What type of load can be considered inductive?

Inductive loads are those that rely on magnetic fields to operate, typically involving equipment that consists of coils or windings. Electric motors and transformers fall into this category because they utilize magnetic fields to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (in the case of motors) or to transform voltages (in the case of transformers).

When electric current passes through the coils of wire in these devices, it generates a magnetic field. This is characteristic of inductive loads, which can also cause a phase difference between current and voltage—meaning the current lags behind the voltage. This behavior is a significant aspect of inductive loads, impacting how they are analysed in power systems.

Other options involve resistive and non-inductive components. Lightbulbs convert electrical energy primarily into light through resistive heating, while electric heaters also act primarily as resistive loads. These do not involve the inductive properties associated with magnetic fields. Resistors, as the name implies, limit the flow of electric current and are purely resistive as they do not maintain any magnetic field.