Calculator Inputs
Enter the electrical operating data below. The tool estimates current, reactive loading, conductor loss, released capacity, and savings.
Example Data Table
This worked example shows how the calculator interprets a practical power factor improvement case.
| System | Voltage (V) | Load (kW) | Existing PF | Target PF | Current Before (A) | Current After (A) | Reactive Before (kVAR) | Capacitor Need (kVAR) | Recovered Loss (kW) | Monthly Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Phase | 415 | 75.00 | 0.72 | 0.95 | 157.52 | 119.38 | 78.57 | 51.78 | 1.43 | $319.72 |
Formula Used
The calculator estimates electrical loading and conductor heating from the chosen power factor values.
The conductor loss estimate is approximate. It depends on the equivalent resistance value you provide and assumes a stable operating load during the selected runtime.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose single phase or three phase supply.
- Enter the operating voltage and useful load power.
- Type the current and target power factor values.
- Provide efficiency, conductor resistance, and operating schedule data.
- Add electricity cost and any demand charge planning value.
- Press Calculate Loss to see results above the form.
- Review current reduction, kVAR correction, recovered losses, and savings.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the calculated results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does power factor loss mean here?
It represents avoidable conductor heating, extra current, and released capacity caused by operating below the target power factor. The tool compares two operating states and shows what can be recovered.
2) Why does a lower power factor increase losses?
For the same useful kW, a lower power factor demands more current. Conductor loss rises with I²R, so even modest current increases can create noticeably higher heating and wasted energy.
3) Is the suggested capacitor correction exact?
No. It is a planning estimate based on the reactive difference between existing and target conditions. Final capacitor bank sizing should consider harmonics, switching steps, voltage rise, and operating variation.
4) Can I use this for single phase equipment?
Yes. Select single phase, enter the circuit voltage, and use an equivalent loop resistance. The current and loss equations automatically switch to the single phase model.
5) Why is efficiency included in the calculation?
If your entered kW is useful load output, the supply must deliver slightly more active power because of efficiency losses. That changes current, apparent power, and conductor heating estimates.
6) What resistance value should I enter?
Use an equivalent conductor resistance that matches the electrical path being evaluated. For single phase, loop resistance is practical. For three phase, use a per-phase equivalent suited to your loss study.
7) Why are my savings negative?
Negative savings mean the target power factor is worse than the current condition, or your cost inputs are zero. Raising the target above the existing value usually produces positive recovery.
8) Does this replace a full electrical study?
No. This tool is for estimation and screening. Detailed correction projects should still check metered demand, harmonic limits, capacitor switching, transformer loading, and protection coordination.