Peak power

Peak power is the maximum level of work or energy output that is measured during an observation period.See also: Power-Physics
Exercise physiologists measure peak power in their evaluation of human energy-generating capacities.

Peak power also refers to the time of day when there is the most demand for electricity, requiring more power from the electrical grid. Some plans for creating a more energy-efficient infrastructure call for power plants which are only online during peak times.

Audio Electronics

"See also: Power handling"

Peak power is an a common way to rate the power handling electronics, especially speakers and amplifiers. It is a very impractical and exaggerated rating used by manufacturers to make their products seem much more powerful than they actually are. Peak power refers to the "maximum" amount of power something could possibly handle before literally burning up. In speakers, the peak power rating (also referred to as max power or PMPO (Peak Music Power Output)), is often easily five or six times greater than the RMS rating. Additionally, there is an unacceptably high level of harmonic distortion present when any amplifier or speaker is operating anywhere near its peak power. Ambiguity: Among amplifiers, the peak power rating is fairly ambiguous as it veries depending on what the decided "acceptable" max harmonic distortion level is. For example, the peak power output rating of surround sound receveivers is often takien at 10 percent THD. Then highest generally acceptable level of total harmonic distortion is generally considered to be .1 percent. Hence, two max power output ratings are generally provided, one at .1 percent THD, and another at 10 percent THD.