What is Load Crest Factor?
A pure sine waveform has a peak value, which is 1.414 times the RMS value. A resistance or any linear load connected to such a voltage source draws currents having similar waveforms and hence has a crest factor of 1.4. As against this, the non-linear loads may demand currents whose peak values to RMS ratios are 2 to 5 or more. This ratio of peak to RMS is termed as the crest factor, and is indicative of the degree of non-linear load handling capability of the UPS system.