On Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:03:06 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
wrote:

Timothy Murphy wrote:
Roger R wrote:

I don't recall any of those 'energy efficiency labels' on washing machines
quoting a power factor value!

Surely the power factor doesn't make a washing machine
any more or less efficient?

well it does SLIGHTLY.

lots of inductive loads generate out of phase current, which is fine as
far as it goes, but that out of phase current still results in losses
down resistive transmission lines and wiring.

Losses shouldn't happen to any measurable extent between a washing
machine and the meter. Beyond the meter it's currently (weedy pun !)
somebody elses problem.

Derek