Power Factor Correction

Power Factor Problems

Inductive motor loads in a facility have largest effect on Power Factor. Many manufacturing and process facilities across industries have a Power Factor issue. Many utility providers are paying attention, issuing guidance, and in many cases issuing fines for it. Many Utilities are enforcing Power Factor level to maintain above .85. This is nearly impossible for most industrial equipment.



Several negative issues can derive from a low power factor including penalties assessed from your utility provider, higher demand use charges, and decreased capacity in your electrical and breaker distribution system. When you install equipment that will correct power and hold voltage, you can also accommodate power factor issues.

What causes low power factor?

Inductive motor loads in a facility have largest effect on Power Factor. Many manufacturing and process facilities across industries have a Power Factor issue. Many utility providers are paying attention, issuing guidance, and in many cases issuing fines for it. Many Utilities are enforcing Power Factor level to maintain above .85. This is nearly impossible for many industry equipment.

These loads have a negative effect and create power factor issues:

• Induction Motors
• Pumps
• Conveyors Arc Elders
• Fluorescent Ballasts

The results are:

• Higher Facility Operations cost
• Higher utility peak demand
• Lower capacity in your facility electrical distribution

Low Power Factor Results

Low power factor means lower operating efficiency which results in a need for larger conductors (wires) and increased equipment capacity, as well as causing voltage drops as power losses increase. These equate to higher capital investment, higher expenses, and diminished distribution system performance. Correcting power factor can bring significant savings in energy bills if the utility imposes a low power factor penalty in their rate structure, as most utilities do for industrial customers.

When you install equipment that will correct power and hold voltage, you will be providing your facility with additional operational and cost benefits. Wear and tear on other equipment in the facility by having stable voltage and power factor. Lower maintenance costs by limiting voltage and amperage anomolies inside the facility.

It is common to vet these issues by installing a monitoring device at the service entrance of the facility utility power. This is a low-cost method to really understand these issues and to make a proper diagnosis.

Where do I install Power Factor Correction?

It is common to correct power factor and voltage at the incoming service entrance. It is also common to install smaller systems at the point of equipment use. Systems may also be installed at power distribution points within the facility.

You can identify these issues by installing a monitoring device at the service entrance of the facility utility power. This is a low-cost method to really understand these issues and to make a proper diagnosis.

Have an ICP site survey done to survey your facility and install a power metering device.
We are available to review electrical one-lines, Power Reports, Demand Usage, and any other data on your facility power.



Call your ICP Technical Representative today to discuss options to increase efficiency in your facility and correct our facility power issues!