Duration of actual test varies based on type of test nfpa 110 and customer preference.
Generator load bank testing standards.
Provide all equipment labor materials and supervision necessary to test the stand by diesel engine driven electric generator set specified.
This standard contains requirements covering the performance of emergency and standby power systems providing an alternate source of electrical power to loads in buildings and facilities in the event that the primary power source fails.
It verifies that all primary components of the generator set are in proper working condition.
The generator s manufacturer or supplier will guide you through this process which includes a series of short power up tests and then a full length two hour load test.
Acceptance testing of the installed generator set shall be conducted by a factory.
For gasoline powered natural gas powered or propane powered generators that do not meet the testing requirements outlined in 1 a above it will likely be necessary to add more load to the generator or conduct a load bank test to comply with testing requirements a load bank is typically a mobile piece of equipment that simulates the actual electrical load the generator is intended to power.
The frequency schedule for load bank testing on a generator often depends on how the generator is classified and what it is a standby for.
2 the monthly test is required to be initiated by simulating a power outage using the test switch es on the automatic transfer switch es or by opening a normal breaker see nfpa 110 10 sec.
The equipment used to conduct a load bank test produces artificial loads on the generator by bringing the engine to an appropriate operating temperature and pressure level.
Achieves the minimum exhaust gas temperature for monthly testing as indicated by the owners manual or.
The generator is operated in accordance with the standards and the appropriate data are recorded.
For example if a generator is used as a backup for services associated with loss of life or serious injury such as in a hospital setting the testing requirements are much more frequent.
Even after professional installation according to the standard an emergency power system must be tested thoroughly to ensure it passes.
You ll need to work closely with your generator manufacturer to develop a compliant epss operational testing schedule.
During testing a generator should operate under available load for a minimum of thirty minutes.
Tests shall be performed as installed on site.
Opening a normal breaker shall not be required.
1 1 1 power systems covered in this standard include power sources transfer equipment controls supervisory equipment and all related electrical.
Generally speaking you ll need to perform a weekly inspection and a monthly load test on your epss 8 4 1.
Generator load bank testing and engine testing i.