Linear loads VS non linear loads, power factor?

[danny davis]

When measuring a units output with linear loads the percentage is off by 20%

1000 watts / by 120 VAC = max load is 8.3 ohms

Linear load of 8.3 ohms is off by 20%? from an 8.3 ohm Non-linear load?

So the power factor is .7?

 

[godfreyl]

1000 watts / by 120 VAC = max load is 8.3 ohms

Huh?

1000 Watts / 120 Volts = 8.3 Amps
120 Volts / 8.3 Amps = 14.4 Ohms

 

[danny davis]

units is 1000 watts at 120 AC

1000 watt divided by 120 ac = 8.3 amps

8.3 amps Non linear load = 100% max load

8.3 amps Linear load = 80% max load

 

[chuckey]

I have a feeling that you are calling a resistive load " a linear load" and a reactive load " non linear", or you are mistaken. In a resistive load the current is in phase with the voltage, in a reactive load, the current is not in phase with the voltage and if the load is totally reactive, is 90 degrees out of phase with the voltage and there is no real power in the circuit (no heat dissipated). Real power is known as watts (W), the current flowing in a reactive circuit leads to indicated power of VA (volts X amps). The ratio W/VA is known as the power factor (PF), which can be 1.0 with a resistive load and 0 in a purely reactive circuit.
Frank