HOT TIP: 160
DIVERSITY FACTOR:
Text book definition: The probability that a particular piece of equipment will come on at the time of
the facility's peak load. It is the ratio of the sum of the individual non-coincident maximum demands
of various subdivisions of the system to the maximum demand of the complete system. The diversity
factor is always greater than 1. The (unofficial) term diversity, as distinguished from diversity factor
refers to the percent of time available that a machine, piece of equipment, or facility has its
maximum or nominal load or demand (a 70% diversity means that the device in question operates
at its nominal or maximum load level 70% of the time that it is connected and turned on).
Diversity factor is commonly used for a number of mathematics-related topics. One such instance is
when completing a coordination study for a system. This diversity factor is used to estimate the load
of a particular node in the system.
Diversity Factor = (Sum of Individual Max. Demand) divided by (Max. Demand on Power Station)
Now, what it means to you:
If your laundry has a 1,600 amp electrical service and has a Diversity Factor of TWO, than the sum
of all “connected full load amperages” should not exceed 3,200 amps.
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Most CBW laundries have a Diversity Factor of around two.
Washer extractor facilities have a factor of about four.
Another way to say the same thing is:
A diversity factor of two means, on average, that ½ of all your installed electrical machines are on
line running in a full load condition.
4525 Sherman Oaks Avenue, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Tel: 818.789.8045
Email: Sales@TheLaundryList.com