Power factor is the ratio of true power (watts) to apparent power ( KVA ). It is commonly referred to with motor efficiency in my experience. Ex. 2 hp motor has a wattage of 1.5 KW and a rating of 1.8 KVA. This would give the motor a power factor of 83%. Capacitors are used to correct the 17% loss in power factor. Their purpose, by definition is to oppose a drop in voltage. I will not claim to know how this works in power distribution, but I can see how it could work in the given situation to avoid a drop in voltage going into the transformers. Since we are having a good discussion, I am familiar with motor capacitors. Is there a difference in the function of line capacitors?
Last edited by shooterchris; 06-30-2011 at 06:18 PM.
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
P. S. JAB III sorry about the hi-jack, but this is an area of interest for me and I'm always willing to learn from those with experience.
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
Most likely the transformer lost it's ground and the voltage began floating on the secondary side. I get at least 5 calls a year with this problem around Newberry. Primary lines are 7200 to 14000 Volts depending on utility company. The odds that the installed a wrong voltage transformer is very low, most houses get 15 kva x-formers and it is hard to mix up them up.
Smilee, what is the voltage on the primary of a typical pole mount residential transformer? Is it still 7200-14000 on the pole before the residential transformer?
Last edited by shooterchris; 06-30-2011 at 06:52 PM.
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
7200v to 240v would work out to a 30-1 turns ratio in the transformer, so that would make a lot of sense if it was 7200v in the lines going into the primary.
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
It can be 7200 or 14400 it just varies with power company design on distribution lines. In our local area the coop is young the voltages to 14400, it is more efficient for local distribution.
JAB,
I would step in here, explain what's going on, correct where these guys are wrong and answer all your questions.
But these young boys need the experience, it'll better their future problem solving skills.
Y'all boys carry on. I'll grade you later.
The Elites don't fear the tall nails, government possesses both the will and the means to crush those folks. What the Elites do fear (or should fear) are the quiet men and women, with low profiles, hard hearts, long memories, and detailed target folders for action as they choose.
"I here repeat, & would willingly proclaim, my unmitigated hatred to Yankee rule—to all political, social and business connections with Yankees, & to the perfidious, malignant, & vile Yankee race."
C'mon Mergie, we all know that you have a millennium of experience under your belt. Clue us in!
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
Newberry has a small amount of FEC Near broad river.
Man when I was growing up they hadn't invented electricity yet. We still used mules and steam. That new fangle 'lectricity didn't come along till I was in my 40s.
The Elites don't fear the tall nails, government possesses both the will and the means to crush those folks. What the Elites do fear (or should fear) are the quiet men and women, with low profiles, hard hearts, long memories, and detailed target folders for action as they choose.
"I here repeat, & would willingly proclaim, my unmitigated hatred to Yankee rule—to all political, social and business connections with Yankees, & to the perfidious, malignant, & vile Yankee race."
So I need a volt meter/ multi meter thing. Can you dorks help out with that? I will cross post just in case.
Last edited by Steelin' Ducks; 06-30-2011 at 08:15 PM.
Where do you want to use it, industry or classroom?
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
In a work setting get a Fluke, in the classroom/lab an Ideal is as accurate as any for less than half the price but it won't take the beating that a Fluke will.
“Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks."-Ernest Hemingway
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckkiller
I was an athlete at Clemson, not a scholar.
Most likely cause of this would be a short in the transformer primary windings, which could give you the 276 volts line-to-line and 138V +/- instead of 120V line-to-neutral. This would certainly cause the issues you were having.
The other possibility would be if a transformer with the wrong primary voltage rating was used by the Utility. This would have the same effect as your secondary voltage could be higher.
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