Electronics > Beginners
Power Factor
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SamwelP:
Hello guys, what are the benefits and disadvantages of having a leading power factor and why ?
helius:
Leading power factor compensates/cancels a lagging power factor. This is called power factor correction (PFC).
When either leading or lagging PF is not compensated, it causes circulating currents to flow in the supply wiring, which increases thermal loss and can cause other problems. Utilities may charge higher rates because it increases the load on their distribution network.
Benta:
Question is too unspecific to provide a sane answer.
MosherIV:

--- Quote ---Hello guys, what are the benefits and disadvantages of having a leading power factor
--- End quote ---
The question is the wrong way round. There is no advantage, there is disadvantage to positive or negative PF.

Helius has tried to explain this.

I like to explain it like this:
AC has changing voltage. At some point the voltage crosses 0V.
It takes voltage to 'push' current through circuits.
When the Voltage is at 0V, there is no voltage ('presure') to push current through the circuit.

So if you have a circuit that requires current at the 0V point, it becomes very difficult to get current to flow.
This is the reason utility compannies charge more when you are out of phase.
PFC is to re-align your power draw to the AC waveform.

Hope that helps
David Hess:

--- Quote from: helius on May 23, 2019, 06:30:04 pm ---When either leading or lagging PF is not compensated, it causes circulating currents to flow in the supply wiring, which increases thermal loss and can cause other problems. Utilities may charge higher rates because it increases the load on their distribution network.
--- End quote ---

Just to be clear here, the circulating currents still exist but only between the load and the point where the power factor correction is applied which removes the circulating currents from the long transmission lines.
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