Full load testing

[jlchaves]

Hi all!

We're purchasing a new 16kVA UPS and want to test it before signing off any acceptance documents.

We usually simulate full load by using a dummy load consisting of electrodes immersed in a tank of water. Salt is added to the water until the UPS is at full load.

I'd like your comments:

1. Does anyone here use the same method to test your UPSs?

2. Up to how high a load should I test? I'm contemplating testing up to 110% load for up to 3 hours.

3. What other stuff should I test? I will probably hook up a digital oscilloscope to capture the waveform.



Thanks,

Jan

 

[ericgallant]

jlchaves,
I have not heard of anyone load bank testing anything using that method in years. There are much easier, effective and safer methods available. The first thing I would do is contact the manufacturer of the UPS and tell them you want a factory authorized technician to load bank your UPS. Most major manufacturers will have a service organization that does this type of testing routinely. Ask the manufacturer to provide a scope of work for the load test. It should consist of a number of step loads and power transitions while on utility power and while on battery. It would be helpful to have an o-scope on the UPS while this testing is going on.