Dummy load?

[WildernessJeep]

How are you guys putting a "dummy load" on your generators? I've got an 804 that is about ready to start running and testing, but I want to run it up to test the operation prior to plugging it in to something it might damage.

 

[98G]

Dryer and oven heating elements.

 

[WildernessJeep]

Dryer and oven heating elements.

Mine are both gas. I'll have to go find an electric oven or something, unless someone else has an idea.

 

[Scoobyshep]

I bought 3 elements for dryers (5500 watts each) and attached them to a blower fan. I can run a load of 72 amps at 240 volt with that

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[Zed254]

A used electric stove works well for my 803 single phase 240vt. I suspect 3 phase will require another set of heating elements.... I don't do much with 3 phase..

 

[Scoobyshep]

3 if you want a balanced full load. 2 can get a decent load but 1 leg will be higher

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[Light in the Dark]

Maybe keep your eyes peeled for a used 3ph A/C?

 

[M35A2-AZ]

I use a 55gal. drum filled with water and installed some water heater elements in it. I can go up to 16kw of load in 3ph

 

[Coug]

Maybe keep your eyes peeled for a used 3ph A/C?

I bought one of the 3 ton Nordic Air ECUs. 3 phase heating coils are good for just under 10kw. I disabled 3 of the 9 heating elements, pulls 115% load on my MEP-802A 5kw.

The ECUs tend to go for really cheap at auction because they are all 3 phase and had the refrigerant drained. (recharging mine cost more than the unit did)

 

[BobbyT]

Another option that may be worth it if you just need a load bank once or twice, is to rent one. Most rental places have them or can get you one to rent from them. They are available in many different configurations and wattage capabilities.

 

[Scrounger]

Too bad you aren’t closer. I still have all the load banks on the front of the M447C trailer. Maybe someone closer may have one you could use.

 

[cuad4u]

I am an EE and have worked in electronics all my life. I used a 55 gallon plastic drum full of water. Clean water WILL NOT CONDUCT MUCH ELECTRICAL CURRENT - at not 240 VAC. I put my hand in the water while working to prove it to several people. I bought three 5500 watt water heater elements. I connected them in parallel for 16.5KW to test my 003A generators. You can add additional water heater elements for 30KW. Connect the elements to the generator and fire the generator up. If you want to load test the generator for a very long time, keep cool tap water flowing through the 55 gallon plastic drum. If you cannot locate a real dummy load this is the best next thing.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

I am an EE and have worked in electronics all my life. I used a 55 gallon plastic drum full of water. Clean water WILL NOT CONDUCT MUCH ELECTRICAL CURRENT - at not 240 VAC. I put my hand in the water while working to prove it to several people. I bought three 5500 watt water heater elements. I connected them in parallel for 16.5KW to test my 003A generators. You can add additional water heater elements for 30KW. Connect the elements to the generator and fire the generator up. If you want to load test the generator for a very long time, keep cool tap water flowing through the 55 gallon plastic drum. If you cannot locate a real dummy load this is the best next thing.

LOL, Great minds think alike, I was in electronics also.

 

[98G]

I am an EE and have worked in electronics all my life. I used a 55 gallon plastic drum full of water. Clean water WILL NOT CONDUCT MUCH ELECTRICAL CURRENT - at not 240 VAC. I put my hand in the water while working to prove it to several people. I bought three 5500 watt water heater elements. I connected them in parallel for 16.5KW to test my 003A generators. You can add additional water heater elements for 30KW. Connect the elements to the generator and fire the generator up. If you want to load test the generator for a very long time, keep cool tap water flowing through the 55 gallon plastic drum. If you cannot locate a real dummy load this is the best next thing.

Dump some salt in it and then stick your hand in....




I'M KIDDING ! DO NOT ATTEMPT! ! !

 

[Scoobyshep]

You can touch anything live as long as you aren't grounded. But dont test it.

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[mciikurzroot]

I will "hold you're beer while you do this, and then explain to local authorities how it all happened..
best: mac/mc

 

[Scoobyshep]

I will "hold you're beer while you do this, and then explain to local authorities how it all happened..
best: mac/mc

You may laugh, but there were times at work that we were part of the circuit we were working on.

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[mciikurzroot]

How are you guys putting a "dummy load" on your generators? I've got an 804 that is about ready to start running and testing, but I want to run it up to test the operation prior to plugging it in to something it might damage.

I have several actual real loadbanks that will handle the 804 series, if your set is portable i'd be pleased to share the time and effort to help you, i have all the cable combinations and can make it very easy to set up and prove out.
Alternate plan ?? for years i went with my home brew loadbank, using a package HVAC unit, removing the A coil and just using the heating elements and adding in additional heat strips to make multiple combinations to work up thru 18 kw 3 phase, the blower motor was always able to keep the elements very tame and i never lost a heat strip in any combination of testing efforts. It's only been in the past year suddenly it rained and 4 loadbanks came at me in differant packages and I moved away from my trusty homebrew model, i still have my home brew set up and you can have it free as well the assortment of heating elements including 416 volt strips total weight is 60-80 pounds and easily fit into a small size pick up .. so for a tank of gas it can be all yours.
Best: mac/mc

 

[reset2]

I use a used heat pump HVAC air handler. It works great. Most units have one two or three heating packs in them. Each pack is basicly 5kw each . The first run with my 802a worked great on the first bank but then I was so excited that a GovPlanet 802a was running and generating I forgot the second stage of heat started when the timer timed out and brought in the second pack (now 10kw). Never thought I moved so fast to shut it down. My 802 did not like 200 percent.

 

[Guyfang]

Dump some salt in it and then stick your hand in....




I'M KIDDING ! DO NOT ATTEMPT! ! !

OOOOOOOH. I could tell you all a real bad story about water, salt and load testing. Yes it works, but there is only room for one mistake.