Diesel Generator Field Acceptance Tests

[joan271273]

Are diesel generator field acceptance tests under load limited by the duty of the unit. Can I do extended test runs to both machines or am I limited by the duty. I understand from NEMA MG standards that 1 hr of a continuous duty machine is not the same as standby duty machine

 

[l3city]

I'm under the inspection of the testing procedures. In my case, the owner hired a qualified contractor and me (as an inspector) to do the testing. They are following project and manufacturer specifications. We are doing several testing with 100% load, 30% load, 1hr to 30 min load, etc. Gen-Set to ATS (and viceversa) relation and coordination test is also being done.

My point here is that somebody shall have specifications on how the testing shall be done, that way you will follow the needed testing and somebody at the same time shall be approving/disapproving such. This is for safety, you have papers, and at the end after passing all required test, you will go home with no worries.
Hope this helped, Regards

 

[joan271273]

We have a project were they want to test the generators for 72 hrs running continously

 

[alehman]

You could start with the International Electrical Testing Association standards:

http://www.netaworld.org

Any reputable electrical testing company and most consulting engineers will have these.

Also you should get a copy of the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 110 "Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems", which includes detailed acceptance and maintenance testing requirements for life safety generators.

If this is a critical application, you might consider hiring a reputable commissioning firm to develop testing plans to make sure all of the require interaction between the generator, ATS and other systems (such as building elevators, fire alarm, fire pump, building management, etc if applicable) work as intended.