Three-phase power-factor cautions
Keep real power, reactive power, apparent power, displacement power factor, and nonlinear-load distortion distinct when estimating three-phase current or correction needs.
- Product
- Three-phase power systems
- Level
- Advanced
- Read time
- 11 min
- Reviewed
- 2026-07-15
- Author
- Toolbox editorial team
- Reviewer
- Technical review
What to establish before troubleshooting
Power factor is kW divided by kVA. Lower power factor means more current is required for the same real power and voltage, but the correction method depends on whether the cause is displacement, distortion, or both.
A three-phase current estimate using real power should include the measured or documented true power factor for the operating condition.
Abbreviated worked example
Relate 100 kW at 0.80 power factor
A balanced load consumes 100 kW at true power factor 0.80.
- 1Apparent power = 100 / 0.80 = 125 kVA.
- 2For a simple sinusoidal case, reactive power = sqrt(125^2 - 100^2) = 75 kVAR.
Result: The load requires 125 kVA to deliver 100 kW at 0.80 power factor.
Caution: Do not size correction capacitors from this simplified triangle when harmonics, rapidly changing load, or resonance concerns are present.
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