Generator Load Bank Testing Service

Running your generator efficiently is the key to ensuring its longevity and avoiding unnecessary downtime. Standby generators can remain unused for long periods of time, awaiting a power cut before smoothly intercepting it. Even a regular no-load test leaves the standby generator prone to faults incurred through under-use or neglect. These diesel standby generators that run rarely and or lightly loaded can build up fuel deposits in parts of the engine over time, which may leave your standby generator with reduced output capacity when it is needed. Policies. Things like light loading a generator or neglecting scheduled maintenance can lead to unexpected operating costs, excessive wear and increased emissions.

A load test in this situation will ensure that your standby generator will support your load when the occasion arises. Annual load testing is imperative to confirm your generator is capable of handling the demanded load when necessary, and some insurance companies demand it as part of their policy agreement.

Why is Generator Load Bank Testing Done?

In the event of a power failure you want to have peace of mind that your backup generator power supply will spring into action seamlessly on a moment’s notice. But what happens when the power goes out and your generator fails function as expected? The result can often be costly and sometimes catastrophic depending upon your application.

This is precisely the reason generator load bank testing is an essential piece of a comprehensive preventative generator maintenance plan, which you should ideally have conducted on your genset(s) each year. Load bank testing helps to ensure that your generator will be fully dependable and operational, as well as completely capable of the highest possible load it may be required to handle at any critical point in time. Load testing your emergency standby generator system should be part of a standard planned maintenance program for all systems.

Following are the Reasons to Test Your Generator

• To make sure the generator will perform as designed, when it is needed most.
• Monitoring the exercise period to ensure the generator starts and runs as programmed is also important, but does not ensure the generator will operate as designed.
• As the generator ages, the possibility of weaknesses in the system will rise. A good planned maintenance program that includes load testing is the best way to spot and minimize potential weaknesses in a generator system.
• Many systems are not loaded appropriately to eliminate wet-stacking. If a diesel system hasn’t been load tested in over a year, longer testing may be required. This annual testing will reduce the impact wet-stacking will have on a generator system.

A good planned maintenance program that includes regular load testing should be a standard component of a generator system. The regular testing of the system will provide the highest comfort level that when the system is required, it will operate as designed.

What is Generator Load Bank Testing?

Generator Load Bank Testing is an Important Aspect of Preventative Maintenance. A generator load bank test involves an examination and assessment of a genset. It verifies that all primary components of the generator set are in proper working condition. It involves firing up a standby or prime power generator and running it under an artificial load at its maximum capacity for a specified period of time. Data is recorded that offers a more thorough look into the health of the genset on the whole. The test verifies that the generator is capable of handling incrementally higher kW loads, that it is still capable of accommodating its maximum specified load, and that it can work for an extended period of time.

The equipment used to conduct a load bank test produces artificial loads on the generator by bringing the engine to an appropriate operating temperature and pressure level. This is especially important for standby and emergency generator sets that do not run very often and/or may not be exposed to carrying heavy loads on a frequent basis.

Howisa Load Bank Test WorkCarried Out?

Placing a 100 percent capacity load on a generator and allowing it to run for a while not only brings to light any problems in the generator and in the engine and its cooling system; it also benefits the engine by properly seating the rings and dislodging build-up in the combustion chambers and on the valves. Diesel engines especially need a periodic load test in order to maintain performance and fuel economy.

At Carelabs we dispatch a portable load bank to the site, allowing the generator to be load-tested safely in controlled conditions, at a time that suits your business. We test the generator over a range of loads, monitoring and gathering data constantly for two to four hours, depending on your requirements.

Step 1 We check all fluid levels in the generator and make sure the fuel tank is.