Electric load is the device or component that consumes electric current/energy and transforms into another form, commonly motion, light, heat, and so on.
Generally, the load is the thing that is connected to the output of an electrical circuit. The load can be anything. For example, it can be a resistor, or a capacitor or an inductor, or a motor, or an air conditioner etc.
Classification of Electric Load based on Nature
Based on nature, Electric Load is classified as follows:
- Inductive Load
- Resistive Load
- Capacitive Load
Inductive Load
An inductive load is a more complex load where the current and voltage are out of phase.
Any devices that have coils in them are inductive. These devices store energy in a magnetic field and provide power to electric motors. Fans, Speakers, Vacuum cleaners, Dishwashers, Washing machines, Compressor, and Transformer are examples of inductive load
Resistive Load
A resistive load is a simple load where the current and voltage waves are in phase with each other.
Capacitive Load
In capacitive load current and voltage are out of phase like inductive load; however, current leads the voltage by 90 degrees.
Capacitive load elements have the highest power factors and are frequently used to power up electrical circuits. Unlike inductive and resistive loads, capacitive loads will not exist in isolation. The physics behind this is that capacitive behavior results from stored electric energy in the form of electric fields. Capacitors used in various circuits such as motor starters and a battery in charging conditions are examples of capacitive load.