A method for detecting a load type is described. The method includes placing an electronic device in a forward phase mode. The method also includes operating a load at a maximum allowable level. The method additionally includes capturing a voltage waveform. The method further includes capturing a current waveform. The method also includes obtaining a voltage zero-cross based on the voltage waveform. The method additionally includes obtaining a current zero-cross based on the current waveform. The method further includes determining the load type based on the voltage zero-cross and the current zero-cross.