Load Current vs Bleeder Current: What's the Difference?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the definitions and differences between load current and bleeder current, exploring their roles in electrical circuits. Participants seek clarification on these concepts, particularly in relation to their applications in various contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the definitions of load current and bleeder current, asking for clarification on their differences.
  • Another participant explains that load current typically refers to the current flowing through a load from a voltage or current source, while bleeder current is described as a small current used to keep a capacitance discharged.
  • A participant questions whether load current and bleeder current are both considered branch currents and suggests that they should be the same if that is the case.
  • A further elaboration includes an example of electrical loads in a home, noting that different devices like light bulbs and clothes washers operate on separate branch circuits. The role of bleeder resistors in discharging capacitors in power supplies is also mentioned, particularly in high voltage DC circuits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions and implications of load current versus bleeder current, with multiple viewpoints and some confusion remaining evident.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in understanding the definitions, as participants have not fully explored the implications of branch currents or the specific contexts in which load and bleeder currents operate.

asdf1
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i'm a little confused about the definition of a load current and bleeder current~ what's the difference between them?
 
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It would help us to answer your question if you described the context of your question, including web URLs if possible. Load current usually would refer to the current that is originated in a voltage or current source, which flows through a load. Bleeder current usually is used in the context of a small current that is used to keep a capacitance discharged.
 
load current and bleeder currents are both branch currents right? if they're both branch currents, shouldn't they be the same thing?
 
asdf1 said:
load current and bleeder currents are both branch currents right? if they're both branch currents, shouldn't they be the same thing?

Among many things an electrical load in ones home may be a light bulb. It is typically on a different branch circuit than a clothes washer. If there are 20 circuit breakers in your home's main breaker panel, your home has 20 branch circuits. Your computer's power supply may have (probably not) high value bleeder resisters across some large capacitors. When the power supply is turned off the bleeder resistor discharges the capacitor. The discharged capacitor cannot then shock anyone. Bleeder resistors are generally used in high voltage DC circuits. The 12volt DC rail in the computor may feed the motherboard and a disk drive. These would be loads connected in parallel, not banch circuit loads.
 

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