If a generator is under excited and absorbing VAR's, is it leading or lagging?

When a generator is described as being under excited, it implies that it is operating with a reactive power output that is less than its capacity to provide reactive power. In this state, the generator absorbs reactive power (VARs) from the grid rather than supplying it.

In terms of power factor terminology, when a generator absorbs VARs, it is considered to be in a leading power factor condition. A leading power factor indicates that the current leads the voltage in the electrical network, which is typical for generators working under excited and absorbing reactive power.

This concept can be further understood in the context of how power flows and the behavior of reactive power in AC systems. Under excited generators contribute to voltage stability on the grid by absorbing VARs, thereby helping to support voltage levels in certain situations. Therefore, when a generator is under excited and absorbing VARs, it is accurately characterized as having a leading power factor.