How Does a Load Bank Work?

When it comes to ensuring your backup power systems are ready to perform when it matters most, load banks are an essential piece of the puzzle. Whether you're managing a data centre in Dublin, a hospital in Manchester, or a construction site in Aberdeen, understanding how a load bank works can help you maintain reliability, meet compliance standards, and avoid costly downtime.

A load bank is a device that simulates an electrical load to test power sources like generators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and turbines. Unlike real-world loads, which can be unpredictable, a load bank provides a controlled, measurable, and consistent load. This allows engineers and technicians to verify performance, identify faults, and carry out preventative maintenance without disrupting operations. At Finning Power Rental, we offer a wide range of resistive and reactive load banks, available from 100 kW to 5,000 kW, with voltage options from 208V to 13,800V.

Load banks work by converting electrical energy into heat using resistors, inductors, or capacitors, depending on the type of load bank:

• Resistive Load Banks simulate real-world resistive loads like lighting and heating. They convert electrical energy into heat using resistors and are ideal for testing the full output of a generator. power for a day, a month, or a year, we offer flexible rental terms to suit your project timeline and budget.
• Reactive Load Banks (inductive or capacitive) simulate loads from motors or transformers, helping to test power factor and system stability.
• Combined Resistive/Reactive Load Banks allow for more comprehensive testing, especially in complex systems.

To get the most from your generator hire:


• Plan Ahead: Early booking helps secure availability and avoid peak-season surcharges.
• Right-Size Your Power: Our experts will help you choose the correct generator size to avoid over- or under-provisioning.
• Explore Hybrid Options: Combining traditional generators with battery storage can reduce fuel costs and environmental impact.
• Ask About Turnkey Solutions: We can handle everything from delivery and installation to fuel management and remote monitoring.

The heat generated is safely dissipated using built-in cooling systems, often with high-powered fans. Load banks can be manual or automatic, trailer-mounted or skid-mounted, and are designed for ease of transport and setup on-site.

Here are some key reasons why businesses across the UK and Ireland rely on load banks:

1. Commissioning New Equipment
Before a generator or UPS system goes live, load banks are used to simulate real-world conditions and ensure everything performs as expected.

2. Preventative Maintenance
Regular load testing helps identify issues like wet stacking—a condition where unburned fuel builds up in diesel engines due to light loading. This can lead to reduced efficiency and long-term damage.

3. Compliance and Safety
In sectors like healthcare and data centres, regulations often require regular load testing to ensure backup systems are ready to handle full loads during an outage

4. Performance Benchmarking
Load banks allow you to test and record performance data, helping you track degradation over time and plan maintenance more effectively.

At Finning Power Rental, we understand that every site is different. That’s why we offer tailored load bank rental solutions across the UK and Ireland, complete with:

• Expert setup and commissioning
• On-site support and maintenance
• Flexible rental durations
• Integration with transformers and switchgear

Whether you're preparing for a planned outage, testing a new installation, or ensuring compliance, our team is here to help you get the job done safely and efficiently.

Load banks might not be the most glamorous part of your power system, but they’re one of the most important. By simulating real-world conditions in a controlled environment, they give you peace of mind that your systems will perform when it counts.

If you're looking for reliable load bank rental in the UK or Ireland, get in touch with Finning Power Rental today. Our experts are ready to help you find the right solution for your project.