When discussing power factor, what is the status when either lead or lag is large?

The status of power factor when either lead or lag is large is typically described as small. Power factor is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output. It ranges from 0 to 1, where a power factor of 1 (or unity) means all the power is being effectively used.

When the power factor is low, it indicates that much of the power is reactive, which means it is not contributing to the actual work being done in a circuit. A large lead or lag signifies that there is significant reactance present, leading to a power factor that strays far from unity. Hence, when either component of the power factor (lead for capacitive loads or lag for inductive loads) is large, it results in a less effective use of electrical power, which correlates to a small power factor. This indicates inefficiency and could lead to increased energy costs and stress on the electrical systems.