Demand factor

Demand factor is the ratio of a system’s maximum electrical demand to its total connected load. It estimates how much of the connected load is likely to be required at once.

Maximum demand: The greatest electrical load recorded or expected over a specified interval. It is the numerator in the demand-factor calculation.
Electrical load estimation: The process of predicting electrical power requirements for equipment, buildings, or systems. Demand factor is one input for estimating a system's required capacity.
Demand factor calculation: A calculation that divides maximum demand by total connected load for the same system and scope. This is the direct mathematical definition of the factor.
Utilization factor: The ratio of maximum demand to the rated capacity of the equipment or system supplying it. Its denominator is rated capacity, not the sum of connected loads.
Connected load: The sum of the rated electrical loads connected to a system. It is the denominator against which maximum demand is compared.
Electrical service: The conductors and equipment that deliver utility power to a building or installation. Service capacity is often sized from expected maximum demand rather than connected load alone.
Load profile: A record or model of electrical demand over time. Its peak value supplies maximum demand for a stated observation period.
Capacity factor: The ratio of actual energy produced over a period to the energy possible at continuous full output. It measures generation over time, not peak demand relative to connected load.
Load factor: The ratio of average load to maximum load over a specified period. It compares average use with peak use, rather than peak use with connected capacity.
Feeder circuit: A circuit that carries power from a service or source to downstream distribution equipment. Its capacity depends on the expected demand of the loads it supplies.

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