Demand factor

1. The ratio of (a) the maximum real power consumed by a system to (b) the maximum real power that would be consumed if the entire load connected to the system were to be activated at the same time.

Note: The maximum real power is usually integrated over a specified time interval, such as 15 or 30 minutes, and is usually expressed in kilowatts. The real power that would be consumed if the entire load connected to the system were to be activated at the same time is obtained by summing the power required by all the connected equipment. This load is expressed in kilowatts if the consumed real power is expressed in kilowatts.

2. The ratio of (a) the maximum power, integrated over a specified time interval, such as 15 or 30 minutes, and usually expressed in kilowatts, consumed by a system, to (b) the maximum volt-amperes, expressed in kilovolt-amperes if the power is expressed in kilowatts, integrated over a time interval of the same duration, though not necessarily during the same interval.

Note: Charges for electrical power may be based on the demand factor as well as the kilowatt-hours of electrical energy consumed.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188