Comparing Resistive Load Banks vs Reactive or Electronic Load Banks

There are different kinds of load banks—resistive, reactive, electronic. Each has strengths and trade-offs. This blog compares them with focus on resistive types, especially in contexts where AC220V 10 kW units are used.

What Is a Reactive Load Bank

Reactive load banks include inductance or capacitance, simulating reactive power flow, power factor variations like those found in real industrial loads. Electronic load banks are more complex and can simulate dynamic loads, transient behavior etc.

Simplicity and Reliability of Resistive Load Banks

• Resistive banks are simple in structure and design. Fewer moving parts or complex electronics make them easier to maintain.

• They draw real power, simpler to understand and interpret tests.

Situations Where Resistive Banks Are Best

• Basic generator or UPS tests where you want to verify voltage, current, thermal stability under real power draw.

• Safety or regulatory tests that require steady loads.

• Field testing or environments where simplicity and ruggedness matter.

Limitations of Pure Resistive Banks

• Do not simulate reactive loads so may not capture behavior under inductive or capacitive loads (motors, transformers).

• May not reproduce power factor inefficiencies or phase shift issues present in real-world loads.

Complementary Use with Other Load Types

• Many test regimes use resistive load banks first for baseline, then reactive/electronic banks for more complex or realistic behavior.

• For example, after testing generator under resistive load, adding reactive load tests voltage regulation under lagging power factor.

Cost and Complexity Considerations

• Reactive or electronic banks are more complex, expensive, require more maintenance. Resistive banks tend to be lower cost and longer lasting.

• Electronic control, firmware, switching, more components mean more points of failure.

When Electronic Load Banks Are Necessary

• When variable or fast changing loads are to be simulated

• When testing transient responses, surge or inrush currents

• When power factor correction or non-linear loads must be supported

Conclusion

Resistive load banks are excellent for many testing, calibration, maintenance uses. For many applications a 10 kW AC220V resistive load bank strikes a balance of power, simplicity, reliability, and cost. Where reactive or electronic loads are important, resistive units form part of testing regime but may not be sufficient alone. Understanding what you need to simulate helps choose appropriate load bank types.