Paying for reactive energy, capacitors running hot, or the controller "can't keep up"? The usual culprits are a miscalculated rating, relying on the 440 V rating of capacitors on a 400 V network, or harmonics – see what to choose, rent an analyser or ask us.
Reactive power compensation guide: how many kvar you need, which capacitors, controllers and contactors
This guide gives you a quick selection by situation, a worked calculation of the required compensation power, the conversion of 440 V capacitor ratings to a 400 V network, and the rule for when detuning reactors are required. It also includes a matrix of all products in the group, a checklist, the most common mistakes with diagrams, and practical FAQs. The product group covers three-phase capacitors (440 V, Lifasa POLT / POLB HD), automatic controllers (LED 6–12, 16 steps, Lifasa MCE ADV and MASTER), capacitor-duty contactors and the Lifasa MCA PLUS II network analyser. Specific parameters are given in each product description.
Selection in 30 s: how many kvar and which steps you need
Find the row for your site's active power P (kW) and the column for your current cos φ. The cell shows the actual compensation power required, the set of 440 V capacitor steps and what that set actually delivers on a 400 V network. The target everywhere is cos φ 0.95.
How to read a cell: first line – actual kvar required (Q = P · (tan φ1 − tan φ2)); second – step set by 440 V rating label (e.g. “5 + 3×10” = one 5 kvar and three 10 kvar capacitors); third – what that set delivers on a 400 V network and how many steps the panel will have.
P, kW ↓ / cos φ now →
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
20 kW
14 kvar
5 + 2×10 kvar ≈ 21 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
11 kvar
3×5 kvar ≈ 12 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
8 kvar
2×5 kvar ≈ 8 kvar @ 400 V · 2 st.
6 kvar
2×5 kvar ≈ 8 kvar @ 400 V · 2 st.
30 kW
21 kvar
5 + 2×10 kvar ≈ 21 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
17 kvar
5 + 2×10 kvar ≈ 21 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
13 kvar
5 + 1×10 kvar ≈ 12 kvar @ 400 V · 2 st.
9 kvar
3×5 kvar ≈ 12 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
50 kW
35 kvar
5 + 4×10 kvar ≈ 37 kvar @ 400 V · 5 st.
28 kvar
5 + 3×10 kvar ≈ 29 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
21 kvar
5 + 2×10 kvar ≈ 21 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
15 kvar
5 + 2×10 kvar ≈ 21 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
75 kW
52 kvar
10 + 3×20 kvar ≈ 58 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
41 kvar
10 + 2×20 kvar ≈ 41 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
32 kvar
5 + 4×10 kvar ≈ 37 kvar @ 400 V · 5 st.
22 kvar
5 + 3×10 kvar ≈ 29 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
100 kW
69 kvar
10 + 4×20 kvar ≈ 74 kvar @ 400 V · 5 st.
55 kvar
10 + 3×20 kvar ≈ 58 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
42 kvar
10 + 2×20 kvar ≈ 41 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
29 kvar
5 + 3×10 kvar ≈ 29 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
150 kW
104 kvar
20 + 3×40 kvar ≈ 116 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
83 kvar
20 + 2×40 kvar ≈ 83 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
63 kvar
10 + 4×20 kvar ≈ 74 kvar @ 400 V · 5 st.
44 kvar
10 + 3×20 kvar ≈ 58 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
200 kW
138 kvar
20 + 4×40 kvar ≈ 149 kvar @ 400 V · 5 st.
111 kvar
20 + 3×40 kvar ≈ 116 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
84 kvar
20 + 2×40 kvar ≈ 83 kvar @ 400 V · 3 st.
58 kvar
10 + 3×20 kvar ≈ 58 kvar @ 400 V · 4 st.
The kit will need
capacitors as per the cell: 5 · 10 · 20 · 40 kvar;
the load almost disappears at night and the smallest step is too large – choose a smaller first step;
you plan to expand – choose an 8, 12 or 16-step controller.
The table is indicative: steps are selected so that the set delivers at least ~95 % of the required power on a 400 V network, and the smallest step allows cos φ to be held precisely. Final power and steps are confirmed by measurement and design.
Solution levels: from a single step to a professional PFC panel
Find your level – each next level adds more control and protection. Start with the lowest level that solves your problem.
Level 1. Replacing a single step A capacitor in an old panel has burnt out or bulged.
A reactive energy charge has appeared on the bill, and the actual cos φ is unknown
Measure first: a 7–14-day three-phase recording shows active power, cos φ and how they vary over the day. Without measurement, the rating is chosen "by eye".
