The ratio of active power to apparent power is known as the?

The ratio of active power to apparent power is known as the power factor. It is a crucial concept in electrical engineering, particularly in AC (alternating current) circuits. The power factor indicates how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output.

Active power, measured in watts, represents the actual power consumed by the circuit to perform useful work, such as lighting, heating, or running motors. Apparent power, measured in volt-amperes (VA), is the product of the current and voltage in the circuit. The power factor is therefore a dimensionless number, typically ranging from 0 to 1, and is critical in assessing the efficiency of electrical systems.

A power factor of 1 (or 100%) means that all the power supplied by the source is being used effectively. A lower power factor indicates that less of the power is being converted into useful work, which can lead to increased strain on the power supply and higher electricity costs.

Understanding power factor is essential for linemen because it directly affects the efficiency of electrical installations and the overall performance of power systems.