Load Bank Testing

Part of any generator maintenance plan should include at a minimum, an annual load bank test.  Load banks allow generators to be tested at their rated capacity.  You may ask why this is important if your critical load doesn't equal your generators capacity.  The simple answer to this is you can't predict how your generator will react in an emergency unless it is run to its rated load and given the opportunity to perform. 

The problem that exists with many stand by generator applications is that they are not run like the engine was built to.  Since they sit in a stand by application most of the time they can "Wet Stack", this condition can lead to a motor that can pre-maturely fail or cause serious engine damage.  It is for this reason that the motor needs to go through an extensive load test beyond simple exercising or doing a transfer to building load.

When a building load is used for load tests you always are placing the critical load at risk, in some applications this may be acceptable but if you lack redundancy this can be a high risk transfer.  In addition typical building loads are not going to equal the total load capacity of the generator, and thus are not going to fully test the engine. 

It is important to allow the engine the opportunity to burn off built up "wet stack" and fully come up to temperature through a full load. Power Plus provides;

• Load Banks from 5kw to 2000kw
• Tests from 2 to 8 hours
• Difficult applications where extended cable runs and roll up generators are needed

Consider adding load bank testing to your maintenance regime and get a quote today.