The two key concepts are related to the power factor of AC electrical power systems. In case of leading power factor, the current leads the voltage whereas; in lagging power factor, the current lags the supplied voltage. The load conditions depend on the propensity of the circuit, which causes the current to either lead or lag.
Which is better leading or lagging power factor?
Hiri Adin
The power factor is usually between 0 and 1, which may be calculated by the current or lag of current in comparison to the voltage. In leading and lagging power factors, the phasor of the load current is in comparison to the phasor of the supply voltage. Therefore, the capacitive load will trigger a leading power factor, and inductive loads will cause a lagging power factor.
Dela Shafa
Key differences between the leading and lagging power factors
Phase angle:
The phase angle of the current is optimistic with respect to voltage in case of leading power factor. But in lagging power factor, the current phase angle is negative in relation to the driving voltage phase angle.
Load current:
Leading power factor implies that the load current is capacitive, while the lagging power factor suggests that the load current is inductive.
Correction:
By adding inductive loads, we can correct the leading power factor. In the case of lagging the addition of capacitive loads can correct the lagging power factor.
Load value:
The capacitive load value lies between -1 and 0 in case of leading power factor whereas the range of the inductive load lies between 0 and 1 in lagging power factors.
Common examples:
The common examples of capacitive loads are electric motors, power supplier and mainly the circuit of radios. The inductive loads contain electrical relays and power generators.