Which rating does each number describe?
Schneider Electric's US FAQ on unity output power factor, modified in April 2026, distinguishes UPS products with equal kW and kVA output ratings from products whose kW rating is lower. That is a manufacturer explanation, not proof of the rating or load capability of an unspecified unit. Critical Power Drafting is independent and is not affiliated with Schneider Electric.
Keep output rating, load power factor, input power factor and efficiency in distinct fields. Copying a number from one heading into another can change the meaning of a schedule. Do not infer redundancy, battery runtime or operating approval from either power rating.
Sources: Schneider Electric USA: Unity output power factor FAQ, modified April 2026
What should the source-to-drawing worksheet contain?
Use the exact selected model and configuration. An unresolved value stays open for the design owner; a drafter should not complete it from another product in the same range.
| Item | Evidence | Review action |
|---|---|---|
| Model and configuration | Approved selected equipment record | Confirm the quoted and drawn unit agree |
| Apparent output power | Manufacturer kVA value and conditions | Retain kVA label and source |
| Real output power | Manufacturer kW value and conditions | Retain kW label and source |
| Load basis | Approved design load schedule | Keep its power factor and assumptions separate |
| Other factors | Input factor and efficiency headings | Do not relabel either as output rating |
| Drawing annotation | SLD note and equipment schedule | Both values agree across the issued set |
| Disposition | Registered engineer's approved basis | Close differences before construction issue |
Can one check pass while another needs review?
Illustrative example. Fictional approved equipment data lists 100 kVA and 80 kW. A synthetic design-load summary lists 90 kVA and 85 kW. The apparent-power number is below the stated 100 kVA rating, but 85 kW exceeds the stated 80 kW rating. Reporting only 90 below 100 would hide the second comparison.
The worksheet flags the difference for the responsible engineer. It does not select a replacement UPS or declare the real system acceptable. Actual equipment conditions, load behaviour, derating, overload characteristics and the complete approved design still govern. The example values are invented for arithmetic only.
What is a safe drawing disposition?
Preserve the original vendor extract and approved load basis, identify every affected label, and record the engineering response. If the selected model changes, recheck both rating fields and associated schedules. A marketing summary cannot close a configuration-specific discrepancy.
This is a documentation review, not equipment sizing, a switching instruction or an energization approval. Engineering sign-off is performed only by the registered engineer on the job.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Are kVA and kW interchangeable labels?
No. They describe different power quantities.
Does unity output rating establish the actual load power factor?
No. Retain the approved load basis separately.
May a drafter choose the replacement rating?
No. Obtain the responsible engineer's approved equipment basis.
Primary sources
- Unity output power factor FAQ, modified April 2026Schneider Electric USA