Certified Energy Manager Practice Exam

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What does the electric power factor represent?

The ratio of KW to KVA
The ratio of KVA to KW
The ratio of volts to amps
The ratio of watts to kilowatts

The correct answer is: The ratio of KW to KVA

The electric power factor represents the ratio of active power (measured in kilowatts, KW) to apparent power (measured in kilovolt-amperes, KVA). This ratio is crucial because it indicates the efficiency with which electrical power is being converted into useful work output. A power factor of 1 (or 100%) means that all the energy supplied by the source is being used effectively for work, while values less than 1 suggest inefficiencies due to reactive power (which does not perform useful work but exists in inductive and capacitive loads). Understanding this ratio is essential for determining the capacity needed for power systems and can significantly affect energy costs. A low power factor can lead to additional charges from utility companies, as they have to supply more apparent power to ensure that enough active power is delivered. Therefore, maintaining a high power factor is an important consideration in energy management and efficiency strategies.