Emergency standby generators play very crucial roles in that they provide backup power in moments of power outages. They are however vulnerable to several misfortunes which ought to be responded to in the timely and appropriate manner in case their reliability is to be guaranteed in the long run.
In the discussions that follow, you will get to know of the potential problems that emergency standby generators may encounter and how to mitigate them.
The functioning and performance of generators may be affected by several factors that include the following:
Generator load evaluations should be carried out in the generator from time to time to identify and mitigate these problems. This may take various forms such as using of building load, monitoring the generator exercise regularly to ensure that it starts and runs as programmed, and the
use of a portable load bank.
Testing generators, just like every other piece of an electrical appliance is a very significant undertaking. The following are some of the main reasons why this is so:
Testing the generator under load ensures that it performs as designed and when it is needed most. That is because generator load tests allow for the verification of the generator system to ensure that it produces and maintains full load without either overheating or shutting down.
Through this test, it is possible to ascertain the various components of the generator system to ascertain that they all worked interdependently as designed and intended to achieve a common goal. It also allows for the detection and identification of potential weaknesses in controlled conditions.
It allows for proactive maintenance i.e. helps in the identification of any potential weaknesses beforehand in controlled conditions, unlike in moments of utility outage when weaknesses may cause a complete failure of the system.
PS: As a general rule, it is recommended that all diesel engines be load-tested using a portable generator load bank for at least two hours annually. In case the engine has not been tested for at least a year, then longer tests may be needed. This annual test reduces the side effects of wet-stacking on a generator system.
To mitigate the afore-listed potential problems, provide the highest comfort levels possible, and to ensure that the system operates as desired, a well-planned maintenance problem is the only way out. Such a program should ideally include regular load-test.
The tasks of designing and implementing a properly planned maintenance program for a standby generator system is best delegated to a qualified power company. We, the Fox Fab Generator Power Systems, can help in accomplishing the task effectively.
Our team of factory-trained technicians has the wherewithal to design and implement such a program. They will also ensure that the plan is carried out professionally and that any issues that may arise are brought to your attention timely to ensure that you are adequately prepared for any future interruptions in utility power supply.
Benefits include:
The list of benefits from generator load bank testing continues to grow as more research is performed.
View our Generator & Load Bank Connection by Application View our Generator & Load Bank Connection by Specifications
Foxfab has a range of generator quick connect products that can be used in a variety of critical power applications. These products have been engineered to allow easy, safe, and quick access to power up a facility with a temporary or roll up generator. These could be used during construction, permanent generator maintenance, or storm power situations.
Problems for facilities without Generator Tie in equipment:
Benefits of using permanent Foxfab Generator Connection Solutions
Product line options
Contact Foxfab for further options
A major problem for all facilities is how to load bank test and where to connect into the system. This can have many complications on site:
Foxfab can solve these problems by working with the facilities to use one of our Load Bank Connection cabinets and have it permanently installed in an easy to access location.
A brand new sales agent walked into a generator supply company and gave a quick rundown of the Foxfab offering. The supply company immediately advised the agent of a project at a local hospital where they were working with an engineer to devise a solution for testing their permanent generator. Foxfab’s technical sales team made a joint call to the engineer and by offering a unique solution and having the proper sales tools (product application diagrams), were able to clearly explain the benefits of our 700.3F switch. This not only ensured safe load bank testing but also allowed a backup generator to be available should any issues arise with the primary generator. Once the customer heard about this solution he immediately recommended the hospital to go this route. An example where expertise, product support tools, and initiative created a great solution for the end user.