v | LOAD BANK SAFETY | v |
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The load bank is an industrial test unit designed to be used indoors or outdoors (sheltered from moisture). However, because the nature of the load bank’s func- tion is the dissipation of electrical energy, electrical energy is transformed into heat by the resistor ele- ments. The heat is removed from the load bank by airflow through the resistor elements. If there are any restrictions or stoppage of airflow, the load bank may overheat. For safe operation the following recommen- dations should be observed:
1.Read the manual before operating the Load Bank.
2.Run an approved ground wire from the Load Bank ground lug located on the connection panel to the frame of the power source. Run an approved ground wire from the power source frame to a good earth ground. Size ground wire in accor- dance with National Electrical Code and any local codes.
3.Do not bypass the airflow safety switch or temper- ature sensing switch to prevent nuisance tripping. The switches will drop out the load if insufficient cooling air is reaching the elements.
4.Replace any burned out lamps on the control panel. Each lamp is an indication that a system is active or has failed and is important to the oper- ation of the unit and safety of the operator.
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
Personal injury from electrical shock may result if all sources of power are not disconnected before servicing. Only qualified personnel should Install, Operate and Service this equip- ment.
5.Maintenance should be performed with no power on the unit. The majority of troubleshooting can be performed with an ohmmeter. There are mul- tiple sources of input power to the Load Bank. Insure each is disconnected.
6.Venting the heated air from the exhaust toward overhead cables, sprinkler systems, or into a room with insufficient volume or
7.Allow cool room air to pass into the unit to cool the elements. Do not allow the unit to be placed where hot exhaust air can recirculate back through the unit causing a constant rise in cooling air temperature.
8.After running a load test, residual heat may be removed from the load bank by allowing the blow- er to operate for a few minutes after load is removed. This procedure is not required for load bank integrity, but it may guard operating person- nel from possible burn injuries.
9.The operator should avoid coming in contact with the resistor elements or surrounding covers during and for some time after operation. These por- tions of the load bank become hot .
10.Do not allow objects to enter or block the air intake or exhaust of the load bank. A blockage would cause overheating. If an object enters the screens, it may cause damage to the resistor ele- ments, possibly shorting them and causing shock and fire hazards.
11.Emergency Shutdown Procedure
A.In an emergency, shut down the MASTER LOAD switch, then the power source. The MASTER LOAD switch will allow disconnec- tion of all load steps and still allow for the fan motor to run, cooling any heated elements.
B.The POWER ON/OFF switch will disconnect both load steps and fan motor. The power source EMERGENCY OFF switch should be located near the load system.
12.An approved electrical fire extinguisher should be on hand at all times.
13.It is the responsibility of the customer to take dili- gent care in installing the Load Bank. The National Electrical Code (NEC), sound local elec- trical and safety codes, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) should be followed when installing the equipment to reduce hazards to persons and property.
14.Flammable objects (cardboard, paper, etc.) must not be stored near the load bank
15.As part of your safety program, an initial inspec- tion after receiving the unit(s) and periodic preven- tive maintenance and safety inspections should be conducted to insure the reliability and safety.
