Abstract: A capacitor bank installation for generating reactive power in high or extra high voltage electrical power systems, for example 345kV, to maintain the voltage level during heavy loading conditions or system contingencies. A three phase capacitor bank is connected between the high voltage line and the low voltage line by a first switching device which is connected between the high voltage line and the capacitor bank and by a second switching device which is connected between the capacitor bank and the low voltage line. The first switching device is a current interrupting device in series with a motorized disconnect switch which has a lower recovery voltage withstand capability than would be required if switching a shunt capacitor bank connected to the high voltage system. The second switching device is a motorized disconnect switch without any current interrupting capability.