Load Bank Testing Flashcards
7 cards from real EGSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Load Bank Testing flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a 'block load' test during generator commissioning?
Answer: To apply a large percentage of rated load in a single step to test transient performance
A block load test applies a significant load step (often 100% rated load) at once to evaluate the generator's worst-case transient response.
When connecting portable load bank cables to a generator output panel, which safety step must be performed first?
Answer: Verify the generator is de-energized and locked out/tagged out
LOTO (lockout/tagout) procedures must be completed before making any electrical connections to prevent electrocution.
A generator's fuel consumption during a load bank test is significantly higher than the manufacturer's published rating at full load. This most likely indicates:
Answer: An engine performance problem such as injector wear or turbocharger inefficiency
Excessive fuel consumption at rated load suggests combustion inefficiency caused by worn injectors, a failing turbocharger, or compression loss.
What is the function of the load bank's cooling fan during resistive load testing?
Answer: To dissipate heat generated by the resistive elements
Resistive load bank elements convert electrical energy to heat, and the internal cooling fan removes that heat to prevent element damage.
During a load bank test at a facility, the utility power is accidentally restored while the generator is supplying the load bank. What is the most critical hazard?
Answer: Out-of-phase paralleling can cause severe mechanical and electrical damage to the generator
If utility and generator are connected out of phase, the resulting torque and current surge can destroy the generator's windings and crankshaft.
What is the recommended minimum warm-up period before applying load bank load to a cold diesel generator during formal testing?
Answer: 3 to 5 minutes at no load to allow oil to circulate and temperatures to stabilize
A 3–5 minute warm-up period ensures oil has reached operating viscosity and engine temperatures have stabilized before load is applied.
Which load bank test result would indicate that a generator's alternator has a shorted field winding?
Answer: Inability to build or maintain rated output voltage under load
A shorted field winding reduces magnetic field strength, preventing the alternator from generating or sustaining rated output voltage.