Electronic Loads – DC Load Testers
Electronic loads simulate a real-world load on a power source so engineers can test power supplies, batteries, and chargers under controlled conditions. WestCalibration stocks programmable DC electronic loads for bench testing, production line validation, and R&D use, with current and power ranges suited to everything from small battery packs to industrial power supplies. Units ship from our own stock, not a third-party dropship arrangement.
How to Choose the Right Electronic Load
Check the load’s maximum current, voltage, and power rating against the device under test, and confirm whether you need constant current, constant voltage, or constant resistance mode — programmable models with data logging are worth the extra cost for repeatable test sequences. Electronic loads are common in power supply validation, battery discharge testing, charger qualification, and DC-DC converter development, and when the same bench also needs a stable source to pair with the load, our power supplies section covers that side of the test setup.
Brands & Certifications
As an authorized dealer, we carry electronic loads from established names including Chroma, a brand known specifically for its programmable DC electronic load systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between constant current and constant voltage load modes? Constant current mode holds the load current steady regardless of voltage change, while constant voltage mode adjusts current to hold the voltage at a set point.
Can an electronic load test batteries as well as power supplies? Yes, many models are used for battery discharge testing in addition to power supply and charger validation.
Do I need a programmable electronic load? Programmable models are worth it for repeatable, multi-step test sequences; a basic manual load is fine for simple, one-off checks.
What safety features should an electronic load have? Look for overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature protection, since loads can draw significant power during extended test runs.