Definition
Electrical loads whose current draw varies with the rotational speed of the device. As a fan, blower, or tape player motor speeds up, it draws less current; as it slows down or starts from rest, it draws more. The current required at any moment is therefore tied to how fast the device is turning rather than being constant.
Plain English
Equipment like fans, blowers, and tape players that pull more electrical current when they are starting up or running slowly, and less current once they are spinning at full speed.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system discussions, especially when identifying what different devices on an electrical bus do and how they respond to changes in power supply.
Derivation
Called 'speed loads' because the load (the current the device draws) depends on its rotational speed. The name describes the relationship directly.
Why Pilots Care
Speed loads pull a noticeable surge of current at start-up before settling down. Knowing this helps explain why cabin fans, avionics blowers, or similar equipment can briefly cause a small dip on the ammeter or load meter when first switched on, without indicating a fault.
Intuition Check
Do not read “speed loads” as loads caused by aircraft speed or cargo weight. Here, “load” means an electrical device drawing power, and “speed” means the motor speed inside that device.
Example Sentence 1
Cabin ventilation fans are speed loads, so the ammeter shows a brief rise when the fan is first switched on and then settles as the fan reaches full speed.
Example Sentence 2
The generator output must handle all speed loads such as fans, blowers, and tape players without exceeding rated capacity.