How to load test a used generator?

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Load testing is another element of a regularly scheduled generator servicing in Brisbane when a technician comes in to handle it. If you’re dealing with one that isn’t from Reactive Generators, make sure to check that it forms part of the procedures they’ll perform on your industrial generator. Many generators do not regularly operate at their full capacity for long periods of time and that’s not a bad thing. You were probably advised to buy a generator that oversupplies the total kW you need for your industrial property as a cautionary measure.  Load testing is when you simulate an unplanned power outage and test your generator in the process. We do this to get a good and accurate picture of how your industrial generator will perform during an actual outage and if there are any areas that need maintenance or repair. During the simulation, a technician will use a load bank that will draw the electricity generated by the generator instead of the equipment and machinery on your property. Diagnostics will then be run to check if the generator is running as it should at optimal levels.

We’ll operate it at different load levels and even at full whack so that we can make sure that it’s still strong enough to handle it, should you need it. Proper load testing is when you successfully put your generator at its full kilowatt, or megawatt, output rate. Load testing is especially important for industrial generators that are not used very often like those installed for standby and emergency situations when the main power grid supply is cut. This also applies to generators that don’t usually carry very heavy loads on a frequent basis. If you’ve never used your generator to a load capacity that is higher than 30% of its total capacity (kilowatt load) then you should seriously be conducting load tests.

What happens during a load bank test?

Once an artificial load is connected to your generator and it starts running, the test is timed to gradually increase its kilowatt load output in specific increments. A professional technician will very closely note engine and alternator parameters each time the kW load is increased. They’ll check if they are adequately handling the ‘pressure’ of increased load requirements and note any faults or issues as the capacity increases. This is how a professional best tests your industrial generator’s ability to handle the pressure of increased requirements and check its ability to continue functioning at the highest possible level for a sustained period. There are other things that the technician will test while capacity is raised periodically and they include: coolant temperature, oil temperature and pressure, battery voltage and health and the rate of fuel consumption.

What does a typical load test include?

  • Consultation with your selected technician
  • Scheduled delivery of load bank to site
  • Load bank installation and positioning
  • The disconnection of the main power supply
  • Your generator will kick in and supply energy to the bank
  • Logistics testing and report compiling
  • Generator disconnection and load bank removal
  • Reconnection of normal property facilities

The benefits of load testing your industrial generator

It will verify the capabilities of the generator in a controlled setting as opposed to routinely starting it up for no reason

Technicians can spot any developing problems nice and early before they become problematic and expensive issues. It saves you money, but it also avoids the stress that comes with major breakdowns, explosions, or faults.

Confirms that you received the load capacity you paid for. Unless you bought your industrial generator to always use it at full load, you never really know that it will perform at this level effectively. A load test will give you the certainty you need to know that it will work at full capacity if you ever need it.

Load testing is also an excellent way to prolong your generator’s longevity. It’s an engine after all and engines need to be run at full capacity sometimes to make them work for longer. Engines that stay idle for long periods of time, are less likely to be operational when you need them. Think of this as giving your generator a good workout so that it can continue running its marathon. If it’s out of practise, it won’t perform at tip top shape.

You can keep wet stacking at bay. Wet stacking is an issue that can occur in diesel generators that must be manually eliminated because otherwise it can be detrimental to the system. Contact us for more information on this very complicated technical issue.

Reach out to one of our specialists today if you are an industrial property owner in Queensland today by calling 07 3710 8212 or emailing info@reactivegenerators.com.au. We’re excited to help you find the perfect solution for you and we offer a range of services included in our generator servicing in Brisbane.

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