Causes of Low power factor

The major causes of low power factor in the electric supply system are as follows.

• Due to reactive load

Most of the AC motors used in industry or with domestic appliances are of induction type which workings at low power factor.

• Low R/Z ratio:

Arc lamp, arc furnaces, induction furnaces etc. used in industry handles at poor power factors.

• Low kW/kVA ratio

Modern alternator, transformers, certain protective devices and still AC transmission and distribution lines are of inductive nature and further reduces the power factor of the electrical power system.