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

In summary, load current refers to the current that flows through a load from a voltage or current source, while bleeder current is a small current used to discharge capacitance. Although both are branch currents, they serve different purposes and are not necessarily the same thing. Bleeder resistors are commonly used in high voltage DC circuits, while loads are typically connected in parallel.
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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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  • #2
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.
 
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load current and bleeder currents are both branch currents right? if they're both branch currents, shouldn't they be the same thing?
 
  • #4
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.
 

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

1. What is load current and how is it different from bleeder current?

Load current refers to the amount of current that flows through a load or device that is connected to a power source. It is the current that is used to power the load and perform its intended function. Bleeder current, on the other hand, is a small amount of current that is intentionally allowed to flow through a circuit to discharge any residual or stored energy in the circuit when it is turned off. It is used as a safety measure to prevent electric shock or damage to components.

2. How are load current and bleeder current related?

Load current and bleeder current are related in that they both flow through a circuit, but they serve different purposes. Load current is essential for the operation of the load, while bleeder current is only present to discharge stored energy. They are not directly dependent on each other and can vary independently.

3. What are some examples of devices that use load current and bleeder current?

Devices that require a power source to function, such as light bulbs, motors, and electronic devices, use load current to operate. Bleeder current is commonly used in electronic devices with capacitors, such as televisions and computers, to prevent electric shock or damage to components when they are turned off.

4. Can the amount of load current or bleeder current be controlled?

Yes, both load current and bleeder current can be controlled. The amount of load current can be adjusted by changing the resistance or impedance of the circuit, while the amount of bleeder current can be controlled by adjusting the value of the bleeder resistor. In electronic devices, the amount of bleeder current is usually fixed by the manufacturer to ensure safety.

5. What are the potential risks associated with load current and bleeder current?

Load current poses a risk of overheating and damaging components if it exceeds the maximum current rating of the load. Bleeder current, if not properly controlled, can also cause damage to components by discharging too much energy at once. Additionally, if the bleeder resistor is too small, it can create a shock hazard if touched while the circuit is still energized. Therefore, it is important to properly design and control both load current and bleeder current in a circuit to avoid potential risks.

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