<p style="text-align: left;">In the event of unexpected power disruptions, it is essential to have backup power capacity that can support your infrastructure. Simply having power generation available to provide electricity when the grid faulters is not enough. A genset must be able to accommodate the necessary power loads to support electrical equipment, HVAC, data centers, and other critical systems.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">A comprehensive load bank testing strategy is necessary to ensure that backup power is not only able to run when needed, but also able to power the vital systems it is intended to support.  Here are some important items to consider when choosing a load bank for testing.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>When to Conduct Load Bank Testing</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Load bank testing should be carried out at the commissioning of a backup power system. After all, what good is a new genset if it doesn’t function properly? The initial load bank test will highlight the backup power system’s ability to supply power under a variety of loading conditions. Should the test reveal inadequacies in power supply performance, adjustments can be made during the commissioning phase to ensure the power supply can accommodate the necessary loads.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Following the successful commissioning of a backup power supply, regular load bank testing is crucial to ensure the power supply is in good working order and still able to perform its function.  This scheduled load bank testing is also an opportunity to reevaluate the power loading needs of the power supply and test those loading conditions as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Considerations for Load Bank Testing</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Not all load bank tests are created equal. An optimized load bank test will depend on the size of the generator and its anticipated power demands.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">When conducting load bank testing, it is important to simulate realistic load scenarios that can be expected during normal operations.  It is also prudent to predict worse case loading scenarios and test the genset for these conditions as well.  Often the need for backup power arises during uncommon circumstances and the genset must be able to deliver in these conditions.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Each genset has manufacturer load level specifications that detail the safe operation conditions for the equipment.  Ensure load bank testing does not exceed these recommendations to avoid potential harm to the generator.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Fibrebond understands the extreme importance of backup generator systems and regular load bank testing. As a leader in the manufacturing and integration of genset enclosures, Fibrebond has the expertise to maintain and protect vital power systems.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Click <u><a href="https://markets.fibrebond.com/products-and-services/electrical-integration/testing-and-commissioning/">here</a></u> to learn more about Fibrebond’s testing and commissioning capabilities.</p>