Earth Bondhon
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Md Jony Islam Author
Md Jony Islam
CalculatorToolsProjectExpert
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Małgorzata Koperska, MD Steven Wooding
Last updated: October 22, 2025

Line Reactor Calculator | Protect VFDs & Improve Power Quality

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Line Reactor Calculator

Calculate line reactor size and voltage drop instantly. Improve VFD protection, reduce harmonics, and enhance power factor using this accurate online calculator.

inductance calculation for reactor

A Line Reactor Calculator is a machine that takes supply voltage, load current, and impedance to find out the inductance required to reduce harmonics and provide surge protection.

VFD line reactor impedance formula

The Line Reactor Calculator is a tool used to calculate the correct reactor size (in mH or the percentage of impedance) to protect variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, and other delicate loads. The line reactor minimizes current harmonics, voltage spikes, and transient surges of the power supply, which enhance the overall stability of the system and efficiency. The calculator has a set of automatically calculating inductance and voltage drop when voltage, frequency, load current, and percent of impedance are entered. The tool is utilized by engineers in sizing the reactors to be used in either single-phase or three-phase systems to qualify them with drive ratings. Properly-sized line reactors improve the performance of motors, increase their equipment life, and ensure the IEEE harmonic requirements. This calculator can be used on the line or load side of a drive to give the most accurate results that are used to optimize the protection and energy efficiency.

Work, Installation, Input to Output Summary

Line reactors are installed in cascade during installation with the input or output of a VFD to even out the flow of current and eliminate distortion of voltages. The calculator takes parameters such as system voltage, frequency, current, and target impedance percentage, and the results are the reactor inductance (mH) and voltage drop. Between the input and the output, this will provide fewer harmonics, balanced voltage, and increase the life span of equipment.

Testing and Final Adjustments

Line Reactor Calculator is an immediate solution to finding the right inductance and impedance to use in your drive or motor protection system. It assists engineers in choosing the optimal line or load reactor to reduce harmonic distortion, transient voltage, and electrical noise. The tool then provides the best reactor rating in millihenries (mH) or percent impedance (%Z) by simply keying in the essential information about voltage, current, and frequency. This provides safe and efficient operation of VFD, reduced stress of the system, and enhanced quality of power in industrial and commercial installations.

Frequently Asked Questions - Line Reactor Calculator:

What is a line reactor?

A line reactor is an inductor connected in series with a power line to limit current spikes and reduce harmonics.

Why use a line reactor with a VFD?

It protects the VFD from voltage transients, harmonics, and current surges, improving drive reliability.

How do you calculate line reactor size?

Use voltage, current, frequency, and desired impedance (%Z) to determine inductance in mH.

What is the formula for line reactor inductance?

L = (Z × 1000) / (2π × f × I), where Z is impedance and f is frequency.

Where should a line reactor be installed?

It can be installed on the input (line side) or output (load side) of a VFD.

What are the benefits of using a line reactor?

It reduces harmonics, improves power factor, and protects drives and motors from spikes.

What is the typical impedance of a line reactor?

Common values are 3% or 5% impedance, depending on system design and harmonic levels.

Can line reactors improve power quality?

Yes, they smooth current flow, lower distortion, and stabilize voltage in AC circuits.

What happens if a reactor is undersized?

It may fail to reduce harmonics effectively or overheat under high load.

Are line reactors required for all drives?

They are recommended for long cable runs or when harmonic distortion exceeds safe limits.

Md Jony Islam

Md Jony Islam

CalculatorToolsProject

Founder of Earthbondhon.com

a free online tools website designed to make everyday and engineering-related calculations easier for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The site offers a wide range of basic calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators.