Final answer:
When allowed by the NEC, the total calculated load of a circuit can be reduced if you know the power factor. The power factor represents the amount by which the power delivered in the circuit is less than the theoretical maximum, due to voltage and current being out of phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
When allowed by the NEC (National Electrical Code), the total calculated load of a circuit can be reduced if you know the power factor. The power factor represents the amount by which the power delivered in the circuit is less than the theoretical maximum, due to voltage and current being out of phase.
For example, if you have a circuit with a power factor of 0.8, it means that only 80% of the maximum power is being delivered to the circuit.
By taking the power factor into account, you can adjust the total calculated load of the circuit accordingly and ensure that the circuit is not overloaded.