Parasitic load
Parasitic load or parasitic loss may refer to
- in internal combustion engines, it refers to devices that take energy from the engine in order to enhance the engine's ability to create more energy or convert energy to motion.
- in electricity production, it is any of the loads or devices powered by the generator, not contributing to net electric yield
- in electrical appliances, it represents the power consumed even when the appliance is shut off.
- With regard to railway locomotives, it is any of the loads or devices powered by the prime mover not contributing to tractive effort.