PF sign convention

The PF sign can be positive or negative, and is defined by the conventions used by the IEEE or IEC standards.

You can set the PF sign convention by changing the HMI mode to either IEC or IEEE.

PF sign convention: IEC

The PF sign is solely dependent on the direction of real power (P) flow, and is independent of the load being inductive or capacitive.

The PF is positive for normal (positive) real power (P) flow, that is when real power (P) flows into a load, i.e. energy is being consumed by the load.

The PF is negative for reverse (negative) real power (P) flow, that is when real power (P) flows out of the load, i.e. energy is being generated by the load.

Quadrant 1 and 4: Positive real power (+kW), the PF sign is positive (+).
Quadrant 2 and 3: Negative real power (-kW), the PF sign is negative (-).

PF sign convention: IEEE

The PF sign is solely dependent on the nature of the load (that is capacitive or inductive). In this case, it is independent on the direction of real power (P) flow.

For a capacitive load (PF leading, quadrant 2 and 4), the PF sign is positive (+).
For an inductive load (PF lagging, quadrant 1 and 3), the PF sign is negative (-).