Overdimensioning
A direct consequence of reactive power is overdimensioning by using unnecessarily thick cables and unnecessarily large distributors. in effect, the conducting medium must provide sufficient capacity to transport the total electrical power present. When reactive power has to be transported in addition to actual power, a thicker cable needs to be used than in cases in which, there is no reactive power. Thicker cables take up more physical space within the installation and the costs for both cabling and distributors increase.
Overdimensioning and unnecessary high costs due to reactive power
Both reactive power and actual power are transported via electrical conductors. In order to transport this energy, the conductor needs to offer sufficient capacity. For this reason, an installer will use a cable with a larger diameter to transport power through the cable. An additional disadvantage of a thicker cable is the fact that it contains more copper and requires greater protection in the distributors. This also means that the distributors must be larger, because otherwise the cables cannot be connected.
Loss of physical space due to overdimensioning
As a consequence of using thicker cables, less space left in the areas where cables are located. This results in a loss of space and fewer opportunities for expansion. In the event of expansion, additional provision(s) have to be made to install new cables.
Over-dimensioning is not the only consequence, reactive power also leads to other things such as heat loss, capacity loss, overheating and sometimes even a fine from the energy supplier.