Load bank applications

Generator testing

Generator testing is crucial to ensure that, as and when needed, back-up power sources work as they should.

Generator applications vary widely, from healthcare and railway systems to data centres and telecommunications. While they are generally intended as emergency power supplies when the main source of electricity goes down, in some cases they are used as primary sources.

Ensuring generators work when required and proving their power output is essential to all businesses that require one. This can be achieved through regular testing using a load bank.

Battery discharge testing

Carrying out a discharge test through a load bank is a simple but effective way to check a battery’s condition. It ensures that large battery packs used by power supplies are working as they should, or if they need to be replaced.

Batteries are often used in systems that cannot risk losing power in the case of the mains failing, whether for safety or security reasons. Similarly to generators, common examples include hospitals and data centres, as well as offshore oil platforms and emergency lighting systems.

Particularly as load banks make battery discharge tests so easy to do, they should be a priority for any engineers who need unambiguous evidence of a battery’s health and reliability.

Ballast load

When generating sets need to be tested or controlled with a ballast load, it can be very effective to do so with load banks.

A load bank can provide or absorb power as necessary to stabilise systems.

When the 'real' power demand is small, it can be beneficial to add some additional load to keep the engine operating at least at 20% to 40% of its capacity.

There is also the option of providing a dummy load to test equipment in specific conditions, allowing engineers to stabilise systems in controlled environments.

Radiator-mounted load banks are especially effective as ballast loads due to their integrated generator cooling systems.