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LOAD BANK TESTING
We recommend load bank testing your generator every 12 months, which will help minimize potential long-term issues. This test artificially boosts the load placed on the generator to about the height of the generator’s output capacity. This helps to reverse any unwanted effects from wet stacking or other build up. This test helps us verify that your generator is capable of running at peak performance.
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What is the difference between weekly exercising and a load bank test?
Exercising your standby generators weekly is basically an unloaded test. For natural gas or liquid propane units, exercising confirms that your generator can run, but does not check your unit’s performance which can be critical for ensuring you’re ready for a real power outage event. For diesel engine-driven generator sets, unloaded tests or weekly exercising can cause ‘wet-stacking’. Wet stacking is when unburned fuel accumulates in the engine exhaust. This is caused by under-loading a generator. When exercising a generator, or running it for short duration outages while underloaded, the engine may not reach its optimum operating temperature. When this is allowed to continue for long periods of time, the unburned fuel accumulates and can become harmful to the engine’s efficiency and life span.
How is a load bank test performed?
A load bank is a piece of specialized equipment that produces artificial loads on a generator. It does this by bringing the engine to a certain operating temperature and pressure to simulate the process of the equipment being used during an emergency situation. An easy way to think of it is that the purpose of load bank testing essentially acts as a dry run for emergency generator use and allows any flaws or problems to be exposed before a critical situation.
What are the benefits of load bank testing?
Load bank testing allows the engine to reach its full operating temperature and ‘burn out’ this accumulation of unburnt fuel. The result is a unit that runs cleaner and more efficiently. It also provides peace of mind that your generator is functioning just how it was designed to.
THE PROCESS
STEP 1
All fluid levels are checked to ensure the fuel tank is full and the oil level is correct. If the generator is water-cooled, it is also important to check the radiator or coolant tank.
STEP 2
The generator is started and allowed to reach normal operating temperature. Our Generator Technician watches and listens for any possible issues such as abnormal noises. If any problems are detected, the testing process is stopped until the mechanical failure is diagnosed and corrected.
STEP 3
Our Generator Technician then begins connecting the loads by starting with any large 200-volt loads and adding smaller 110-volt loads. This continues until each leg carries 50% on any one leg.
STEP 4
While distributing voltage, our Generator Technician checks the amperage of each leg with an ammeter. In cases where a 110/220-volt single-phase generator is being tested, the voltage of each leg is recommended to fall between 105 and 125 volts.
STEP 5
Our GeneratorTechnician continues monitoring the generator while maintaining the same load for the duration of the test, continuing to listen for noises or any signs of malfunction. If an issue is discovered, the test is shut down to minimize damage until repairs are made.
STEP 6
At the end of the test, the loads are gradually removed and the generator is allowed to run under a light load for about an hour. All loads are removed 5 to 10 minutes before shutting down the generator.
