Cables, even at lower voltages, can produce what in comparison to AC lines?

Study for the NERC Transmission Operations (TOP) Exam with our multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for test day!

Cables, especially at lower voltages, can indeed produce more capacitance in comparison to AC lines. This is due to the inherent nature of cables, which have a dielectric material between their conductors. This dielectric allows for the storage of electric charge, resulting in capacitive behavior.

When cables are used in an AC system, this capacitance can lead to a phenomenon known as charging current, where the cable behaves like a capacitor, contributing reactive power (measured in MVAR). This is particularly significant in long cable runs, where the capacitance increases due to the length of the cable and the surrounding environment, further impacting the performance of the transmission system by introducing additional reactive power.

This phenomenon can influence power factor and voltage levels throughout the network, affecting overall efficiency. While factors such as resistance and voltage play roles in transmission, the unique properties of cables inherently lead to increased capacitance compared to traditional overhead AC lines.

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