The Best Methods for Generator Service and Load Testing
- POWER CONTINUITY
- Dec 4, 2020
- 2 min read
Generators need tests that measure their ability to generate electricity during a power cut. Often this test is performed by the EPSS (Emergency Power System Maintenance) service. The focus of this article is on load testing, where a generator is operated under available and / or man-made loads to measure its operational efficiency or to correct a condition known as wet pile. If you need this service, using an independent generator rather than a manufacturer is the best option. EPSS not only offers lower prices and better response times, but also focuses on maintenance and Generator load testing while manufacturers focus on development and sales.
If you need an emergency power test, schedule a free generator consultation as soon as possible, especially if your building contains a level 1 generator.
The need to test the load
The load test tests the efficiency of a generator by measuring whether it is working with a certain percentage of its kilowatt plate. The first load test is a monthly test conducted according to NFPA Code 110 (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines. To pass the monthly test, the generator must be operated with the load available and (a) at least 30% of its rated power in kilowatts; or (b) reaches the minimum exhaust gas temperature specified by the manufacturer for the monthly tests.
If a generator does not meet these criteria, NFPA 110 requires it to be tested under artificial pressure annually - a test that requires a cargo bank. During the load bank test, the generator shall be tested for the following two hours:
30 minutes at 25% of the kilowatt output on the plate
30 minutes at 50% of the kilowatt output on the plate
60 minutes at 75% nominal power in kilowatts
Cargo bank testing can improve generator efficiency. can also cause wet build-up - a condition in which unburned fuel gets stuck on the exhaust side of the generator. If a generator operates at a certain percentage of its kilowatt plate, the cargo bank test can result in evaporation of unburned fuel. Failure to evaporate can result in premature wear of the parts.
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