How Do Inductive, Capacitive, and Resistive Loads Differ ?

• • Electrical Load

    • Definition: Any device that consumes electrical power (e.g., bulb, computer, refrigerator)

    • Classified into 3 types: Resistive, Inductive, Capacitive

  • Resistive Load  阻性负载

    • Consumes only active power

    • Voltage & current are in phase

    • Power factor: Unity (1)

    • Power flow: Source → Load (one-way)

    • Examples: Lights, heaters, pure heating elements

  • Inductive Load  感性负载

    • Consumes only reactive power

    • Voltage leads current by 90° (current lags voltage)

    • Power factor: Lagging

    • Power flow: Source ↔ Load (two-way)

    • Examples: Motor, fan, washing machine, reactor

    • Impacts: Hard switching, lowers system PF, increases electricity cost

  • Capacitive Load  容性负载

    • Current leads voltage by 90°

    • Key misconception: No standalone capacitive load

    • Capacitor banks: Supply reactive power (for PF correction), NOT capacitive load

    • Power flow: Capacitor → Generator (negative VAR reading)

  • Common Misconception

    • Capacitor bank ≠ Capacitive load

    • Load absorbs power; capacitor bank supplies reactive power

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