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Power factor controller have different types that are optimized to served specific requirements in the industry. Power factor controllers are the heart and brain of operation for power factor correction which is a kind of energy saving methods. In this topic I am going to discuss on how to install the power factor controller. These are the steps:

 1. Determine first the system voltage in order to know whether a PT or Potential Transformer is needed or not. Sometimes the system voltage such as in low voltage installations like 240 V or 480 V, a PT is not needed since there are PF controller in which its supply rating is at this level. For voltages higher than what was mentioned above, surely a PT is needed unless there are models that has a supply voltage that are compatible at that voltage level.

 2. Determine the contact rating of the output relays and choose a magnetic contactor that has similar rating. For example if the contact rating of the power factor controller is 24 VDC then choose a contactor that has a supply voltage of 24 VDC. This magnetic contactors will then control the activation and de-activation of the capacitors during operation.

3. Determine the maximum current of the system so that you can choose the correct ratio of the CT or current transformer. Once the correct rating of the CT has been determined clamp it to the supply mains of the system and connect the the CT to the terminals of the controller intended for it.

4. Connect a wire from the terminals of the output relay to the coil of the magnetic contactor. The number of steps of the capacitor controller determines the number of magnetic contactors to be installed.

5. Connect the wires from the supply mains of the system to the capacitors through the contactors. For example you will choose to connect terminals L1, L2, L3 are in the mains side while the terminals T1, T2, T3 in the capacitor side.

6. Put the controller together with the other components in a panel with enough space and proper terminal markings. Read the manufacturers manual for the correct settings of the controller. In the setting you have to choose what is the power factor level you want to maintain. Remember that the controller that will operate based on your input, therefore you have to calculate and analyze the overall system before you adjust the settings. In setting the required parameters you have to consider the lowest power factor of the system, the number of steps of the capacitor and the value of the capacitor in each step. Always consider that a power factor that exceeds 1.0 or unity will not cause voltage dip on the system and could result a bug on the operation of the generator if any. Leading power factor will not cause voltage dip therefore when overvoltage takes place the voltage regulator at the generator side "may not" detect it and may cause severe problem to the loads of the system.