (KVA) capacity of overloaded feeders within the building or building complex.

The power factor of most products manufactured by Vertex Lighting are more than 0.9, such as led downlights, led Spot Light, panel light ,ect. Welcome enquiry.