Acquired a Military surplus load bank

[Dewie38]

Mil standard 705c (standard for generator testing) test method 640.1,(Maximum power test) is only 110% rated kw load for 2 minutes.

 

[boxer4luvr]

Howdy,
.... Probably adding another 1.75kw to get it up to 133%. I then back off and throw 12kw and add 9kw, starts bogging down some, I try a few more huge load combinations.

So at one point you hit it with 21kw? Holy smokes!

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,

The overload trip is a time vs amount vs percent power type of trip. The units will trip on a overload. The unit is designed to keep chugging, and then trip when finally saying it is a over voltage fault. Will the unit stay running at a 105% power usage. Probably yes. Will it stay running for a few minutes before tripping at 125%, yes, maybe 5 minutes before tripping.

A lot also will depend on the connections. Are all the connection good, rusted? loose?

 

[justicelee26]

My 803a oil pressure is consistently about 35 psi and will drop to around 30 when loaded heavily. It is interesting that the pressures are so much different. I’m running John Deere break in oil currently as I only have about 65 hours on the machine. It runs like a champ so I’m not worried about it but I wonder why that is?

 

[TheAlfredo]

Nice. I just picke up 2 Cannon L63 load banks...makes life so much easier. And kept me warm during this cold front.

 

[Jestes1]

What does a load bank cost?
thank you

 

[Guyfang]

That all depends on what you want. Best to get smart on Load Banks first. No point spending tons of money when all you want, is to use one at home 2-3 times a year. If you have a shop full of gen sets, then buying a GOOD load bank is a must, in my opinion.

 

[Daybreak]

What does a load bank cost?
thank you

Howdy,
If you're asking, maybe it's not for you. Really tough to find them out there. I would suggest maybe a old electric stove. Others have found a electric shop heater works too..

 

[Jestes1]

Howdy,
If you're asking, maybe it's not for you. Really tough to find them out there. I would suggest maybe a old electric stove. Others have found a electric shop heater works too..

Thank you very much

 

[DieselAddict]

And if there is anyone near central NC that need their set load banked, let me know. I'm sure I can help.

 

[DieselAddict]

Thank you very much

You can find them from time to time. After several years of looking I finally scored one (an Essex A427A) from an auction site for about $1,800 including shipping costs. It’s like new inside. I’m happy with it but a couple of shop heaters can be had for a few hundred bucks and will do a good job for checking out a set.

 

[nextalcupfan]

I use 3 5kw comfort zone heaters I got from tractor supply.
Those plus a 50ft roll of sjoow cord (cut into 1/3) and 3 plugs and I had a "load bank" capable of any load between 3kw and 15kw for 200-$250.

 

[Jestes1]

I use 3 5kw comfort zone heaters I got from tractor supply.
Those plus a 50ft roll of sjoow cord (cut into 1/3) and 3 plugs and I had a "load bank" capable of any load between 3kw and 15kw for 200-$250.

Thank you very much

 

[Jestes1]

I use 3 5kw comfort zone heaters I got from tractor supply.
Those plus a 50ft roll of sjoow cord (cut into 1/3) and 3 plugs and I had a "load bank" capable of any load between 3kw and 15kw for 200-$250.

You can find them from time to time. After several years of looking I finally scored one (an Essex A427A) from an auction site for about $1,800 including shipping costs. It’s like new inside. I’m happy with it but a couple of shop heaters can be had for a few hundred bucks and will do a good job for checking out a set.

I am looking at a A427 load bank. Does not look the Greatest but it works. Do you have an opinion?

 

[DieselAddict]

I am looking at a A427 load bank. Does not look the Greatest but it works. Do you have an opinion?

I would make sure it was in good working order. Cosmetics don't matter too much but I would avoid one that was full of rust and corosion. Dents and dings I can live with but if its rusty then I'd be more concerned.

 

[Zed254]

What does a load bank cost?
thank you

My Kenmore 'load bank' cost me $50, the 2 dollies $20/each, the electrical connector around $30.....$120. A few months later I found a second stove on the side of the street and dragged it home. I move this one around with a hand truck. It needed a couple burners replaced so cost was around $30. I use my Kenmore every 3 months to test my 803.

 

[Mullaney]

My Kenmore 'load bank' cost me $50, the 2 dollies $20/each, the electrical connector around $30.....$120. A few months later I found a second stove on the side of the street and dragged it home. I move this one around with a hand truck. It needed a couple burners replaced so cost was around $30. I use my Kenmore every 3 months to test my 803.

.
And it provides emergency heat too - if there is a need for it!

 

[Light in the Dark]

A chap in TX (SS member) is now the owner of my A427... and its perfectly sized to give his 005 a good amount of testing. It was overkill for my needs... but yeah, you can test machines without breaking the bank.

 

[Jestes1]

Do you know who can repair a 427-a load bank?

 

[Light in the Dark]

Whats wrong with it? Have you looked for any troubleshooting manuals for the machine?