Knowing the generator load is important for safe operation and purchasing a generator with the appropriate load capacity ensures continuous operation of appliances during a power outage. It’s important to assess what appliances will be needed and purchase a generator that can handle the maximum voltage required. Overloading the generator can cause damage. Generator load […]
Heat load is the amount of heat that must be removed from a space to control its temperature. It is determined by various factors such as location, usage, appliances, materials, and weather conditions. Heat load calculations can be done manually or with software to choose an appropriate air conditioner. A heat load is a calculated […]
A unit load is a collection of goods packed for easy transportation, often stacked on a pallet and wrapped together. It can be any quantity of product similarly packed for transport, from pushcart-sized units to intermodal shipping crates. The load unit is secured as one solid piece, and can be wrapped using packing wrap or […]
Dead load is the constant weight of a structure, including fixtures intended to be permanent. Architects must perform calculations to ensure the structure can support itself and variable moving loads. Calculating dead load can be difficult, and adjustments made to accommodate it cause it to change. Buildings need to exceed their rated capacities to reduce […]
Cord load measures the safe amount of electrical power a power cord can handle. The formula for calculating cable load is amps multiplied by voltage. Safe wire carrying capacity is measured in watts and amperage capacity is calculated by multiplying cable load by 0.8. Factors affecting cable load include resistance, length, insulation, location, ambient temperature, […]
Heating load is the amount of heat required per hour to maintain a desired temperature in a space. It is calculated using factors such as space size, layout, and potential for heat loss. It is important to determine the heating load before installing a heating system to ensure efficiency and sustainability. A heating load is […]
Load AMP is the demand an electrical circuit places on a power source. Batteries are rated to handle a specific range of AMP usage, while fuses and circuit breakers regulate the current sent to a device. Circuit breakers are preferred as they automatically break the circuit to prevent damage to the device or hardware. Load […]
Load meters are devices found in electric meters that indicate peak electricity usage. They come in two types, mechanical and electronic, with the latter transmitting a signal to utility companies. Personal load meters are available for purchase to monitor energy usage and control appliance usage more efficiently. A load meter is a device commonly found […]
Current load is the amount of electrical current transmitted from a power source to a device. Power sources and load requirements must be considered before connecting any item. Voltage sources send a constant current, but short circuits occur when a device requires more current than the source can supply. Wiring plays a role in current […]
Load shedding occurs when demand for electricity exceeds a supplier’s capacity, leading to controlled rationing of electricity to certain users at certain times. It is a planned alternative to blackouts, which are unplanned and can cause inconvenience and damage to networks. Load shedding is often referred to as rolling blackout and involves schedules to distribute […]
Shear load causes shear stress in structural members, occurring in the plane perpendicular to normal stress. Engineers calculate shear load to prevent mechanical failures, as high loads can cause permanent sagging or deformation. Shear load is important in calculating stresses within a beam, and the maximum allowable load depends on the material and geometry of […]
Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to act on a load. It’s important to match the engine load to the engine to avoid damage or inefficiency. Motors can be classified by power, voltage, current, and temperature. Oversized motors are an unnecessary expense, while undersized motors can cause damage. Motors can be designed for continuous […]
Refrigeration load is the amount of heat that needs to be removed to maintain a desired temperature in a space. It depends on factors such as volume, insulation, and the items inside. Modern refrigerators use liquid ammonia. The refrigeration load is calculated to design an efficient refrigerator or air conditioning unit for a space. Climate, […]
Beams support structures and must be designed to withstand forces while minimizing weight, space, and cost. Loads can be concentrated or distributed, affecting beam design differently. Point loads are applied to a single point, with magnitude and location being important. Beams can deflect or bend when exposed to weight, and are usually designed with a […]
Static loads are slowly applied mechanical forces, while dynamic loads are rapidly applied. Static load tests determine maximum allowable loads on structures and materials’ mechanical properties. Elevators experience static loads, while dynamic loads occur when loading conditions change over time. Tensile tests determine a material’s tensile strength by subjecting it to tension until it breaks. […]
Electricity supply relies on accurate load profiling, which records peak and low demand over time to determine equipment needs and maintenance. The load profile varies by consumer category, season, and holiday. Smart grid technology is gaining credibility to coordinate power distribution and allow consumers to sell energy saved from alternative sources. For better or for […]
Load management regulates electricity demand by encouraging consumers to shift usage to off-peak times. It distributes production requirements evenly throughout the day, minimizing costly infrastructure upgrades and generation-level demand response. Load management policies use economic incentives and two-way communication capabilities to accurately target equipment in use. Load management involves regulating the demand for electricity. Typically, […]
Load banks are used to test electronic systems’ ability to handle voltage. They simulate a full load and system capacity without interrupting operations or risking expensive equipment. Load banks are used in manufacturing and industry to test turbines, generators, backup power systems, and shore power. There are three types of load banks: resistive, inductive, and […]
Load limits indicate the maximum weight an item can carry before plastic deformation, and there are different types of limits. The working load limit is the safe extent, based on the test load limit, and the item’s lifespan varies. Shock load limits are also important, and age and environmental factors must be considered. Exceeding limits […]
A load cell converts force into electrical energy through a strain gauge, which changes shape depending on the amount of force applied. Load cells are used in weighing applications and typically contain multiple strain gauges arranged in a Wheatstone bridge formation. A load cell is a type of transducer that converts force into electrical energy. […]
