How to test Uninterruptible Power Supplies and Generator installations ?

published by: davefisher

on December 7th, 2007

Overall Energy Systems Testing

As well as performing the periodic Planned Maintenance of each part of the system, consideration should be given to testing the entire system on a regular basis.

An overall system test will involve putting the critical load at risk so careful arrangements and agreements must be made.

Mains Failure Test

Disconnect the mains supply to the protected power equipment for an extended period and check:

With no generator :

the UPS battery supports the critical load for the expected autonomy time

all alarms and control signals are correct

the critical load responds correctly to any signals received from the UPS equipment e.g. system alarms, orderly shutdown sequence etc

If a generator is installed:

1. the Automatic Mains Fail (AMF) equipment operates correctly

2. the generator auto-starts after the expected time

3. the generator output supply is correct and within acceptable UPS input limits.

4. the UPS accepts the generator supply

5. battery recharging takes place while the UPS is being supplied by the generator.

Mains Restoration Test

Following the Mains Failure Test, re-connect the mains supply to the protected power equipment and check:

Generator unavailable:

If the UPS is fitted with auto-restart facilities,

1. The system returns to normal operation automatically, otherwise all UPS modules can be re-started manually and the system restored to normal operation

2. All alarms can be reset.

If a generator is installed :

the Automatic Mains Fail (AMF equipment operates correctly

the UPS signals a mains failure during the changeover

the generator shuts down after the expected time

the UPS accepts the restored mains power supply and recharges the batteries

all alarms can be reset.

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