Chapter Three
3 - 2
Before Operating the Load Bank
Ensure that:
• The load bank has been installed according to the instructions and safety warnings in
Chapter Two.
• The external supply (for fans and controls) is connected according to the instructions
in Chapter Two.
• The supply under test is connected according to the instructions in Chapter Two.
The following assumes that a Sigma Hand-held is connected to the load banks and will be
used as the controller for the equipment. Only the basic functions of the Hand-held are
covered in this chapter. For a more detailed explanation of its use refer to Chapter Four.
Safety warning
Do not attempt to operate the load until you have read and understood this manual. Misuse
could result in serious injury and damage to the equipment.
• Keep all personnel who are not directly involved with testing the supply well away from
the load bank and from the equipment under test.
• The discharge air can be very hot and can cause serious burns. Do not touch the outlet
grille while the load bank is running, or for a few minutes afterwards.
• Only operate the load bank with all the guards in place, with doors closed and with all
of the covers and protective screens securely in position.
• Ensure that there is no risk of the hot discharge air re-circulating back to the air inlet
of the load bank, extensive damage is possible due to re-circulating the cooling air.
• Ensure that there is no loose paper, plastic bags, or other debris that could be drawn
in to the air inlet, or any combustible material left within range of the air discharge.
• After removing the load at the end of a test allow the fan to run for five minutes to
dissipate the residual heat.
Load Bank Operation
3 - 3
Controlling the load bank
The control room switches allow the load bank’s power source to be selected, and provide
local on/o control and manual emergency shutdown. However, during load testing the
load bank is controlled using the Sigma 2 load control system.
The user interface for Sigma 2 is provided by either a Sigma Hand-held or Froment Sigma
PC Load Control Software running on a Windows™ based personal computer.
Alternatively, the load bank may be controlled with third party software using the industry
standard Modbus serial communications protocol.
You can find full instructions for the use of the Hand-held in Chapter Four of this manual.
For instructions on using the Sigma PC Load Control Software refer to the application’s
built-in help system.
Modbus control is beyond the scope of this manual. If you need more information please
contact the Froment technical support department.
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