Generator Basics: Load Banks
If you have been shopping for a backup generator for your business, then you may have come across used generators. Used generators can be a great investment for your business, because they are able to provide backup emergency power while also providing you with cost savings versus new. If you happened to come across used generators in your search, you may have also come across the term “load bank test”. Load bank tests are processes that are considered in the umbrella of testing, preventative service, and maintenance.
Load bank testing is typically conducted on standby generators that have been sitting around idle for long periods of time. Standby generators are generally not used unless there is a need, such as a power outage, which means the generator can sit around and go unused and can cause problems for the generator down the line. Load bank testing on these types of units are often conducted to inspect and monitor the generator to ensure that it is running properly also known as exercising a generator, but it can also reveal any potential problems with the generator or items to look out for at a later time.
What Is A Generator Load Bank?
Simply put, a load bank is a device that can produce artificial electrical loads to test a generator and verify performance of a generator set, including related components to ensure that it is meeting proper loads by bringing a generator engine to appropriate operating temperatures and pressure.
How Does It Work?
A load bank test puts an artificial load on a generator. The artificial load from the load bank brings the generator engine up to a specific operating temperature and internal pressure and load is gradually increased in set intervals at predetermined increments (called steps) to test whether the generator can handle the load increase and continue to perform properly over an extended period of time.
Basically, a load bank test exercises the generator to ensure that its ability to run at its full rated kW output.
Why Are Load Bank Tests Important?
Load bank tests aren’t restricted to exercising generators, but are also used to test generators to identify any performance issues especially in older generators. In diesel generators, load bank testing can help prevent a buildup that clogs the engine known as generator wet stacking and can keep the generator running in optimal condition. Load bank testing isn’t limited to inspection and run tests of a generator, but load bank tests can also be conducted in instances where a generator voltage has been reconfigured. When reconfiguring the voltage on a generator, it’s important to conduct a load bank test to verify that the work has been done properly and the generator is meeting the correct output in terms of kW, voltage, and amperage.
Load bank testing is also done in many other applications, but when it comes to generator – this is a large part of why it’s so important to use a load bank.
Be sure to check out our video that details the steps, what’s involved, and what to look for when conducting a generator load bank test as well!
If you’re looking to learn more about load banks and load bank testing or looking for a portable load bank to rent for your own needs, reach out to us at Woodstock Power Company!
Give us a call or send us an email: 610-658-3242 or sales@woodstockpower.com
Additionally, you can fill our our Contact Form with any questions or inquiries and our representatives will get right back to you.
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