The requirement of power is at the forefront of nearly everywhere you go. Because of that, most people and places can’t afford to go without power for extended periods. This means an uninterruptable supply of power is needed, and to get that supply when power is interrupted, a backup generator is required. With load banks, an artificial load can be produced for generators. Load bank testing is done on a routine basis to ensure a backup generator is in peak performance.
Why to do Routine Load Bank Testing
Industries that rely on heavy and constant use of power will benefit highly from doing generator load bank testing. If the power goes off to an entire hospital, there could be severe consequences to patients and staff. Having a reliable back up power source will ensure that things don’t get worse when there is an unforeseen power outage.
Load bank testing is a preventative generator maintenance plan that should be conducted annually. The equipment needs to be inspected to ensure it is in proper working order. One recommendation, is that if the generator is never exposed to 30% of its kW load, then a load test should be conducted. Load bank testing will bring the engine up to operating pressure and temperature. To do an accurate load bank test, the generator needs to be brought to its full kilowatt (kW) rating.
Benefits of load bank testing
- Problems caught early will reduce the future costs of repair.
- Ensures that the engine cooling systems work when they are under load.
- Cleans out all of the carbon deposits.
How To Connect Load Bank With Generator
To avoid the chances of engine damage, a lot of companies have permanent load banks installed. Depending on the entire purpose of the generator, there are a few different methods of connecting a load bank with a generator.
- The load bank is connected to the generator through a manual transfer switch. Whoever is doing the test at the time will operate the switch to connect the generator to the load bank.
- The load bank is automatic and on its own separate circuit breaker connected to the generator. Once a load test sequence is underway, there will be a signal from the automatic transfer switch.
- The third process involves a load bank that is permanently connected with a generator. It will sense the building load and operate on its own.
Generator load bank testing is an extremely important preventative maintenance technique. Contact the experts at VCM Solutions for all of your generator needs, and you can rest assured knowing that your generator will work when you need it the most.
Sources:
https://carelabz.com/how-what-why-generator-load-bank-testing-done/
https://www.generatorsource.com/Load_Bank_Testing_Generators.aspx
https://www.powersystemsplus.com/how-to-connect-a-load-bank-with-a-power-generator/