Which type of load are furnace fans and air compressors classified as?

Furnace fans and air compressors are classified as intermittent loads because they do not run continuously but instead operate in cycles. These devices are designed to turn on and off based on specific conditions, such as the temperature in the space they are heating or cooling. The intermittent operation allows them to provide needed air movement or compression without operating continuously, which makes them distinct from continuous loads that run constantly throughout their operational period. Understanding this classification is important in irrigation systems and other applications, as it affects how energy consumption and system strain are managed during operation.

In contrast, continuous loads would run continuously without interruption, while heavy-duty and light-duty classifications relate more to the overall capacity and durability of the equipment rather than its operational pattern. Heavy-duty loads refer to equipment that can handle more significant demands or operate under more strenuous conditions, while light-duty typically involves less intense usage scenarios.