Load Bank Generator Testing vs. Using Building Load to test generators.

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Mr MAB

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Hi All, Quick question on Load Bank Generator Testing accoring to NFPA 110;8.4.2 that states Exercised at least once monthly, for a minimum of 30 minutes at not less than 30% of the EPS nameplate. And then there is another part if the maintenance plan does not meet this, NFPA states that if this requirement is not met, you need to test up to 75% load for two hours annually. (8.4.2.3). I have a total of 8, 12.47KV, 2-MW Gensets. Each set of 4 connected to there own paralleling switchgear which severs a section of the building. We conduct an annual shut down our utility feeds conducting a simulation of a utility failure allowing the buildings full load to automatically switch to our generators. Thus test the ATS and switchgear operation. Now, my question is... Since I am putting the full load of the building on these generators, am I fulfilling my obligations in meeting this code and not need to load bank the genets monthly? Mind you, we do exercise the generators monthly but under No-Load. I?m just trying to conserve energy (Fuel) and kill two or more birds with one stone. Thanks in advance for any input. :smile:

Mr. MAB
 
Load Bank Generator Testing vs. Using Building Load to test generators.

Hi All,
I have a question on Load Bank Generator Testing vs. Using Building Load to test generators. According to NFPA 110:8.4.2 that states Exercised at least once monthly, for a minimum of 30 minutes at not less than 30% of the EPS nameplate and then there is another part if the maintenance plan does not meet this, NFPA states that if this requirement is not met, you need to test up to 75% load for two hours annually. (8.4.2.3).

I have a total of 8, 12.47KV, 2-MW Gensets. Each set of 4, connected to their own paralleling switchgear which severs a section of the building. We conduct an annual shut down our utility feeds thus conducting a simulation of a utility failure allowing the buildings full load to automatically switch to our generators. This also tests the ATS and switchgear operation.

Now, my question is... Since I am putting the full load of the building on these generators, am I fulfilling my obligations in meeting this code and not need to load bank the genets monthly? Mind you, we do exercise the generators monthly but under No-Load. I?m just trying to conserve energy (Fuel) and kill two or more birds with one stone. Thanks in advance for any input. :-?

Mr. MAB
 
Almost duplicate thread
If you want to top post just respond to your own thread. It will save all that typing. :smile: And welcome to the forum
 
We do not conduct weekly runs to reduce the possibility of wet stacking. Current building load is 1.34 MW on one section and 1.26 MW on the other.
 
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