1. What is Demand Factor?

The Demand Factor (DF) 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:

• Max Demand — The highest demand of load on the power station (kW)
• Total Load — The sum of all connected loads (kW)

Explanation: The demand factor is always less than or equal to 1, as maximum demand can never exceed the total connected load.

3. Importance of Demand Factor Calculation

Details: Calculating demand factor is crucial for electrical system design, helping to size equipment appropriately and optimize energy usage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both Max Demand and Total Load in kW. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is 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 max demand to total load, while diversity factor compares sum of individual max demands to system max demand.

Q3: Why is demand factor important in electrical design?
A: It helps prevent over-sizing of equipment while ensuring sufficient capacity for actual demand.

Q4: Can demand factor be greater than 1?
A: No, since maximum demand cannot exceed the total connected load.

Q5: How often should demand factor be recalculated?
A: It should be reassessed whenever significant load changes occur in the system.