Load Bank

A Load Bank is a device which develops an electrical load, applies the load to an electrical power source and converts or disperses the resultant power output of the source. They are designed to provide electrical loads for testing power sources such as generators and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). The purpose of a load bank is to accurately mimic the operational or “real” load that a power source will see in actual application. However, unlike the “real” load, which is likely to be dispersed and unpredictable, a load bank provides a contained, organized and fully controllable load.

A load bank can be further defined as a self-contained, unitized, systematic device that includes load elements with control and accessory devices required for operation. Whereas the “real” load is operated by the power source and uses the energy output of the source for some productive purpose, the load bank serves the power source, using its energy output to test, support or protect the power source.