I am aware that the other thread about the IT8512+ implies these units are related. I did not want to hijack that thread, and also wanted to know if the units are different. In particular, component selection, potential board differences like high voltage cutouts, positioning/type of the primary resistors, etc.
In this thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/why-is-bk-precision-still-in-business-bk8500-programmable-load-oem-found/Dave mentions that BK precision provides value beyond just rebranding the cheaper products. The warranty may be part of it, but I wonder if there is other value/benefits? Dave said he would leave it up to BK to detail these benefits, which as far as I can tell, they never did.