What is the difference between fixed and automatic Power Factor Correction Capacitors?
A. There are two types of Power Factor Correction Capacitors: Fixed and Automatic. Automatic capacitors are also known as switched capacitors. Automatic capacitors vary the amount of correction (KVAR) supplied to an electrical system, while fixed capacitors supply a constant amount of correction (KVAR). Automatic capacitors are made up of banks that are switched off and on by a microprocessor controller based on the plant electrical load at any given time. Automatic capacitors are installed at the main incoming power source, while fixed capacitors are generally installed at individual motor loads throughout a plant.
