Difference between Resistive Load and Inductive Load

The main difference between Resistive Load and Inductive Load is resistive load converts the electrical energy into heat whereas the inductive load converts the electrical energy into magnetic energy. There are so many differences between inductive load and resistive are available. Let's know all of them.

Resistive Load

Resistive load generally produces heat when an electrical supply is provided to it. Resistive loads are very simple in construction also. They only have a coil of conductive wires. The main function of the resistive load is to produce heat and it depends upon the length and cross-sectional of the wire. Also, it depends upon the duration of the current flow and its magnitude.

Resistive loads are very constant in nature. They only oppose the flow of current and do not make any changes in the voltage and current.

Some major properties of a resistive load are,

1. They do not make any phase difference between voltage and current.
2. The resistive load cannot store electrical energy, in fact, they waste electrical power in the form of heat.
3. Resistive load always shows the same characteristics for both AC and DC supply.
4. Resistive load always causes a unity power factor.
5. The resistive load cannot produce reverse power to the circuit.

Resistive Load Examples: Some common examples of resistive load are electric heaters, filament bulbs, Electric Stoves, Electric Irons, Electric Kettles, etc.

Read Also: Resistance Reactance Difference, Effects, Example, Application

Inductive Load

Inductive loads are those which not constant in nature. Their characteristics change with changes in the nature of the power supply. In fact, they can change the nature of the power supply. Inductive loads are the more power-consuming or heavy loads among others because they can drive the mechanical load also. Inductive load is not constant in nature also, unlike a resistive load it can take any amount of current according to its applications.

Some major properties of an Inductive Load are,

1. The inductive load can make a phase difference between voltage and current.
2. Inductive load shows different properties for AC and DC. In fact, its properties depend upon the frequency also.
3. The inductive load can store electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field for a very short time.
4. Inductive load always causes a lagging power factor.
5. The inductive load can produce reverse power to the circuit.

Inductive Load Examples: Some examples of Inductive Loads are Solenoids, Relays, Fluorescent Lamps, Electric Motor, Induction cookers, etc.

Read Also: When Capacitor store more Energy Series or Parallel connection?

Resistive Load VS Inductive Load

Resistive Load	Inductive Load
It converts electrical energy into heat energy	It converts electrical energy into magnetic energy
It cannot store electrical energy	It can store electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field
It cannot change any phase difference between voltage and current	It can change the phase difference between voltage and current
It wastes much electrical energy in the form of heat	It wastes electrical energy very less due to its internal resistance only
It cannot generate reverse power to the circuit	It can generate reverse to the circuit
It makes power factor unity	It makes the power factor lagging
It shows the same properties for both AC and DC power Supply	It shows different properties for AC and DC Power Supply

Read Also: 

• Electromagnet VS Electromagnetic Induction
• Direct Current (DC) Advantages, Disadvantages, Properties
• Resistance and Reluctance Difference, Properties, Unit

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