One large motor runs for long periods (pump, fan, compressor)
Individual compensation: a fixed capacitor is connected downstream of the motor contactor and switches on together with the motor. Its rating must not exceed ~90% of the motor's no-load reactive power.
How compensation works and what a cabinet consists of
Motors, transformers and reactors draw from the network not only active power P (kW), which does the work, but also reactive power Q (kvar) to build up the magnetic field. Reactive power does no work, but it increases the current in cables and in the transformer. A capacitor "generates" this reactive power locally, so it is no longer drawn from the network: current, losses and the reactive energy charge all go down.
Example: P = 100 kW, 400 V
Before compensation (cos φ 0.75)
After compensation (cos φ 0.95)
Apparent power S
133 kVA
105 kVA
Incomer current
~192 A
~152 A
Losses in cables and transformer (∝ I²)
100 %
~62 %
An automatic cabinet consists of the following chain:
Current transformer X/5 A
at the incomer, upstream of all outgoing feeders
→
Controller
measures cos φ and switches the steps
→
Contactors
capacitor-duty, with inrush-current limiting resistors
→
Fuses / MCBs
for each step
→
Capacitor steps
with discharge resistors; with reactors where harmonics are present
Wiring diagram: automatic compensation cabinet
Schematic diagram. The CT at the incomer measures the total current; the controller drives the contactor coils via its relay outputs according to cos φ. Each step: protection → capacitor contactor → three-phase capacitor with discharge resistors. The diagram is illustrative – the working diagram is prepared by the designer according to the controller's instructions.
⚠ Diagrams are illustrative. This is not a wiring diagram for installation. Connection must be carried out by a certified electrician in accordance with the design and the instructions of the controller and capacitor manufacturers. UAB “Elektrotechnikos sprendimai” accepts no responsibility for the connection and installation of the equipment.
For business consumers, reactive energy is usually metered (kVArh), and exceeding the permitted limit or feeding reactive energy back into the grid is charged extra. The specific limits and prices are set out in your contract with the grid operator.
How many kvar do you need? Calculation with an example
Qc = P · (tg φ1 − tg φ2) = P · k P – active power (kW), φ1 – present, φ2 – target power factor. Take P and cos φ from measurements or meter data, not from equipment nameplates.
Coefficient k (kvar per kW):
Present cos φ
Iki 0.95
Iki 0.98
Iki 1.00
0.65
0.84
0.97
1.17
0.70
0.69
0.82
1.02
0.75
0.55
0.68
0.88
0.80
0.42
0.55
0.75
0.85
0.29
0.42
0.62
0.90
0.16
0.28
0.48
Example. Workshop: P = 100 kW, measured cos φ = 0.75, target 0.95.
Qc = 100 · 0.55 ≈ 55 kvar of actual output on a 400 V network.
The rated output of the 440 V capacitors must be about 55 / 0.83 ≈ 67 kvar. Steps of 5 + 10 + 15 + 20 + 20 kvar (440 V) = 70 kvar are suitable; on a 400 V network this gives about 58 kvar.
That is 5 steps, so choose a 6-step controller (one output spare), 5 contactors and protection for each step. The smallest step (5 kvar) determines how precisely the controller will maintain cos φ.
Measurements before and after compensation
Compensation without measurement is guesswork. The "before" measurement shows how many and which steps are needed, the commissioning check shows whether the cabinet is wired correctly, and the "after" measurement shows whether the target has been achieved.
1. Before selecting equipment
Kas
How
Where and for how long
At the incomer (downstream of the main breaker), 7–14 days, covering working days, the weekend and night time. Logging interval – 1–15 min.
What to record
U and I per phase, P (kW), Q (kvar), cos φ, energy (kWh, kvarh). If the analyser supports it – THDu and THDi.
Additional data
12 months of bills (kWh and kvarh), transformer rating Sn, list of VFDs, UPS units and other non-linear loads, solar PV plant.
What we get
Maximum Q required – total cabinet rating; minimum Q – smallest step; cos φ at night – risk of overcompensation; THD – whether reactors are needed.
2. Commissioning check
What to check
How, and what the result should be
CT phase and direction
With no steps switched in, the controller must show an inductive cos φ and positive P. A capacitive cos φ with no steps – S1–S2 swapped or wrong phase.
Current of each step
Measure the current of each phase with a clamp meter: I ≈ Q / (√3 · U). E.g. 440 V 20 kvar on a 400 V network – about 24 A. Phase currents must be similar.
