If your business deploys critical electrical systems, load bank testing is beneficial for ensuring optimal system safety and performance.
A load bank provides an artificial load for different types of equipment and machines — such as generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDU), and battery backups — and converts or dissipates the resultant power output of the source. This tests the power source in order to provide critical information on performance and reliability.
Penn Power Systems offers resistive load bank testing services for a range of applications — including single-unit and parallel applications of low or medium voltage. Our skilled team can assess engine and generator performance, determine the efficiency of cooling systems, and validate voltage regulation.
Load bank testing also helps to optimize system reliability, ensuring that all of our clients easily meet NFPA and JCAHO requirements.
The Importance of Load Bank Testing
One of the main benefits of load bank testing is the ability to identify potential problems in a controlled environment, greatly reducing the risk of eventual power failure. This test is first performed when systems are installed, but it should also be conducted periodically during maintenance services. This can serve as a simple, safe way to determine whether a backup power system will work correctly in the event of a power outage.
UPS equipment and diesel generators may perform adequately with light loads, but if maintenance and testing are not performed regularly, failure may result during a full power load. Generators, in particular, can suffer from “wet stacking” due to the accumulation of unburned fuel in the system, resulting in permanent damage to the generator. This can be easily avoided, however, with proper maintenance and load bank testing.
Load bank testing is required by several standards organizations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), for instance, requires initial commissioning and ongoing testing of emergency power supplies, as stated in their Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the ANSI/NETA Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems also mandate load bank testing.
Working With Penn Power Systems
When a client contacts Penn Power Systems for assistance with load bank testing, we immediately set a time to visit their site. Depending on the nature of the request and their specific needs, it’s often possible for us to be there in less than 24 hours.
Once our team of experts and technicians arrives on site, they work with the lead engineer of the facility to set up the new system. This process typically takes between two and 16 hours, depending on the equipment they are working on, the specific location, and the logistics of the operation. As soon as everything is connected, Penn Power Systems can run tests, with results available within just two hours.
We’re proud to specialize in medical applications, including those in hospitals and any Level 1 facility.
Learn More
To learn more about Penn Power Systems’ load bank testing services and discuss how they can help with your unique application, request a quote today. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have.