Loadbanks come in many different shapes and sizes, which are based on the amount of load they apply to the respective power sources. Primarily, they can be divided into two chief prototypes, i.e. reactive and resistive. If you are wondering which is the best option for your power sources, you must know the difference between resistive and reactive load banks.
Depending on the functionality of your generator, you may need either resistive or reactive or sometimes, both kinds of load banks. These two variants apply different types of loads on the power source, and both of them have their advantages. While resistive load bank models are used in most places, reactive is used for heavy industries because of their ability to handle both capacitive and inductive power loads.
How do Resistive Loadbanks Work?
Resistive load bank draws electricity from the source in the same way as appliances or electric lights would. This testing component is more compatible with generators that are used for everyday lighting purposes which involve turning electrical energy into light or heat. Lamps, active heating systems and light bulbs are examples of devices that follow the mechanism of turning electricity into light and heat. They only draw data from the generator about the real power load, in kw, and are not able to discern the full apparent power, something that a reactive load bank is capable of.
How do Reactive Loadbanks Work?
Able to simulate inductive and capacitive loads, the reactive load banks are used in places such as commercial sector, construction sites and in case of backup power supplies. While capacitive loads create a leading power factor, inductive loads result in a lagging power factor. In reality, inductive is more common in appearance in case of devices that use power to run motor organisms. For high-alert facilities which require emergency generators or critical businesses that need to run equipment at all times, such as hospitals or server rooms, this load bank is more effective.
Advantages of Resistive Loadbanks
- They are the most cost-effective means to test a power source.
- They prevent diesel-fueled generators from wet stacking, a phenomenon that involves the fuel clogging up the exhaust mechanism.
- They make the generator put its exhaust system to use to raise the temperature to the level needed.
- They work as a supplement to the generator’s actual working load and optimizes its performance.
Advantages of Reactive Loadbanks
- They give you a more comprehensive load testing solution by evaluating not only transient loads but also alternator capacity and load sharing.
- You can use them for any power source, including generators and grids.
- They can assess electrical connections, bus work, cables and other components of an electrical system to look for hot spots.
Now that you know the differences between resistive and reactive load bank, you will be able to know which one suits your purposes. For household and individual load testing purposes, you can use resistive load banks. Still, in case of more professional and commercial sectors, you can take the help of reactive load banks to test your load, but chances are you’d need both to get an optimum solution. Consult with the company before renting to know the kind of load bank best suited for your unique purpose.
