What is a common method to correct a lagging power factor?

Adding capacitors is a common method to correct a lagging power factor because they provide reactive power, which can help offset the inductive reactance present in a system that causes the lagging power factor. In an electrical system, when inductive loads (like motors and transformers) are present, they consume reactive power, leading to a situation where the current lags behind the voltage. By introducing capacitors, which supply leading reactive power, the overall effect is to balance the inductive loads, thus reducing the lagging power factor and improving the efficiency of the power system.

In contrast, the use of inductors would exacerbate the lagging power factor since they further contribute to inductive reactance. Voltage regulators are primarily used to maintain voltage levels within certain limits but do not directly address power factor correction. Increasing the load can also compound the issue, as it may increase the demand for reactive power further leading to an even more lagging situation.