What does kVAR stand for?

kVAR stands for Kilovolt-Ampere-Reactive. This term is used to describe reactive power in an AC electrical system. Reactive power is essential in maintaining the voltage levels necessary for transmitting active power (real power) efficiently over long distances.

In electrical engineering, the reactive power is measured in VARs (Volt-Amperes Reactive), and when scaled up to kilovolt-amperes (kVA), it becomes kVAR. This concept is crucial for understanding how inductive and capacitive loads in a circuit consume and return energy, impacting overall power factor and system efficiency. Reactive power does not perform any actual work, but it is important for the functioning of motors and transformers, which require it to maintain magnetic fields.

The other terms listed do not accurately represent the concept of reactive power and might confuse it with real power or other electrical measurements, which is why they do not pertain to the correct definition.