Generator checks

[Rashmi]

Hi Everyone,
As there is an NHS requirement to carry out monthly generator tests ( switching from Mains to Generator and back again) with full load conditions should there be a grid failure on a hospital site, this appears to have a detrimental effect on equipment across organisations and in particularly areas outside of Path labs where there may not be UPS cover.
The time spent having to re-boot systems after each test, and the potential damage being caused must be very costly if you consider this may be happening across the UK.

Does anyone have an idea or use an approach that allows the grid tests to be carried out without causing a power lag and subsequent damaging effects?

Many thanks for any thoughts on this.

Best wishes

[abrovish]

I understand the difficulties you're encountering with the monthly generator tests, particularly with the sudden power shifts affecting systems outside of critical areas. In our experience, we've tried a staged transition method that gradually transfers the load from the mains to the generator, which has helped reduce power lag. Also, extending the UPS backup duration for non-critical but sensitive systems has been effective in avoiding immediate reboots. Another option could be to implement soft-start mechanisms on our generators to lessen the impact of sudden load changes. I'd love to know if anyone else has explored similar or different strategies to tackle this issue.