What are Resistive Loads?
Resistive loads are typically used to convert current into forms of energy such as heat. Unlike inductive loads, resistive loads generate no magnetic fields. Common examples include most electrical heaters, and traditional incandescent lighting loads.
Characteristics of a Resistive Load
In a resistive load, the current is in phase with the voltage – the current rises immediately to it’s steady-state value, without first rising to a higher value. Resistive loads can therefore be said to have little inrush current.
Optimal Use of Resistive Loads
Since resistive loads are designed to optimally convert current into energy at specific voltages, resistive loads can benefit from voltage optimization, in order to conserve power and extend the life of electronics.
Voltage optimization provides resistive loads such as light bulbs and large-scale heaters with the optimal operating voltage, and ensures a consistent supply of quality power – in order to prevent the effects of potentially harmful brownouts (a drop in the voltage coming from the electrical power supply) and power surges (“spikes” from a power supply, also known as overvoltages) that can damage increasingly sensitive equipment.
Less complex conventional resistive loads such as light bulbs can also have their consumption reduced and their operating life extended by the optimal, stable power supplied by voltage optimization.
Case Study: Science World, British Columbia
With the installation of a Harmonizer voltage optimizer, Science World saved 8% immediately on electricity costs, and also significantly extended the life of lights and lighting infrastructure – including the hundreds of bulbs that adorn its famed geodesic dome.
Science World’s CEO Bryan Tisdall describes Science World as “thrilled” to have utilized the harmonizer, and explains how Science World has enjoyed reduced energy consumption and longer-lived equipment in the video below: