If an overhead circuit has a total apparent power of 300 Kva and a real power load of 240 Kw, what is the percentage power factor?

To determine the percentage power factor, one must first understand the relationship between apparent power, real power, and power factor. The power factor is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output. It can be expressed as the ratio of the real power (measured in kilowatts or kW) to the apparent power (measured in kilovolt-amperes or kVA).

In this case, the formula for calculating the power factor is as follows:

Power Factor (PF) = Real Power (kW) / Apparent Power (kVA)

Substituting the values given in the question:

PF = 240 kW / 300 kVA

Calculating this gives:

PF = 0.8

To convert this ratio into a percentage, you multiply by 100:

Percentage Power Factor = PF × 100 = 0.8 × 100 = 80%

Thus, the correct answer is 80%. This indicates that 80% of the apparent power is being used effectively as actual power, while the remaining portion is reactive power, which does not perform useful work. The other options reflect lower power factors, which suggest a less efficient conversion of electrical power into useful work. Understanding