LOAD BANK TEST – WHY, WHAT & WHEN
A LOAD BANK TEST is a test of the ability of your generator to run for 2-hours at full load – successfully. This test will provide a good idea of how your generator will perform during a power outage when you need it. This test is required for Life Safety Generators as per the CSA Code C282. And sometimes the test is requested for Non-Life Safety Generators by the administration, Insurance Companies, Mortgage Companies, etc.
A LOAD BANK TEST is commonly conducted on your generator following a complete Annual Service & Inspection. The Load Bank equipment is connected to your generator (which has been disconnected from your building) and a full load equal to the generator’s maximum rating/size is run for a total of 2-hours with readings taken regularly throughout the test. Upon a successful run, your generator, is given a pass and a Certificate can be issued.
INFRARED SURVEY – if your Generator is required to have the Load Bank Test done as part of a C282 Annual Generator Service, then an ‘Infrared Survey’ will be conducted at the same time, as required. Before an electrical component burns up, it heats up – so during the Load Bank test, an Infrared thermography (camera) is used to perform inspections/survey on generator electrical equipment to detect these ‘hot spots’. This excess heat at those spots are usually the first sign of trouble on electrical (or mechanical) equipment – and, preventative maintenance can then be done – avoiding a breakdown just when you need your generator.
What are the BENEFITS of a Load Bank Test?
- Certificate – upon a successful completion of a Load Bank Test following an Annual Generator Service, we can provide a C282 Annual Certificate; for Non-Life Safety, we can issue a standard Annual General Certificate
- only during this type of test can all the systems be inspected for dependable performance and any potential failure; during this test we can detect where repairs and replacements are needed; therefore the repairs to any worn parts can be done prior to any potential ‘breakdown’.
- this test can provide Certification of the reliability of your generator
- the test (for Diesel Generators) can clean out the exhaust system of any build up
Recommended to have an ANNUAL GENERATOR SERVICE conducted 1x/Year.
We are one of Niagara Region’s LOAD BANK TESTING Specialists – we are available to discuss what your generator needs – just give us a call for a no cost/ no obligation Site Visit to provide a Quote.