Stricter requirements for operators providing essential services

As the global security situation continues to change and following Sweden’s accession to NATO, preparedness and resilience have become increasingly important. At the same time, stricter requirements are now being introduced for critical entities providing essential services as part of Sweden’s implementation of the EU Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive. For organisations that depend on a reliable power supply, this puts backup power firmly in focus. Simply having a backup power system in place is not enough – you also need to know that it will perform when it really matters.

The new legislation applies to public and private-sector operators across eleven designated sectors, including energy, food, and healthcare.

Operators identified as critical entities will be required to take measures to strengthen their resilience – including their ability to prevent, withstand and limit the consequences of disruptions to the provision of essential services.

For organisations where backup power is a critical part of preparedness, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to verify that the system actually performs as intended. A reliable load bank > enables backup power systems to be tested regularly under controlled load conditions, so you can be confident that they deliver the required power and perform as expected when a real emergency occurs.

Magnus Larsson, Product Specialist at CHS Controls, on reliable backup power:

“A backup generator must do more than simply start – it needs to deliver the required power, under the right conditions and for as long as necessary when the normal power supply is lost.”

We find that many operators have questions about their backup power systems and how reliable they really are. Simply testing a backup power system and carrying out a load bank test are two very different things.

Load bank testing means subjecting the backup power system to the load it was designed to handle. A basic functional test primarily confirms that the system starts and operates – but it does not tell you what it can actually deliver under load.

5 quick questions about load bank testing with Magnus:

1. How often should a backup generator be tested and maintained?

A backup generator should be tested and maintained regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the criticality of the installation. It is important not only to check that the engine starts, but also to verify that the generator, fuel system, batteries, cooling system, controls and other auxiliary systems are operating correctly.

Regular testing reduces the risk of a fault only being discovered when the backup power system is actually needed.

2. Is running the generator without load sufficient for a functional test?

No. A no-load test primarily confirms that the generator can start and run. It tells you considerably less about how the generator actually performs under load.

To verify the performance of the complete system, load bank testing should therefore be carried out regularly. This allows you to confirm that the generator can handle its intended load and that voltage, frequency and other parameters remain within the required limits.

3. Why is it important to use a load bank when testing?

A load bank allows the generator set to be subjected to a controlled, incremental load without affecting the normal installation. For example, the generator can be tested at 25, 50, 75 and 100% of its intended load.

This can reveal problems with voltage regulation, frequency stability, cooling or the engine’s ability to deliver the required power. It provides a far more accurate picture of the generator’s actual performance than a short no-load test.

4. What should be checked during a full load test?

During the test, parameters including voltage, frequency, current, power and load level should be documented. Engine temperatures, oil pressure, fuel consumption and any alarms or deviations should also be monitored.

It is also important to verify that automatic start-up, transfer to backup power and return to normal operation all function correctly. The results should be documented and compared with previous tests to identify any changes in performance over time.

5. How can you ensure that your backup power system is truly reliable when it is needed?

Reliability is achieved through a combination of regular maintenance, functional testing and load bank testing. Tests should be carried out according to a planned schedule and the results documented. Any deviations identified should be rectified and followed up.

A generator that starts during a short test is not necessarily capable of operating at full load for several hours. The entire backup power system should therefore be verified at regular intervals under realistic load conditions.

Our product portfolio includes everything from smaller portable load banks to permanently installed AC, DC and AC/DC systems. We help you find the right solution and make sure you feel confident carrying out regular load bank testing going forward.

Related article: Time to put your backup power to the test