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Power Factor Correction Capacitor Buying Guide
Verified 2026-09-05 · By VUKAR Editorial Team
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.
APP-BOX, kVAr and APFC explained
- 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.
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.
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 stockSchneider 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 stockCapacitor step size, voltage and panel requirements
| 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.
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?
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.
Stored energy needs professional handling
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
- APP-BOX 5 kVAr 440 V official India store — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
- APP-BOX 15 kVAr 440 V official India store — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
- Power factor correction: component selection guide — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
- Choosing the right capacitor bank for power factor correction — Schneider Electric; accessed 2026-09-05
- Electrical safety regulations 2023 — Central Electricity Authority; accessed 2026-09-05
