Power Factor Correction Devices
Helping You Use Electricity More Efficiently
Power factor measures how efficiently a building uses electricity supplied by a utility company. A high power factor ensures that your electric equipment run more efficiently by reducing the amount of energy needed. Many businesses in the U.S. have a power factor between 0.7 and 0.9, indicating that 10-30% or more of their electricity is being wasted.
Power factor is defined as the ratio of real (working or kW) power to apparent (total or kVA) power. For example, we know that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, because our roads don’t go exactly in a straight line, we end up driving further to get to the same place. The same is true for electricity. A motor may need 100 kilowatts of power to operate, but it may be drawing 115 kilowatts instead. Inductive electrical loads increase the amount of apparent (total) power causing the power factor to decrease. Power factor correction devices like our Electric Saver Power Box create a condition where the power supply is more constant, more efficiently supplying varying loads of power. The result is a power factor increase and less wasted energy.
Power factor is defined as the ratio of real (working or kW) power to apparent (total or kVA) power. For example, we know that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, because our roads don’t go exactly in a straight line, we end up driving further to get to the same place. The same is true for electricity. A motor may need 100 kilowatts of power to operate, but it may be drawing 115 kilowatts instead. Inductive electrical loads increase the amount of apparent (total) power causing the power factor to decrease. Power factor correction devices like our Electric Saver Power Box create a condition where the power supply is more constant, more efficiently supplying varying loads of power. The result is a power factor increase and less wasted energy.
Inductive Loads That May Be Causing Low Power Factor
Learn more about power factor and how your facility can use electricity more efficiency!
Low power factor could be costing you money.
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Power Factor Correction with an Electric Saver Smart Box
Your electrical bill is likely to shrink. Additionally, many utility companies charge a fee if your power factor is too low. Correcting your power factor will help you avoid this fee.
Uncorrected power factor can cause voltage drops and/or power losses in the electrical distribution system. This can result in overheating and premature failure of motors and other inductive equipment. Proper power factor will allow your inductive equipment to operate more efficiently and last longer.
Additional Electric Saver Smart Box benefits include:
Uncorrected power factor can cause voltage drops and/or power losses in the electrical distribution system. This can result in overheating and premature failure of motors and other inductive equipment. Proper power factor will allow your inductive equipment to operate more efficiently and last longer.
Additional Electric Saver Smart Box benefits include:
- Surge protection up to 2,000 joules (equal to 60,000 amperes per leg in service panel)
- Electrical motors and transformers will run cooler
- Increases lifespan and efficiency of electrical motors and transformers
- Saves money on your utility bill and reduces motor maintenance costs
Installing an Electric Saver Smart Box to correct your power factor can help you improve the electrical efficiency in your building. An EcoManity Energy Consultant can measure your power factor and project the savings based on our findings. Many businesses are enjoying the benefits of this technology. We can share copies of actual utility bills that verify the savings.