The relationship between true power and apparent power defines which electrical concept?

The relationship between true power and apparent power is characterized by the concept known as power factor. Power factor is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output. It is defined mathematically as the ratio of true power (measured in watts) to apparent power (measured in volt-amperes). The power factor can be expressed as a number between 0 and 1, or as a percentage, and it indicates the phase difference between voltage and current in an AC system.

When the power factor is 1 (or 100%), it signifies that all the power is being effectively converted into work without any losses in the system. In contrast, if the power factor is less than 1, it indicates that a portion of the apparent power is being used for non-working reactive power, which contributes to the total power in the system but does not perform any useful work.

Understanding power factor is crucial for electrical contractors because it affects energy consumption, efficiency of the electrical system, and potential utility costs related to demand charges. Being proficient in assessing and improving power factor can directly impact system performance and energy utilization.