Generator testing

Why use a load bank?

Diesel engines that are regularly run on very low loads – or no load at all – become increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain. The effects include smoky exhausts, carbon build-up, fuel system problems and lubricating oil deterioration, all of which decrease reliability and add to running costs.

All of these consequences can be largely avoided if the generator set is regularly operated on a load of 40% or more of its rated power.

Many users of large generating sets, particularly water, power and telecommunications companies, know that the relatively low cost of including a fixed load bank at the time of installation is justified by the saving in maintenance costs (including the costs of regular load bank hire) over the life of the generator set.

For any standby generator set, routine testing which includes on-load running to bring the engine, alternator and radiator up to normal working temperatures is better for the set and means a much higher certainty that it will perform as expected when required.

This regular use of a load bank will help to ensure longevity of your generator set, mitigating against future issues and giving you the peace of mind that your generator set can do what it needs to do, when required.

Dummy load banks

In In some cases, there is a further benefit in that the same load banks can be used as a ballast load during normal operation of the generating set. In those applications where the connected load may vary over a wide range, either as a result of seasonal variations or the nature of the load itself, when the ‘real’ demand is small it can be beneficial to add some additional load to keep the engine operating at least at 20-40% of its capacity.

If a load bank is incorporated into the generator set when it is built, the only addition needed to the control scheme is a load-sensing relay in the generator control panel.

How we can help

At Power Prove we have the experience and expertise to supply you with load banks that meet a wide range of requirements. We can help ensure that your generator is up and running when you need it, saving you time, money and giving you peace of mind. Contact us to find out how we can help.