Correction of power factor with capacitors Description: Power factor is the relationship (phase) of current and voltage in AC electrical distribution systems. Under ideal conditions current and voltage are “in phase” and the power factor is “100%.” If inductive loads (motors) are present, power factor less than 100% (typically 80 to 90% can occur). Low power factor, electrically speaking, causes heavier current to flow in power distribution lines in order to deliver a given number of kilowatts top an electrical load. The effects? The power distribution system in the building, or between buildings, can be overloaded by excess (useless) current. Generating and power distribution systems owned by Laurens Electric have their capacity measured in KVA (kilo amps). KVA = VOLTS X AMPS X 1.73 (three phase System) / 1,000 With unity power factor (100%), it would take 2,000 KVA of generating and distribution network capacity to deliver 2,000 KW. If the power factor dropped to 85%, however, 2, 353 KVA of capacity would be needed. Thus we see that lower power factor has an averse effect on generating and distribution capacity. Low power factor overloads generating, distribution, and networks with excess KVA.