Step switching
In manual mode, switch the steps in one at a time: the contactor closes without arcing, cos φ rises, and reconnection happens only after the delay.
Discharge
After a step is disconnected, the residual voltage must be ≤ 75 V after 3 min. Check with a meter.
Temperature
After 1–2 h of operation, check cabinet and capacitor temperature and connection heating (with a thermal camera, if available).
3. After compensation (7-day recording)
Indicator
Expected result
cos φ (tg φ)
Daily average 0.95–0.98 (tg φ ≈ 0.33–0.20). At night and at weekends – no capacitive overcompensation.
Current and power
Incomer current and S have decreased; transformer and cables are less loaded.
THDu
With capacitors switched in, THDu must not rise significantly. An increase indicates a resonance risk – reactors are needed.
Step operation
Steps do not switch continuously; the number of switching operations is reasonable (MASTER and MCE ADV display or log it).
Bill
Within 1–2 months, the reactive energy charge should fall or disappear.
Calculated before-and-after example (P = 100 kW, 400 V; this is a calculation, not a measurement at a specific site):
Indicator
Before
After
cos φ
0.75
0.95
Reactive power Q
88 kvar
33 kvar
Apparent power S
133 kVA
105 kVA
Incomer current
~192 A
~152 A
Losses in cables and transformer
100 %
~62 %
Periodic maintenance
Every 6–12 months: compare step currents with the commissioning measurements. If current has dropped by more than ~10%, the capacitor is ageing.
Condition of contactor contacts, fuses and connections; tightening of connections.
440 V capacitor on a 400 V network: how many kvar you really get
Capacitor output is proportional to the square of the voltage: Q400 = Q440 · (400 / 440)² ≈ 0.83 · Q440. The label states the 440 V rating, but on a 400 V network the capacitor delivers about 17% less. However, a 440 V capacitor operates with a voltage margin, runs cooler and tolerates moderate harmonics better.
Size cables and protection with a margin: capacitance tolerance is up to +10%, and harmonics increase the RMS current. The 440 V description gives a maximum permissible overcurrent of 1.3 In. Final cross-sections and protection are determined by the design and the manufacturer's instructions.
Harmonics and reactors: when standard capacitors are not enough
VFDs, rectifiers, UPS units, LEDs and IT equipment distort the current. A capacitor's impedance is lower at higher frequencies, so harmonic currents "push" into the capacitors: they overheat, bulge, protection trips, and together with the transformer inductance resonance can occur. An indicative rule compares the power of non-linear loads Gh (kVA) with the transformer rating Sn (kVA):
Gh / Sn
Solution
In our range
≤ 10 %
Standard capacitors
440 V, POLT / POLB HD
10–20 %
Heavy-duty capacitors or capacitors with ~10% higher rated voltage
Harmonic filters – measurement and design required
On request
⚠ Important about reactors. With a 7% reactor, the capacitor voltage on a 400 V network rises to about 400 / 0.93 ≈ 430 V, with harmonics adding on top. That is why such steps use 480–525 V capacitors, not 440 V. In an old cabinet with reactors, replace a failed capacitor only with one of the same rated voltage and rating.
Selection matrix: all products in the group
Choose a situation – the matching rows will be highlighted:
Kibirkštis
Before ordering compensation components, I always check the following. Otherwise the cabinet either fails to reach the target cos φ, or the capacitors bulge within a year.
What to check
Why it matters
Network voltage and capacitor rated voltage
Output varies with the square of the voltage: a 440 V capacitor on a 400 V network delivers ~83% of its rated output.
Are there harmonic sources?
VFDs, UPS units, LEDs. Assess Gh/Sn or measure THDi. This determines whether reactors are needed.
Current transformer (CT) location and ratio
The CT must be at the incomer and measure the total current – loads and capacitors. Secondary current 5 A (MASTER – also 1 A); ratio according to incomer current.
Number of steps and smallest step
Controller outputs – at least one more than the number of steps. The smaller the first step, the more precisely cos φ is maintained.
Contactors
Only capacitor-duty contactors with inrush-current limiting resistors, rated ≥ step rating.
Discharge and reconnection
The capacitor must discharge to ≤ 75 V within 3 min (IEC 60831). Only a discharged capacitor may be reconnected (residual voltage ≤ 10% Un), so set the controller's reconnection time according to the discharge resistors. POLT discharge resistors are sold separately.
