An instantaneous measure of electric demand equal to one thousand volt-amperes. When voltage and amperage are perfectly in phase, kVA demand will equal kW demand. Electric loads that generate a magnetic field (motors, lighting ballasts, etc.) cause the current to lag voltage, lowering the power factor and increasing amp draw to accomplish the same work. Large commercial, oil field and industrial customers can correct this problem by installing capacitors.

a unit of electrical power equal to 1000 volt-amperes

1000 volts at 1 ampere.

A measurement of total power - active power, which does work (watts), and reactive power, which creates an electromagnetic field (VAR) (kVA2 = kW2 + kVAR2). Capacitors can help reduce the total power required by supplying magnetic requirements (kVAR) on site.

A measure of apparent electric power (voltage x current) used for transformer ratings and other equipment ratings.

One thousand volt amperes. See the definition for “apparent power.

A unit of apparent power, equal to 1,000 volt-amperes; the mathematical product of the volts and amperes in an electrical circuit.