Basic Formulas

Ohms Law | Capacitance | Inductance | Legend

The following pages of formulas, some derivations and discussions are intended to assist in
designing and applying capacitor banks properly.
1. Ohms Law
R

I = V (1)
or V = I Z

(2)
(3)

Then Z =

(4)

and I =

(5)

P=I

From (4)

This becomes

V=

(6)

Let P = VAR

Then Z =

or Z =

Or Z =
Letting Z = XC Or XL

We have XC (Or XL) =

(7)

(8)

(9)
(10)
(11)

This will allow you to determine the reactance of a capacitor or reactor when voltage and
KVAR is given.
Example:

A three-phase 600KVAR capacitor bank at 12,470 will yield

Xc =

= 259.168 Ohms

A three-phase shunt reactor of 150KVAR, at 13.8KV will yield

XL =

= 1269.6 Ohms

2. Capacitance

(12)

XC =

But, as stated VAR =

(6)

(13)
VAR =
(14)

Or =

(15)

Then VAR =

(16)

KVAR =
Example:

From above 600KVAR at 12.47KV equals 259.168 Ohms and from (12)

XC =

. Then C =

Let f = 60 Hertz
Then C = 0.000010235 farads or 10.235 microfarads.

From (16) KVAR =

KVAR = 600
3. Inductance
(17)

VAR =

(18)

from (6) =

(19)

KVAR =

From above 150KVAR at 13.8KV equals 1269.6 Ohms and from (17)
. Let f = 60 Hertz

Then L =

= 3.36773 Henries

Or 3367.73 millihenries.

From (19) KVAR =

KVAR = 150

R
I
V
Z
P
VAR
K
Xc
XL
M

LEGEND
Resistance
Amps
Volts
Impedance
Power (in Watts and/or Vars)
Reactive Power
Kilo (103)
Capacitive Reactance
Inductive Reactance
Mega (106)