Isn a generator an inductive device in which the power actually lags voltage?
The power factor of the generator is determined by the load characteristics. Typical loads usually have a mix of motors and resistive elements. This means that most generators operate in a lagging power factor mode providing kW and kVAR to meet the power needs of the connected load. If power factor correction capacitors are connected to an electric service, do they need to be dropped offline when switching to generator power? Typically, yes. Generators are designed to work between 0.8 lagging to 1.0 (unity) power factor. Lagging power factor is when the current lags the voltage. Unity power factor is when current and voltage are in phase with each other. Leading power factor is when the current leads the voltage. Leading power factor load conditions will cause the automatic voltage regulator to reduce its output. This may lead to voltage instability at modest load levels and over-voltage shutdown at high load levels. To avoid these results, power factor correction may need to be switch
