Electrical Engineering ⇒ Topic : Leading Power Factor

Leading Power Factor

In discussing two-wattmeter method for measuring power in a 3-phase balanced load, we have considered lagging load power factor i.e. p.f. angle Φ is considered positive. For leading power factor, angle Φ becomes negative. Therefore, by putting the value of load p.f. angle as Φ in the readings of the wattmeters above, we have,

Note that effect of leading power factor is that the readings of the two wattmeters are interchanged. Now wattmeter W₁ has become the higher-reading wattmeter. All other discussions remain the same as for the lagging power factor.

Compare this expression with that for lagging power factor. Here W₁ is the higher-reading wattmeter instead of W₂ in case of lagging power factor.