What is a load test, and why do I need to have one?
What is a Megger test?
Why do I need a yearly service if I have little or
no running hours since my last service?
What are the benefits of purchasing a maintenance agreement?
What are the problems associated with water, bacteria and other
contaminants being in my fuel storage tank?
What is CSA C282-05?
| Q. What is a load test, and why do I need to have one? |
A. Regular resistive load bank testing is the only
way you can make sure that your standby generator will always operate,
especially when you need it the most. The annual generator full load
test is required by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) specification
for the maintenance and testing standard of Emergency Power Supply
for Buildings. This specification is identified as CAN/CSA-C282-05.
Load testing investigates your generator at your specified full load.
Using load banks we are able to place your generator under full load
and keep it there for the duration of the test, approximately two hours. A
resistive load bank is a like a giant hairdryer. The large banks of
resistors inside are capable of producing a consistent load on the
generator while a large fan cools the resistors. This test proves that
the generator can perform at full load successfully. If the generator
has any deficiencies, they usually surface during this test.
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| Q. What is a Megger test? |
A. Using a megohmeter we test the insulation capacity of the windings in the generator.
A Megger test should be performed every five years, even if the generator is
located in an enclosed area with low humidity. The test will spot insulation
break down problems before extensive loss of insulation occurs, rendering the
alternator useless.
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| Q. Why do I need a yearly
service if I have little or no running hours since my last service? |
A. Even though your generator is not running that often, there are still elements
at play that cause the breakdown of engine fluids. Oil exposed to oxygen will
breakdown, fuel will separate, and battery strength will diminish.
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| Q. What are the benefits of purchasing
a maintenance agreement? |
A. A preventative maintenance agreement with Harper Power Generation will provide
you with peace of mind knowing that your generator is properly maintained. You
will be reducing the risk of a no start situation in the event of a power failure.
Additional benefits include, 24/7 emergency service, compliance with CSA standards,
a full detailed report for your records, extended life of your equipment, and
a significant reduction in emergency calls.
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| Q. What are the
problems associated with water, bacteria and other contaminants being
in my fuel storage tank? |
A. Contaminated fuel can cause a number of different problems
depending on the form of contamination. To learn more about common
types of contamination and the problems that they can cause click on Anatomy
of Fuel in Storage.
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A. C282-05 is a Canadian Standards Association standard
that applies to the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and
testing of emergency generators and associated equipment for providing
an emergency power supply to electrical loads in buildings and facilities
when the normal power supply fails and an emergency power supply is
required by the National Building Code of Canada (NBC)
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