genset loadbanks

[Waukesha]

I was able to source a Swift E Ultra 20KW load bank used through that online auction site for $500 shipped. Works great. As others have said, there's more cost effective ways to accomplish this task. I have an all gas house, and no space to store an electric stove, and live in an HOA neighborhood. I can't run a 55gal drum full of water, etc. Good luck!

 

[shanekarl]

I was able to source a Swift E Ultra 20KW load bank used through that online auction site for $500 shipped. Works great. As others have said, there's more cost effective ways to accomplish this task. I have an all gas house, and no space to store an electric stove, and live in an HOA neighborhood. I can't run a 55gal drum full of water, etc. Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback! I have decided to wait for a 30kw or larger load bank. Hopefully ill run across one for a fair price in the next few months or so.

 

[Guyfang]

The Swift E is a VERY good load Bank. Smaller, easy to transport. But the A427A is built like a beast. Its not something you can walk away with!.

 

[mrbearski]

Purchased a MEP-003a a few weeks and am in the process of getting it going. Also working on building a load bank to be able to fully test it once running. From what I have acquired, I believe that I will be able to test all the way up to 17.4 kw in 500 watt increments all for an investment of about $250, plus whatever my son costs me to fabricate a case for it. Once done, I'll attempt to attach some pics.

 

[Waukesha]

The Swift E is a VERY good load Bank. Smaller, easy to transport. But the A427A is built like a beast. Its not something you can walk away with!.

As it goes, mine was actually damaged in shipping. I picked up the box (yes they shipped it in a cardboard box...) and noticed something was loose inside, and dents on the sides. I sent pictures to the seller and they promptly refunded my money and told me to keep it! I was able to reassemble the contactors and it works great. It's definitely NOT built like a tank. But it works

 

[Guyfang]

No, its not built to Army spec's. But it works very well.

 

[Waukesha]

No, its not built to Army spec's. But it works very well.

100% agreed. I like all the micro adjustments and flexibility for smaller gensets. As I peered inside, it looks like all the components can be had second hand fairly easily, which is a plus.

 

[deherenman]

Looking at building a load bank versus buying two 5kw shop heaters.

Looking on woke Depot, it looks like 35 00-4500 and 5500 water heater elements are anywhere from $9 to $13 a piece.

My question is how much? CFM is coming out of the great above the radiator? On the 803a. I rig up a mount and air cool those water heating elements with the amount of cfms that are being blown from the radiator fan alone?

Versus putting them in a 55 gallon drum of water.

Just putting this out there for food for thought

 

[deherenman]

Or I could do similar with two dry er heating elements at 5500 w a piece for $17 each.

 

[Mullaney]

Looking at building a load bank versus buying two 5kw shop heaters.

Looking on woke Depot, it looks like 35 00-4500 and 5500 water heater elements are anywhere from $9 to $13 a piece.

My question is how much? CFM is coming out of the great above the radiator? On the 803a. I rig up a mount and air cool those water heating elements with the amount of cfms that are being blown from the radiator fan alone?

Versus putting them in a 55 gallon drum of water.

Just putting this out there for food for thought

.
I think dropping in two heating elements into a 55 gallon bucket of water would work well. At least for a little while. The water will heat up and the water will boil off eventually.

 

[feltze]

If you use water heater elements, they have to be submerged or they won't last 5 min. You really need the water to transfer the heat off them

 

[Scoobyshep]

I use water heater elements and dip them in my pool

 

[Coug]

Water heater elements typically only have the element portion in the water, so SAFELY mounting them into something like a 55 gallon barrel or bucket of water is extremely important.

Exposed electrical connections for one, especially if you are mounting them vertically down into the top of the bucket/barrel. Also needing to properly ground the electrode housing and water do make it a little more complicated than just sticking the electrode into water and calling it good.

It might cost more, but using shop heaters or an old dryer is a lot safer.

 

[Scoobyshep]

For additional information, I did make a mount for said elements. This provides the grounding and protection for the connections.