Cabinet ventilation
440 V capacitors are rated for ambient temperatures up to +50 °C, POLT up to +55 °C. In a hot cabinet, service life is shortened – provide a fan or thermostat.
Cables and protection
Separate protection for each step. Select gG fuses rated 1.6–1.8 times the rated current, and cables for no less than 1.5 times the rated current.
Is monitoring required?
If cos φ needs to be visible in a BMS / SCADA system, choose a controller or analyser with RS-485 Modbus/RTU.
✗ Most common mistakes
Mistake
Consequence
Rating calculated from the capacitor label (440 V) although the network is 400 V
~17% of compensation power is missing; target cos φ is not reached.
Standard capacitors on a network with many VFDs
Overheating, bulging capacitors, tripping protection, possible resonance.
440 V capacitor fitted in a cabinet with 7% reactors
The capacitor operates above its rated voltage and fails quickly.
CT installed in a load feeder instead of at the incomer
The controller "can't see" the effect of the capacitors: it switches steps endlessly or overcompensates.
Standard AC-3 contactor used for a capacitor step
High inrush current welds the contacts and shortens capacitor life.
Fixed bank stays on when there is no load (at night, at weekends)
Overcompensation: capacitive reactive energy is fed into the network, voltage rises.
Motor capacitor larger than the motor's no-load reactive power
Self-excitation and overvoltage are possible after the motor is disconnected.
Capacitor connected at the VFD output
Both the drive and the capacitor fail – this is prohibited.
Motor capacitor connected upstream of the contactor
The capacitor stays connected when the motor stops – overcompensation.
CT S1–S2 swapped or CT on the wrong phase
The controller sees an incorrect angle, shows a capacitive cos φ and switches in reverse.
Compensation selected without measurement
Rating too low or too high, unsuitable steps – the investment does not pay back.
To see what a CT placement error looks like in practice, see the diagram.
⚡ Safe working – Fazė's tip
A disconnected capacitor may still be charged. Before touching the terminals, wait at least 3 min and check the voltage with a meter.
Never open the CT secondary circuit while current is flowing – short-circuit it first.
Replace a bulging or leaking capacitor immediately – the overpressure protection has already operated or is about to.
The compensation cabinet must be connected and commissioned by a qualified electrician in accordance with the design and the manufacturer's instructions.
☝ Elsprendimai.eu recommends: start with a measurement – rent a three-phase analyser for 7 or 14 days. Based on the recording, we will select the total kvar, steps, controller, contactors and protection, and quote the complete kit in a single offer. If the site has many VFDs, we will prepare a detuned solution with reactors.
Wrong connections: wrong and correct
⚠ Diagrams are illustrative. This is not a wiring diagram for installation. Connection must be carried out by a certified electrician in accordance with the design and the instructions of the controller and capacitor manufacturers. UAB “Elektrotechnikos sprendimai” accepts no responsibility for the connection and installation of the equipment.
1. Current transformer location
Diagram. Left – CT in a load feeder: the controller cannot see the switched-in capacitors and switches steps endlessly or overcompensates. Right – CT at the incomer, upstream of all feeders: the controller sees the resulting cos φ and switches in as many steps as needed.
2. CT phase and polarity
Diagram. Left – CT on a different phase from the one assumed by the controller's voltage measurement, with S1 and S2 swapped: the controller sees an incorrect angle and shows a capacitive cos φ. Right – CT phase and direction as per instructions (P1 towards the supply side). Before reconnecting the CT leads, its secondary circuit must be short-circuited.
3. Motor capacitor and VFD
Diagram. Left – a capacitor upstream of the motor contactor KM stays connected even after the motor stops, and a capacitor at the variable frequency drive (VFD) output damages the drive. Right – an individual capacitor for a direct-on-line motor is connected downstream of KM. Motors with VFDs are compensated centrally at the incomer (often with reactors). If the capacitor is connected downstream of the thermal overload relay, reduce the relay setting according to the compensated current.
4. CT secondary circuit
Diagram. Left – CT secondary circuit disconnected while current is flowing: a dangerously high voltage appears at its terminals and the CT may be damaged. Right – CT connected via shorting (test) terminals, which are shorted before the controller is replaced or disconnected.
Faults and solutions: symptom → cause → what to do
Symptom
Most likely cause
What to do
Controller shows a capacitive cos φ (lead) although the load is inductive
CT S1–S2 swapped, or CT on a different phase from the one assumed by the controller's voltage measurement
Short the CT, swap the leads or correct the phase in the menu. MCE ADV detects phases and direction automatically.
