Power Factor Correction Capacitors

[afterhrs]

Can someone please explain why power factor correction
capacitors pull so many amps when there is no or very little load on the busbar.

Thank You,
C.S.

 

[dpc]

Capacitors are a self-contained shunt load. They draw a fixed current that is a function of the capacitive reactance and the voltage. Doesn't matter if there is any other load or not.

That's why capacitors are often switched directly with the motor rather than bus connected.

 

[busbar]

PF capacitors produce reactive power {VARs or reactive voltamperes} in AC-power systems. Induction motors consume reactive power {VARs} and real power {Watts}. Both cause current flow through AC conductors.

A keyword search at this site for ‘pf capacitor’ returns 40 hits.