Power Factor

direct business solutions van Direct Global Direct Global

Where Power Factor Correction

Reduces Costs Improves Performance Extends Equipment Life

Power factor is a measure of how effectively electrical power drawn from the grid is used. A poor power factor means more current is being pulled than is actually needed to deliver the same useful work. This can lead to higher charges from the electricity supplier, increased losses in cables and transformers and reduced available capacity on electrical infrastructure.

Power Factor Correction (PFC) uses capacitors or other equipment to improve power factor and reduce these issues.

Who is Power Factor Correction for?

  • Sites with large motor, compressor or refrigeration loads.
  • Organisations that have experienced power-factor penalties or capacity constraints.
  • Facilities where transformers and switchgear are running warm or near their limits.
  • Sites planning to add new loads such as EV charging, machinery or HVAC to existing supplies.

Optimising Your Electrical System: Our PFC Process.

Our approach is driven by real site data and a clear understanding of how your electrical load may evolve in the future.

Benefits of Power Factor

Lower Energy Costs

Reduce reactive power, cut waste and lower kVA demand charges.

Extended asset life

Less electrical stress and overheating mean reduced wear on transformers, switchgear, motors and machinery.

Better System Performance

Improved voltage stability, reduced harmonics and smoother operation across your entire site.

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Using less energy directly lowers your environmental impact and supports sustainability goals.

Some of our clients include:

Speak to our team

Questions about Power Factor?

Power factor correction improves the efficiency of your electrical system by reducing wasted reactive power. It uses capacitors or automatic control panels to balance electrical loads, meaning you draw only the energy your equipment actually needs. As a result, your system runs more efficiently, with less strain and lower energy costs.

A poor power factor means your business uses more apparent power than necessary, increasing electricity bills and reducing capacity. Improving your power factor lowers losses, reduces voltage drops, and helps you get more from your existing electrical infrastructure. It also prevents penalties from some utility providers for inefficient power usage.

The main benefits include lower electricity costs, improved voltage stability, and extended equipment lifespan. Correcting power factor also reduces heat and stress on transformers, switchgear, and cables. Over time, this leads to greater reliability, fewer failures, and measurable savings across your energy network.

No. Properly designed systems are installed in parallel with your existing network, so they don’t interfere with equipment operation. Instead, they support your electrical infrastructure by reducing current flow and maintaining stable voltage levels. We assess each site carefully to ensure performance remains safe and compliant.

Installation is simple and usually carried out at the main electrical incomer or distribution board. Our engineers test the network first, design a tailored solution, and handle all commissioning. Ongoing maintenance involves periodic inspections to ensure capacitor banks operate safely and efficiently over the long term.

Savings vary depending on your site’s power profile, but many businesses see electricity bill reductions of up to 10%. In addition to financial savings, you benefit from improved capacity, reduced carbon footprint, and greater system reliability, all without changing how you operate day to day.