This paper shows the development of a mixed integer second-order conic programming model to solve the allocation problem of fixed or switched capacitors banks in radial electrical distribution systems, with the aims to improve the voltage magnitude profile, reduce the active power losses and minimize the energy losses and investment costs. In the proposed model, the steadystate operation point of the radial distribution system is modeled through linear and second-order conic expressions. The use of second-order conic programming model guarantee convergence to optimality using existing optimization software. The test systems of 70, 136 and 202 nodes are used in order to show the accuracy of the mathematical model, as well as the efficiency of the proposed solution technique.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativa