The aim ofthis paper is to evaluate the power factor ofthe linear and nonlinear load. The effect of
poor power factor on the supply circuit is discussed. The general definitions and equations of
power relation are presented. The power factor under linear load condition is derived and
discussed. Under nonlinear load, the total power factor is made oftwo components: displacement
factor and distortion factor. The distortion factor associated with the harmonics present. The power
factor in terms of Fourier series coefficients is evaluated. The power factor correction (PFC)
techniques are discussed for linear and nonlinear load. . As case study, the power factor of three
linear different loads is calculated. A 3-phase , 6-pulse, AC/DC converter is taken as an example
of nonlinear load and the total power factor when feeding R- load and R-L load is evaluated.