Generator Load Bank Testing: The Basics

Generator load bank testing is a preventative maintenance process that checks that a generator is operating properly and running in optimal condition.

Annual load bank tests can help prevent any potential damage or sudden breakdowns of your generator due to component fail or items that could be prevented by proper generator service.

If you're wondering more about load bank testing, why it's done, how it's done, items to look out for when conducting a load bank test, then check out our video and learn some of the basics!

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[jeanrichelieu]

Good advice! Also, always make sure to remove all jewelries for safety purposes when you are working on generators, especially with the power interruptor switch on.

[nomon]

Load bank are a group of huge resistors connected in series, paralell activated them by contactors or other devices.these banks need fans to extract the Huge heat generated by the resistors.the enclosures are big, With holes or doors which are opened when the bank work ay full power.

[homlethomes]

Nice job.... Do you have a single load for 2.5mva gen

[mkhaled]

How did you come up with 125A at 120/240V single-phase for a 30kW generator? At 0.8 pf, its 37500VA => 37500VA/240V = 156.25A

[garbo]

Not sure if you mentioned that any time you run a generator under load you must have a 5 minute cool down All of our 500 to 2, 000 KW generators had a 5 minute cool down timer.

[ABC-Machine-Basics]

If you ramp up the load too quickly on a unit that has quite a bit of carbon in the muffler you can get a fire in the muffler and burn that generator to the ground real fast. You want to take your time getting the unit heat soaked and I usually only do 25% steps at least 30 minutes apart before pulling 100% or more then after the test step down easily to relieve the exhaust gas pressure then cool down with no load at least 15-30 minutes. I will Never do a full load dump on or off unless the customer absolutely requires it and I have it in writing that customer is completely responsible for any damage to the unit . I have seen a guy do a full load dump on a 500kw Onan and blow a piston through the block.

[montagusappling]

Load banking is easy it's clean work. Once you do a few it's like riding a bicycle. Generator teardown is where the real work is at.

[oussamayahyaoui]

Thanks, you reminds me of Gerard Piqué :D