Generator Load Bank Tests

Q: Do generators for healthcare need to be load-bank tested annually if they meet the 30% nameplate load requirement during each monthly test?

A: No. Load bank testing is only required when any monthly load test fails to achieve 30% of the nameplate rating of the generator. Then, an annual load bank test is required of 50% load for 30 minutes and 75% load for 60 minutes. A 3-year 4-hour test is required, and the load is a connected load from the facility and must reach a minimum of 30%. A supplemental load may be used if the connected load cannot reach 30%.