Proving your generator works when it matters most
You can inspect a generator, start it, and even hear it run, but until it’s tested under real load, you don’t truly know if it’s ready for an outage. That’s where load bank testing comes in.
For businesses that rely on backup power, load bank testing is one of the most important steps in maintaining performance and compliance. It verifies that your generator can handle real-world demand when the grid goes down, not just idle and look ready.
At American Generator Services, we perform load bank testing across Texas for hospitals, industrial plants, data centers, and commercial facilities that can’t afford surprises when power fails.
What is load bank testing?
Load bank testing applies an artificial electrical load to your generator, simulating how it would perform during a real power outage. Instead of waiting for an emergency, it allows technicians to evaluate how the generator, fuel system, and cooling system respond under pressure.
A load bank measures key performance indicators like:
- Voltage and frequency stability
- Engine temperature and fuel pressure
- Exhaust and cooling performance
- System response to changing loads
This process ensures that your generator not only starts but sustains power for as long as required.
Why is load bank testing essential?
Many commercial generators run well during weekly or monthly no-load tests, but those tests don’t tell the full story. Without load, your generator never reaches normal operating temperature or pressure, and internal components can degrade silently.
Skipping load bank testing leads to:
- Wet stacking (unburned fuel buildup in exhaust systems)
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Carbon buildup and premature engine wear
- Failure under true load conditions
Annual testing verifies that your generator can perform at full rated capacity and gives you confidence that your system won’t fail during a critical outage.
How often should you test your generator?
Industry standards like NFPA 110 recommend annual load bank testing for standby and emergency power systems. Facilities with high runtime hours or sensitive operations, like healthcare, manufacturing, or data centers, may require more frequent testing.
Most AGS clients schedule testing at least once a year as part of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
What happens during a load bank test
During a test, our technicians connect a calibrated load bank to your generator to apply an electrical load, typically 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of capacity in stages. We monitor:
- Power output and stability
- Exhaust temperature and fuel pressure
- Automatic transfer switch operation
- Cooling efficiency and overall performance
The results provide a complete picture of your generator’s condition and help us identify small issues before they turn into downtime.
Why trust AGS for load bank testing
Our team performs load bank testing across Texas with industry-grade equipment and certified technicians. Every test includes documentation, performance metrics, and recommendations for maintenance or repair.
We work with commercial, industrial, and institutional clients that demand reliability, and we make sure your power systems meet that standard.
Related Reading:
- Why Every Commercial Generator Needs an Annual Load Bank Test
- Preventative Maintenance in Midland: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Ready to schedule your test?
Don’t wait for an outage to find out your generator can’t handle the load.
Contact American Generator Services today to book your annual load bank test and keep your facility powered with confidence.
