answersLogoWhite

0

Applying a negative or positive sign to power factor is an obsolete method of describing whether it is 'leading' or 'lagging'. We no longer do this. These days, a 'leading power factor' indicates that the load is capacitive and the load current is leading the supply voltage, and a 'lagging power factor' indicates that the load is inductive, and the load current is lagging the supply voltage.

Having said that, a 'negative' power factor is also the mathematical consequence of 'negative power' -i.e. the direction of power when it is fed from the load back to the supply (e.g. when the grid feeds energy into a generator, causing it to 'motor'). In this case, the power factor isn't really negative, but simply appears to be so.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
FranFran
I've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran
JudyJudy
Simplicity is my specialty.
Chat with Judy

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What the negative and positive sign shows for power factor?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp