Definition
Power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power, measured in kilowatts (kW), to apparent power, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), in an alternating-current system. It is a number between 0 and 1 (often shown as a percentage) that describes how effectively a load converts the current it draws into useful work. A power factor of 1.0 — "unity" — means every amp delivered does productive work.
The Three Powers
Real power (kW) does the actual work: turning fans, driving ASIC power supplies, producing heat. Reactive power (kVAR) sustains the magnetic and electric fields in inductive and capacitive devices but does no useful work. Apparent power (kVA) is the vector sum the wiring and transformer must actually carry. Power Factor = kW ÷ kVA.
Why It Matters in a Mining Setup
Most modern ASIC power supplies include active power-factor correction, so they present a near-unity load (typically 0.95-0.99) and draw clean current. That matters at scale: a poor power factor means a facility pulls more current — and larger conductors, breakers, and transformers — than its kW rating suggests, and commercial utilities often bill penalties for low PF. Knowing your fleet's PF helps size circuits and generators correctly so you don't undersize wiring for the apparent load.
Power factor sits alongside voltage and amperage in any electrical plan. For circuit and outlet basics, see the 240V outlet entry, and for whole-fleet planning explore home mining.
In Simple Terms
Power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power, measured in kilowatts (kW), to apparent power, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), in an alternating-current system. It…