All steps are switched in, but cos φ does not rise
CT not at the incomer (cannot see the capacitors), blown step fuses, contactors not closing, degraded capacitors
Check the CT location, fuses, contactor coils and the current of each step.
Steps switch constantly ("hunting")
Smallest step too large, incorrect CT ratio or C/k, delay too short
Reduce the smallest step, set the correct CT ratio, increase the delay.
Capacitors overheat, bulge, capacitance decreases
Harmonics, excessive voltage, hot cabinet, too frequent switching
Measure THDi and voltage. With harmonics – reactors and higher-voltage capacitors; for the cabinet – ventilation.
Step fuses blow frequently
Harmonic current or resonance, undersized fuses, contactor without limiting resistors
Select fuses at 1.6–1.8 In (gG), use capacitor-duty contactors, assess harmonics.
Welded contactor contacts
Standard AC-3 contactor, step switched in before discharging
A charge for exported (capacitive) reactive energy has appeared on the bill
Overcompensation at night or at weekends, fixed bank with no load
Keep fixed compensation only for constant loads; use automatic compensation for the rest.
After a solar PV plant was installed, cos φ at the incomer "got worse"
The PV plant covers part of P while the reactive power remains; some controllers do not distinguish the direction of energy flow
Measure the incomer in 4 quadrants. A controller that also works during generation is required; choose the CT location according to the design.
Controller shows "low current" or no current
CT shorting link left in place, CT ratio too high, broken circuit
Remove the shorting link after installation; check the CT ratio and wiring.
Frequently asked questions
Kibirkštis asks – a young, curious electrician who dares to ask what others won't. Fazė answers – an experienced engineer.
Kibirkštis
How many kvar do I need?
Fazė
Multiply the active power by the coefficient k: Q = P · (tg φ1 − tg φ2). For example, 100 kW with cos φ from 0.75 to 0.95 – about 55 kvar of actual output. Take P and cos φ from measurements, not from motor nameplates.
Kibirkštis
Is a 440 V capacitor suitable for a 400 V network?
Fazė
Yes, and it is often the better choice: it operates with a voltage margin and tolerates moderate harmonics better. Just calculate the actual output – about 83% of the rated value. A 40 kvar capacitor delivers about 33 kvar on a 400 V network.
Kibirkštis
Will compensation reduce the kWh consumed?
Fazė
Not directly. The motor draws the same amount of active energy to do its work. What decreases is the current, the losses in cables and the transformer, and the reactive energy charge. It also frees up capacity reserve in the transformer and cables.
Kibirkštis
How do I know whether reactors are needed?
Fazė
Add up the power of VFDs, UPS units and other non-linear loads and compare it with the transformer rating. When Gh/Sn exceeds 20% or THDi is high, detuned compensation with reactors is required. The most accurate way is to measure with an analyser.
Kibirkštis
How many steps should the controller have?
Fazė
At least one output more than the number of steps you plan – as a spare and for future expansion. Steps are chosen so that larger steps can be built up from smaller ones without large gaps, e.g. 1:1:2:2 or 1:2:2:2. The smallest step (typically 5–10% of the total rating) determines how precisely cos φ is maintained.
Kibirkštis
Can I simply replace a burnt-out capacitor with a new one?
Fazė
Yes, provided the new one has the same rating and the same rated voltage. Also check that step's contactor and fuses. If the cabinet has reactors, fit only a capacitor of the same voltage (often 480–525 V).
Kibirkštis
Why does the controller show overcompensation at night?
Fazė
Most often because of a fixed bank or transformer compensation that remains connected with no load, or because the smallest step is too large. Check the settings and the CT location – it must be at the incomer.
Kibirkštis
Who can install a compensation cabinet?
Fazė
An electrician certified to work on electrical installations of that voltage level. Larger sites require a design. We help select the components based on your measurements.
Related guides
A PFC panel will also need cables, an enclosure, protection devices and control circuits – these guides will help you select them:
Lifasa – POLT / POLB HD capacitors, MCE ADV and MASTER controllers, MCA PLUS II analyser (lifasa.com)
Manufacturers' technical data in the product descriptions – 440 V capacitors, LED 6–12 and 16 steps controllers
Rules for the Supply and Use of Electricity (Lithuania) – reactive energy metering and compensation
Disclaimer. This guide, its diagrams and calculations are provided for information only – they do not constitute a design, a working (wiring) diagram or installation instructions. Selection, connection, adjustment and commissioning of compensation equipment must be carried out by a qualified, certified electrical specialist in accordance with the design, the manufacturer's instructions and applicable legislation. UAB “Elektrotechnikos sprendimai” accepts no liability for the selection, connection, installation or operation of equipment carried out on the basis of this guide, or for any resulting damage.
