Power Factor limits in the UK/EU

Apr 05, 2006 4 Replies
R

For a small mains powered electronic gizmo for the UK/EU market we are looking at using a reactive ballast (i.e. capacitor) dropper rather than a transformer. The gizmo is fully sealed so the elec safety is not a problem but are their limitations due to the very low power factor we will have (around



0.3 leading) - the mains current will be around 70mA at 230V but the watts obviously very low.

Are there any minmum PF (/harmonic limitation) requirements that would preclude using a capacitor in this case? and if so what are the limits?



Thanks



Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
T

I don't know if there are limits in your particular case, but I've seen a technical solution when there was a limit on PF:

A power resistor in parallel with the device.

Tim.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
C

In message , RHRRC writes

PF correction is only required on devices consuming more than 75W. (Though I'm not sure which EN spec this appears in).

Chris Morriss
Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
S

I think the power companies love some capacitive loading to compensate for al those inductive loads(anything with a transformer or motor).

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
R

This has generated sort of a thought experiment in my headbone - suppose I have a big inductive load across the mains, and I put enough capacitance across it such that it's resonant at 60 Hz (US), what does the power company think of that?

I guess they'd love having no reactance reflected to them, and the real power in my load would only lower the Q of the tuned circuit?

Thanks! Rich

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required