Active PFC and power supply

[cowdog]

Newer power supplies are adding features like active PFC. In buying a new power supply how important are these types of features? Active PFC seems like it may be helpful for people like me in older homes where consistent power from the plug is not something to take for granted. Unfortunately, I am somewhat fuzzy on just what active PFC really does...

 

[Auric]

APFC is primarily a benefit to "the grid" or power company but has significant side benefits to the user, namely: more stable power, higher efficiency and thus less heat/noise, lower consumption, and elimination of EMI and RFI.

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See this spec sheet (PDF).

 

[eplebnista]

PFC decoded