Switch gear load/unload switch

[Chillmattic]

Is this switch used for unloading electrical load and opening generator breaker?

 

[ActionDave]

Did you mean for this to be a response in an existing thread?

 

[Chillmattic]

First time I wasn't exactly sure what to do. Generally we bring the electric load down to 1/4 MW then turn generator shut down switch. That will trip the breaker. But there is a load/unload switch that will unload and open the breaker. Is that what the switch is for?

 

[Chillmattic]

No it was not a response. I should have worded that differently.

 

[Jraef]

As I’ve seen it, the “Load” switch usually says “Load Bank” and is controlling a contactor that connects a load bank (resistor grid) to the generator to exercise it. It’s done on standby generators for things like pump stations where you can’t guarantee to have a load ready when it’s time to do routine generator exercising for the required amount of time.

 

[Chillmattic]

Ok, that might be it. We don't have a resistor grid that I'm aware of but I'll keep digging. Thanks!

 

[Chillmattic]

 

[Chillmattic]

Found a picture of the switch if it helps.

 

[Jraef]

Is this a standby generator? That nameplate is a little lacking to what I'm used to, but that's what it looks like to me. Quarterly unloaded tests, annual loaded exercise runs.

 

[Chillmattic]

No it's not stand by. There are 3 diesel generators 5 MW all together. We use them for electrical curtailments and emergencies. I operate a 28 MW turbine/gen we also have a 10 MW turbine gen. And still bring in 9MW from utility.