What is the difference between a reactive and resistive load?

• A resistive load is one which does not power a motor. Examples of resistive loads would be light bulbs, toasters, stereo systems, televisions, hot plates and convection heaters. To calculate the wattage required to run these items, simply multiply input amps x volts for each individual item, then add those figures together to get the total wattage required. For example, 5 light bulbs at 60 watts each would be a total of 300 watts. If you want to add a 1500 watt hot plate, your total is now 1800 watts. Adding some music from a radio would add another 100 watts, and so on. • A reactive load is one that is usually associated with some type of electric motor. Examples of reactive loads would be circular saws, furnace motors, water pumps and air conditioners. This type of load may take three times the rated power requirement to start up and perform the required work. An example of this would be an air conditioner that runs on 20 amps at 120 volts. The running watts would be calculated ...  more