Power Factor Correction (PFC) is not new but until recently was little known. Most Industrial and Commercial companies continue to introduce Sustainability efforts to great effect but have not considered PFC, or even know that they may benefit, or even “need” to. Consider:

Indicators You Need Power Factor Correction

A low power factor can lead to increased energy costs and equipment stress. Here are some common indicators that you might need power factor correction:

• High Energy Bills: Often times the issue takes months, or even years to build making it difficult to know that the energy bills are unnecessarily high.
  • Unexpectedly high electricity costs: If your energy bills are increasing without a corresponding increase in usage, a low power factor might be the culprit.
  • Utility company penalties: Some utilities charge penalties for low power factors.

• Overloaded Circuit Breakers:
  • Frequent tripping: If circuit breakers are tripping more often than usual, it could be due to excessive current flow caused by a low power factor.

• Reduced Equipment Efficiency:
  • Motor overheating: Overheating motors can be a sign of inefficient operation, often linked to a low power factor.
  • Reduced performance: Equipment may not perform as expected if it’s operating at a low power factor.

• Voltage Fluctuations:
  • Unstable voltage: Low power factors can contribute to voltage fluctuations, which can affect equipment performance and lifespan.

• Power Quality Issues:
  • Harmonics: Low power factors can lead to increased harmonics, which can cause equipment damage and interfere with sensitive electronics.

• Low Load Factor:
  • Underutilized equipment: If your equipment is operating at a low load, it may be more susceptible to power factor issues.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s worth investigating your power factor. Power factor correction can help improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance equipment performance.

Contact us to learn more about how to calculate power factor or the benefits of power factor correction?