Fully loading the power support system stresses all components. It is clearly preferable to identify potential weaknesses under controlled conditions rather than to wait until the system is supporting a critical load.

Load bank testing is the connection of an electrical load to the Generator or UPS, in order to simulate the client’s load and prove the integrity of the overall system. Load bank testing ascertains the performance of the system, and of the entire electrical supply infrastructure including cabling, switchgear, generator and fuses. A load bank can also be used to discharge batteries as an effective, accurately and relatively low cost method of determining battery autonomy.