Calculate electrical load factor, energy use, or peak demand from a common period, with kW, MW, kWh, MWh, average demand, full-load hours, and target-peak comparison.

Electrical load factor compares average demand with the highest demand over the same interval.

Load Factor Formula

The following formula is used to calculate an electrical load factor.

LF = AL / ML × 100
  • Where LF is the load factor (%)
  • AL is the average load (KWH)
  • ML is the maximum or peak load (KWH)

To calculate a load factor, divide the average load by the maximum or peak load, then multiply by 100.

Load Factor Definition

A load factor is defined as the percentage or ratio of the average load of an electrical system and the maximum or peak load of that same system over a given time period. The higher the load factor, the less likely a system is able to handle a sudden spike in power consumption.

Load Factor Example

How to calculate a load factor?

  • 1.First, determine the average load. Calculate the average load for the time period.
  • 2.Next, determine the maximum load. Calculate the peak load during the same time period.
  • 3.Finally, calculate the load factor. Calculate the load factor using the formula above.

FAQ

What is a load factor?

A load factor is a ratio of average load to the peak load of an electrical system. Add question