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The 3286-20 provides the following 2 types of power factor measurement. If the waveform includes harmonic distortion, there will be a difference between the two measurement values, and the method must be selected accordingly.
Power factor derived by phase discrimination (cos ø): 1ø Power Factor meter and 3ø Power Factor meter mode From the phase information for the fundamental frequency component, cos ø is calculated. This is suitable for assessing the quality of a power supply.
Power factor (effective value power factor) derived from effective power ÷ apparent power: 1ø Power meter mode This is calculated from the power value including harmonic components (effective power ÷ apparent power). This is suitable for evaluating the performance of standalone load equipment and similar cases.
* It is not possible to calculate the effective power factor of a three-phase line.
The 3286-20's three-phase power measurement method calculates and displays the power values for a sine wave input at 50/60 Hz, assuming it is balanced and there is no distortion. Accurate measurement is not possible on a three-phase line if it is not balanced, for example when controlled by an inverter or thyristor.
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