# Resistive load bank

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/resistive-load-bank
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: LB
Drawing use: SLD
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

A bank of switched resistive elements used to apply a controllable test load to generators, UPS or battery systems.

## In plain English

### What does Resistive load bank mean?

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.

### A simple 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.

### What the drawings help you do

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.

### This particular reference

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.

### Terms

- Terminal: An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [T-030 liquid-cooled generator set application manual](https://www.cummins.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/t030-Liquid-cooled-gen-set-application-manual.pdf)
- [Resistors and heater-element symbols](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1D071951-D38E-4B15-8B9E-C30ECBD55C19.htm)


## What it represents

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.

## How to read it

- A purely resistive bank tests kW, not kVA.
- Look for a dedicated test connection point.

## Information to show or reference

- State kW rating and step sizes.
- Show breaker and fan supply.
- Reference control interface.

## Important distinction

A resistive load bank applies only active load; a resistive-reactive bank can also apply lagging kvar.

## Facts

- Load type: Resistive, unity power factor
- Control: Switched steps
- Typical use: Generator and UPS testing
- Preview: Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [T-030 liquid-cooled generator set application manual](https://www.cummins.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/t030-Liquid-cooled-gen-set-application-manual.pdf) — Cummins. Public generator application manual context for testing and minimum load.
- [Resistors and heater-element symbols](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-1D071951-D38E-4B15-8B9E-C30ECBD55C19.htm) — Autodesk. Public resistor symbol family context.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.