What type of current do capacitors supply?

Capacitors supply leading current because they create a phase difference where the current leads the voltage in an AC circuit. In a capacitive circuit, when voltage is applied, the current starts to flow before the voltage reaches its peak. This phase shift results from the way capacitors charge and discharge: they allow current to flow even when there is no voltage present, effectively causing the current to reach its peak ahead of the voltage.

Understanding this concept is crucial for linemen, as it affects the overall power factor in electrical systems. A leading current means that capacitors can be used to counteract lagging currents, typically produced by inductive loads like transformers and motors, thus improving system efficiency and stability. Knowing the behavior of capacitors in the context of current types is essential for designing balanced electrical systems.