Classification by duty
Reactor duties include short-circuit current limitation, shunt compensation, harmonic filtering, DC smoothing and motor starting. Specialized arrangements also serve electric furnaces, neutral grounding and carrier communication systems.
Magnetic construction
Air-core reactors operate without an iron core. Iron-core designs use a magnetic core to obtain the required inductance, with saturation characteristics considered for the intended duty.
Insulation arrangements
Dry-type and oil-immersed constructions provide different installation and maintenance options. Selection must start with the required electrical function and the expected current, insulation and thermal conditions.