A standby generator is crucial for many companies to continue operating during an emergency or unexpected outage. Routinely checking backup power systems ensures they'll work correctly in times of need. The process of checking backup generators is called load bank testing. The Bay City Electric Works' team offers a range of generator maintenance tasks for businesses and homeowners in California, Nevada, and Hawaii, including performing load bank testing to ensure reliable power output.
What is Load Bank Testing?
Load bank testing is a dry run for backup generators to identify flaws or problems before a critical situation. The process uses a load bank, a piece of equipment used to produce artificial loads on a generator. The purpose is to simulate the generator being used in a power outage or other emergency. The testing process ensures the correct operational performance and battery life of an emergency generator system.
Why Is Load Bank Testing Important for Your Power System?
Load bank testing provides peace of mind that your generator will operate optimally in critical applications. Issues or potential system weaknesses can be identified and repaired early. As a result, you often save money rather than repairing the generator during an emergency.
The frequency of conducting load bank testing varies by industry and generator classification. For example, generators used by hospitals, data centers, and financial institutions often require stricter and more frequent testing than non-mission critical generators.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the guidelines for load bank testing. It states that generators necessary for critical applications follow NFPA 110 & 99 while others should follow NFPA 70. Yearly load bank testing is common for most situations, but critical generators may require more frequent testing, such as monthly.
The Load Bank Testing Process
Many often recommend that a certified organization conduct load bank testing to ensure worker safety and prevent complete power failure during the test. This is because the process requires the proper knowledge to safely and effectively perform a successful test to ensure a backup generator will keep business operations running during power outages.
Load bank testing is a six-step process:
1. Before starting the generator, the technician checks all fluid levels, including fuel and oil, to ensure they are correct.
2. The technician starts the generator and allows it to reach normal operating temperature. They listen and watch for issues and stop the test if any arise while repairs are made.
3. All manual or automatic switches are transferred to the generator. Then, the technician adds step loads until the desired load level is reached. Each leg should carry a maximum of 50% on any load.
4. The technician uses an ammeter to check the amperage of each leg. If the voltage of any leg drops below the recommended minimum level at full load, the test is considered a failure. In this case, the generator's problem is diagnosed and fixed.
5. The generator is continually monitored for issues and output while the technician maintains the same load throughout the load bank test. If issues are found, the test is stopped to avoid further damage and allow generator repairs. After repairs, the technician starts the test from step one.
6. Finally, the technician gradually disconnects each load from the generator and transfers all switches back to the default positions. Usually, the generator runs under a light load for an hour before allowing it to cool down according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Bay City Electric Provides Quality Generator Maintenance
For over 90 years, Bay City Electric Works has provided fast, efficient, and quality portable generator repair and maintenance to California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Our friendly team can quickly identify and fix your generator using cutting-edge diagnostic tools and equipment to ensure smooth system operation.
Contact us to let our certified technicians handle load bank testing and all the necessary maintenance on your generator.
