If you’ve ever wondered what an electrical load is, what types of electrical loads exist, or what applications they are used for, this guide is for you. Keep reading to find the answers you need.
What Is an Electrical Load?
An electric load can mean one of two things. First, an electrical load can refer to any electrical appliance, machine, or device that consumes power and turns it into another form of usable energy, such as heat or light. On the other hand, an electrical load can describe the amount of power placed on an appliance, machine, or device
Different Electrical Load Types
A load type refers to the nature of the load. Take a look below at the top three types of electrical loads used to power various appliances, machinery, and devices.
1. Resistive Load
As the name suggests, a resistive load resists the flow of electric current from a power source to an appliance or machine. This type of power load converts electrical energy into thermal energy without altering the current of the power or voltage phase. Examples of resistive loads include heaters and lights.
2. Inductive Load
An inductive load contains an electric motor. This electric motor contains a coil of wire resting inside a canister. The coil produces magnetic fields when it rotates. Magnetic energy is then stored in the coil and released on demand to power appliances. A few inductive load examples are transformers, motors, and generators.
3. Capacitive Load
A capacitive load stores electric energy in an electric field and releases it when the voltage changes. This type of electrical load never operates on its own. It’s always used in tandem with either a resistive load or an inductive load to manage the use of power. Capacitive loads don’t require a power supply to operate. Examples of capacitive loads include motor starters and cables.
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Power Systems & Applications
Along with having a specific type, power loads are also used for specific purposes. Keep reading to learn about those applications.
Domestic Or Residential Load
A domestic load, also known as a residential load, measures the amount of energy that an individual household uses to power all of its electrical appliances and devices. This amount will differ from household to household depending on energy needs and consumption.
Residential loads are typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or kilowatts per hour (kWh). After reading the electric meter, utility companies will estimate how much electricity was used over a given period. This process generally occurs monthly.
Here are several examples of household appliances that operate on a residential load:
- Dishwasher
- Ovens
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Dryers
- Air conditioners
- Heaters
- Hot water heater
- Lamps
- Televisions
- Trash compactors
- Microwaves
- Toasters
- Coffee makers
- Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons
Commercial Load
A commercial load is the amount of energy used to power commercial-grade appliances and machinery. Since this equipment is generally used longer and more frequently than household appliances, they use more energy or a greater load to operate.
Examples of commercial devices that require a commercial load include:
- Office lighting
- Commercial ovens
- Elevators
- Heating and cooling systems
Industrial Load
An industrial load is the amount of energy that factories and manufacturing plants use to operate heavy-duty industrial machinery. Industrial power loads are often used in conjunction with utility feeders, which are power lines that connect the industrial load to the electric grid.
Some pieces of machinery and equipment that function using an industrial load are:
- Conveyor belts
- Forklifts
- Excavators
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Municipal Load
A municipal load measures the total amount of power supplied to a town or a city to keep its households, businesses, and infrastructure functioning at full capacity. Municipal loads are typically measured in either kilowatts per hour (kWh) or megawatts per hour (MWh).
A few municipal systems that operate on a municipal load include:
- Sewer systems
- Traffic lights
- Electrical plants
- Water distribution
- Drainage systems
Why You Should Use a Rotary Phase Converter When Handling Electrical Power Loads
When it comes to working with commercial & industrial electrical power loads, rotary phase converters are useful for a variety of environments. Phase converters are designed to regulate the amount of power supplied to a load. This process not only increases overall load efficiency but ensures that the load receives power in the phase it needs to operate properly. Rotary phase converters also prevent electrical loads from getting overwhelmed with too much power. This helps to protect the load from damage and lengthen its lifespan.
View Our Selection Of Rotary Phase Converters
Whatever task you have at hand, our rotary phase converters can provide the balanced three-phase power you need to do the job right. We offer the highest quality, most affordable rotary phase converters on the market for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in our product collection, our team of certified technicians can build a custom phase converter that will meet your unique power needs.
We provide every customer with several guarantees:
- 24/7 emergency service
- Free estimates
- Proper sizing guarantee
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Any purchase made from Phoenix Phase Converters is an investment in reliable power.