The Reactive Power Automatic Compensation Controller is a professional solution for low-voltage electrical distribution systems, designed to automatically control the switching on and off of capacitor banks according to the load demand of the electrical network. The device continuously monitors the power factor (cosφ), reactive power, current, voltage, and other parameters of the electrical network, and based on this data precisely regulates the compensation stages.
The Reactive Power Automatic Compensation Controller is a professional solution for low-voltage electrical distribution systems, designed to automatically control the switching on and off of capacitor banks according to the load demand of the electrical network. The device continuously monitors the power factor (cosφ), reactive power, current, voltage, and other parameters of the electrical network, and based on this data precisely regulates the compensation stages.
The Reactive Power Automatic Compensation Controller is a professional solution for low-voltage electrical distribution systems, designed to automatically control the switching on and off of capacitor banks according to the load demand of the electrical network. The device continuously monitors the power factor (cosφ), reactive power, current, voltage, and other parameters of the electrical network, and based on this data precisely regulates the compensation stages.
Automatic cos φ controller for large capacitor banks: switches up to 16 steps according to the actual reactive power demand. Relay outputs drive capacitor-duty contactors, dynamic outputs drive thyristor switches for rapidly changing loads.
The Reactive Power Automatic Compensation Controller is a professional solution for low-voltage electrical distribution systems, designed to automatically control the switching on and off of capacitor banks according to the load demand of the electrical network. The device continuously monitors the power factor (cosφ), reactive power, current, voltage, and other parameters of the electrical network, and based on this data precisely regulates the compensation stages.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Three-phase cylindrical capacitor for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks. It is used as a fixed compensation step or as part of an automatic PFC panel at sites running motors, pumps, compressors and fans. The rated voltage is 440 V, so in a standard 3×400 V network the capacitor operates with a voltage margin.
Lifasa capacitor switching contactors for capacitor banks, 12.5 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 60 / 80 kvar. The early-make block with resistors limits the inrush current and disconnects automatically after switch-on. Controlled from the cos φ controller relay, mounted on DIN rail or with screws.
Lifasa MASTER06 – 6-step automatic power factor (cos φ) controller with network analyser functions. Supply 110–480 V AC, measurement via 1 or 3 CTs (/5 A or /1 A), 17 configurable alarms, temperature and leakage monitoring, RS-485 Modbus RTU. Front 144 × 144 mm.
Lifasa MASTER12 – 12-step automatic power factor (cos φ) controller with network analyser functions. Supply 110–480 V AC, measurement via 1 or 3 CTs (/5 A or /1 A), 17 configurable alarms, temperature and leakage monitoring, RS-485 Modbus RTU. Front 144 × 144 mm.
Lifasa MCE ADV – 6- or 12-step automatic power factor (cos φ) controller with Plug and Play commissioning: automatically detects the CT ratio (C/K), phase sequence and step program. Displays current, voltage and current THD, with alarms (LED and relay). CT /5 A, 144 × 144 mm, IP40. When ordering, specify the model: MCE-6 ADV or MCE-12 ADV.
Lifasa MCA PLUS II – panel-mounted three-phase network analyser, 96 × 96 mm. Measures true RMS voltage, current, power and cos φ via 3 CTs (X/5 A), in 4 quadrants. Accuracy 0.5 % (U, I), 2 S0 / alarm outputs, 2 relays, 2 digital inputs, RS-485 Modbus RTU. Supply 85–265 V AC / 95–300 V DC.
Lifasa POLT and POLB HD – three-phase cylindrical power capacitors for reactive power compensation in low-voltage networks, 0.8–50 kvar, 400/440 V, 50 Hz. Dry type, self-healing metallised polypropylene dielectric, overpressure disconnection system, compliant with IEC / EN 60831. Suitable for individual compensation and automatic PFC cabinets.
Paying for reactive energy, capacitors running hot, or the controller "can't keep up"? The usual culprits are a miscalculated rating, relying on the 440 V rating of capacitors on a 400 V network, or harmonics – see what to choose, rent an analyser or ask us.
Reactive power compensation controller | 12 steps | 400 V | X/5 A | LED displayCode: ES-JKW5C12
