Power Factor Correction Capacitor Buying Guide

Verified 2026-09-05 · By VUKAR Editorial Team

Does your panel need a 5 or 15 kVAr step?

Match the exact capacitor to a measured, reviewed panel design. A calculator total alone cannot choose either model.

  • The 5 kVAr model is MEHVBAPP050A44.
  • The 15 kVAr model is MEHVBAPP150A44.
  • Both listed examples are three-phase, 440 V, 50 Hz.
  • Check harmonics and load changes before choosing capacitor steps.
  • Confirm stock with the official store before ordering.

What do the names mean?

  • APP-BOX is the manufacturer's capacitor product name. It is not a complete automatic panel.
  • kVAr states reactive-power output at the specified voltage and frequency.
  • APFC means automatic power factor correction: a controller switches capacitor steps as demand changes.
  • Harmonics are extra electrical wave components. They change how a capacitor bank must be designed.
[S1] [S2] [S3]

Get the measurements before the quotation

  • Ask an electrical professional to record kW and power factor at several normal loads.
  • Confirm whether the measured value is displacement power factor or total power factor.
  • Record actual voltage, frequency, existing capacitor steps, and generator use.
  • Have harmonics measured when drives, welders, UPS units, or other electronic loads are present.
  • Agree the target power factor and smallest required step with the designer.
[S3] [S4] [S5]

Two exact APP-BOX choices

Check 5 kVAr model 15 kVAr model
Exact code MEHVBAPP050A44 MEHVBAPP150A44[S1] [S2]
Rated output 5 kVAr 15 kVAr[S1] [S2]
Rated voltage 440 V 440 V[S1] [S2]
Supply Three-phase, 50 Hz Three-phase, 50 Hz[S1] [S2]
Buying boundary Check current stock and seller Store showed no seller / out-of-stock text; confirm availability[S1] [S2]

Products you can evaluate

Exact capacitor examples, not rankings or site recommendations. The 15 kVAr listing needs stock confirmation before purchase.

Schneider Electric

APP-BOX three-phase 5 kVAr 440 V 50 Hz

Exact model/variant: MEHVBAPP050A44

An exact 5 kVAr component to check against the panel designer's approved step schedule.[S1]

  • 5 kVAr at stated rating
  • 440 V, 50 Hz
  • Three-phase capacitor

Price: Check current price, seller, and pincode availability on the official store.

Seller: Schneider Electric India eShop; confirm fulfilling seller · checked 2026-09-05

Check current price and stock

Schneider Electric

APP-BOX three-phase 15 kVAr 440 V 50 Hz

Exact model/variant: MEHVBAPP150A44

An exact 15 kVAr component to check against the panel designer's approved step schedule.[S2]

  • 15 kVAr at stated rating
  • 440 V, 50 Hz
  • Three-phase capacitor

Price: Store showed out-of-stock / no-seller text. Confirm stock and current price before ordering.

Seller: Schneider Electric India eShop; confirm fulfilling seller · checked 2026-09-05

Check current price and stock

The number on the box is not the whole design

Check Simple meaning Buying question
Step size Amount switched in together What happens when the load falls?[S3]
Rated voltage Voltage used for the stated output What output will this give at our actual voltage?[S1] [S2] [S3]
Harmonic duty Ability to work in the measured electrical conditions Does the study require a reactor or filter?[S3]
Switching and protection Devices that connect and protect the capacitor Are contactors, fuses, and discharge devices in the quotation?[S3] [S5]

Use the calculator as a first check

  • Enter measured kW, lagging displacement power factor, and the agreed target.
  • The result estimates correction for those inputs; it does not select a finished capacitor bank.
  • If harmonics are present or unknown, stop the simple calculation path and obtain a study.
  • Quick pause: what happens when most machines turn off?
  • A fixed step chosen only for peak demand can provide too much correction at light load.
[S3] [S4]

Ask the panel builder these questions

  • Which measured load points justify these exact capacitor codes and step sizes?
  • Is the order for a capacitor only or a complete tested panel?
  • What harmonic measurements support the chosen duty and any reactor?
  • What switching device, fuse, discharge arrangement, ventilation, and enclosure are included?
  • Who checks generator operation, low-load behaviour, and existing capacitor interaction?
  • Can I see the drawings, commissioning scope, warranty, and replacement terms?
  • Is this exact code available for my pincode, and what is the delivery date?
[S1] [S2] [S3] [S5]

Compare complete quotations

  • Match the same voltage, frequency, model code, and required step schedule.
  • A 15 kVAr unit has a different output rating from a 5 kVAr unit. That alone does not make it suitable.
  • A capacitor price cannot be compared directly with a complete APFC panel price.
  • Ask for separate costs for design, reactors, switching, protection, enclosure, installation, and commissioning.
  • Check current prices on the official store; do not use a saved price as today's quotation.
[S1] [S2] [S3]

Stored energy needs professional handling

Safety / Verify First

Capacitors can retain dangerous charge after power is disconnected. Do not open, wire, discharge, or test them from this guide.[S3] [S5]

A qualified professional must select the equipment, follow the exact discharge procedure, and test the finished installation before use.[S3] [S5]

Quick questions

If the calculator says 15 kVAr, should I buy the 15 model?

Not yet. The designer must check voltage, changing loads, harmonics, steps, and protection. The listed rating is not site approval.[S2] [S3] [S4]

Does a capacitor remove all harmonics?

No. Capacitors can interact with the supply and increase some harmonic problems. A study decides whether reactors or filters are needed.[S3]

Should the target always be 1.00?

No. Changing loads can lead to too much correction. Agree the target and control settings from the utility requirement and the measured installation.[S3]

This comparison covers only the listed models, criteria, sources, and verification date. Omission or missing public data is not a negative judgement about any brand.

References used for this guide
  1. APP-BOX 5 kVAr 440 V official India store — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
  2. APP-BOX 15 kVAr 440 V official India store — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
  3. Power factor correction: component selection guide — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
  4. Choosing the right capacitor bank for power factor correction — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
  5. Electrical safety regulations 2023 — Central Electricity Authority; accessed 2026-09-05
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