Loadbank testing to ensure continued service delivery

In critical infrastructure environments such as data centres, load testing is an integral process. This is a specialised procedure used to simulate real-world electrical loads and verify that backup systems can handle full power demand during a mains failure. Our client is a global leader in the internet connectivity and data centre sector, with over 200 data centres across five continents. One of the core components of their commitment to reliability is ensuring that power systems, particularly generators, are capable of handling unexpected disruptions without affecting service delivery.

The client’s Tier 3 data centre needed to undergo loadbank testing to validate the performance of its power systems. Our team deployed a pair of 1MW resistive loadbanks – essential for a full test of the capability of the power system. Our engineers began by laying the necessary cables and rigorously testing the terminations to ensure optimal connectivity. This pre-testing step was crucial to guarantee that the testing environment was fully prepared and that all connections were secure before the loadbanks were activated.

Once the preparation was complete, the loadbank testing was carried out to simulate real-life operational conditions. Thanks to our meticulous preparation and successful execution of the loadbank testing, the client had full confidence in their backup power systems.

The Tier 3 data centre now has a proven power system that can seamlessly handle a mains failure without disrupting operations. The loadbank testing not only confirmed that the generator would perform reliably under load but also provided early indicators of any wear and tear on equipment, ensuring that the client could address issues proactively before they impacted service.