What Is Resistive & Reactive Loadbank Testing All About?

To prevent time and power loss, it is essential to opt for a scheduled load bank testing. When testing is conducted, the generator, the engine and also the control systems are tested. The device builds up an electrical load for generating the output power. It is actually a device that is self-contained and systematic. It includes elements and accessories that test the electrical generators and controls the power systems. There are two kinds of testing that are immensely popular. They are the resistive and the reactive load banks.

The resistive load bank is the most common type, where the current is created by converting the electrical energy to heat by the usage of high power resistors. This simulates the loads like motors, lighting and transformers.

The reactive loadbank testing is used to test the engine generator along with its rated power factor. It measures how efficiently the current is being converted into power output that would come of some use. It indicates the effect of the current and the efficiency of the machinery. For reactive testing, three kinds of testers are generally used.

• Inductive – The iron core reactive element is the major component of this tester. In combination with the resistive tester it generates the lagging power factor and is generally used for loads like lighting, motors, transformers, heaters and so on.
• Capacitive – The principle function is similar to that of the inductive sector, but the major aspect of this tester is the capacitor bank. The capacitor with the dielectric material changes the simple power factor to a leading one. Commonly used in telecommunications, UPS and the computer industry.
• Electronic Tester – This tester has an air or water cooled design and is fully programmed for simulating a solid state current and also for providing uninterrupted power supply for a precise testing to be conducted.

Well, this detailed guide to resistive and reactive load bank testing is surely going to give you a comprehensive insight into the two commonly practised testing solutions.