1. What is Demand Factor?

The Demand Factor is the ratio of the maximum demand on a system to the total connected load of the system. It helps in determining the actual load compared to the potential maximum load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Demand Factor formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Max Demand} \) — The highest power demand in kilowatts (kW)
• \( \text{Connected Load} \) — The sum of all connected equipment ratings in kilowatts (kW)

Explanation: The demand factor is always less than or equal to 1, representing the fraction of the connected load that is actually used at peak times.

3. Importance of Demand Factor

Details: Demand factor is crucial for electrical system design, helping engineers properly size equipment and determine realistic load expectations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both Max Demand and Connected Load in kilowatts (kW). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical demand factor value?
A: It varies by application but is typically between 0.5 and 0.8 for most commercial and industrial installations.

Q2: How does demand factor differ from diversity factor?
A: Demand factor compares peak demand to connected load, while diversity factor compares sum of individual maximum demands to the overall maximum demand.

Q3: Why is demand factor important in electrical design?
A: It helps prevent over-sizing of equipment by accounting for the fact that not all connected loads operate simultaneously at full capacity.

Q4: Can demand factor be greater than 1?
A: Normally no, unless there's a measurement error or unusual circumstances where actual demand exceeds connected load.

Q5: How often should demand factor be recalculated?
A: It should be reviewed whenever significant changes are made to the electrical system or load patterns.