Is there a figure to go by for pf? (Power factor)?

Question

Wondering if there is a common pf value that we use in calculations? If not how do I work it out by looking at 3phase machinery?

Answer 1

When I was an electrician in the navy we used pf of .8 lagging for calculations.  This was the generally accepted worst case for electrical distribution.  To calculate the pf. calculate the real load amps, divide it by actual amps this will give the pf.  Usually the pf is lagging due to inductive loads.  If you have high amounts of capacitors in a system it is possible to get it to go positive.