{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"resistive-load-bank","name":"Resistive load bank","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"LB","aliases":["load bank","resistive test load","generator test load bank"],"category":"microgrid-systems","drawingTypes":["SLD"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC","IEEE / ANSI"],"summary":"A bank of switched resistive elements used to apply a controllable test load to generators, UPS or battery systems.","description":["A resistive load bank is a set of resistor elements, switched in steps and cooled by fans, used to load a generator, UPS or battery system for commissioning and maintenance tests. Permanent load banks are also installed to keep diesel engines above minimum load when site demand is low.","Drawings show a resistor symbol or a group of resistors with step switches, connected through a breaker to the bus being tested. Permanently installed banks have a control link to the genset or microgrid controller, while portable banks connect through a temporary test connection point.","A resistive bank loads at unity power factor only, so it does not test a generator at its rated kVA when the rated power factor is below one. The symbol does not show step sizes or fan supply, both needed for test planning."],"readingNotes":["A purely resistive bank tests kW, not kVA.","Look for a dedicated test connection point."],"drawingChecklist":["State kW rating and step sizes.","Show breaker and fan supply.","Reference control interface."],"distinction":"A resistive load bank applies only active load; a resistive-reactive bank can also apply lagging kvar.","facts":[{"label":"Load type","value":"Resistive, unity power factor"},{"label":"Control","value":"Switched steps"},{"label":"Typical use","value":"Generator and UPS testing"},{"label":"Preview","value":"Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"pub-object-cummins-application","relevance":"Public generator application manual context for testing and minimum load."},{"sourceId":"autodesk-resistors","relevance":"Public resistor symbol family context."}],"related":["resistive-reactive-load-bank","diesel-generator-set","resistor","generic-electrical-load"],"artwork":"s28-resistive-load-bank","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Resistive load bank mean?","introduction":"A resistive load bank is a set of resistor elements, switched in steps and cooled by fans, used to load a generator, UPS or battery system for commissioning and maintenance tests. Permanent load banks are also installed to keep diesel engines above minimum load when site demand is low.","example":"Drawings show a resistor symbol or a group of resistors with step switches, connected through a breaker to the bus being tested. Permanently installed banks have a control link to the genset or microgrid controller, while portable banks connect through a temporary test connection point.","drawings":"A resistive bank loads at unity power factor only, so it does not test a generator at its rated kVA when the rated power factor is below one. The symbol does not show step sizes or fan supply, both needed for test planning.","terms":[{"name":"Terminal","meaning":"An identified point where a conductor connects."},{"name":"Rating","meaning":"A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified."},{"name":"Schematic","meaning":"A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"T-030 liquid-cooled generator set application manual","url":"https://www.cummins.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/t030-Liquid-cooled-gen-set-application-manual.pdf"},{"label":"Resistors and heater-element symbols","url":"https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1D071951-D38E-4B15-8B9E-C30ECBD55C19.htm"}],"detail":"A bank of switched resistive elements used to apply a controllable test load to generators, UPS or battery systems. A resistive load bank applies only active load; a resistive-reactive bank can also apply lagging kvar.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/resistive-load-bank","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/resistive-load-bank.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"pub-object-cummins-application","title":"T-030 liquid-cooled generator set application manual","publisher":"Cummins","url":"https://www.cummins.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/t030-Liquid-cooled-gen-set-application-manual.pdf","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public manufacturer application manual, Issue 9, February 2015; context for generator integration. Current selected-generator documentation and applicable regulations control implementation.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public generator application manual context for testing and minimum load."},{"id":"autodesk-resistors","title":"Resistors and heater-element symbols","publisher":"Autodesk","url":"https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1D071951-D38E-4B15-8B9E-C30ECBD55C19.htm","type":"cad-reference","scope":"Fixed and variable resistive components, shunts and heater elements.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public resistor symbol family context."}]}