What is the ratio of power in watts to the total volt-amps of an AC circuit known as?

The ratio of power in watts to the total volt-amps in an AC circuit is referred to as the power factor. This concept quantifies how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output. The power factor is expressed as a decimal or percentage and reflects the relationship between real power (measured in watts) and apparent power (measured in volt-amps).

In an AC circuit, real power corresponds to the actual power consumed by the equipment to perform work, such as running motors or lighting. Apparent power, on the other hand, takes into account both the real power and the reactive power, which is related to the energy stored and released by inductive and capacitive components in the circuit.

A high power factor indicates efficient usage of electrical power, meaning that most of the electricity supplied is used effectively, while a low power factor suggests that a significant amount of power is not being utilized for productive work. This is particularly important in industrial settings, as it can affect energy costs and the load capacity of the electrical systems.