Introduction
This manual should provide you with all the information that you need to safely install and operate
Froment 8000 SERIES load banks.
The manual is divided into five chapters:
In addition to these five chapters there are a number of Appendices containing information that did
not fit easily within the main body of the text. These include installation drawings, a certificate of
conformity, and some information about electromagnetic compatibility.
Chapter One provides an introduction to the general principles of power supply testing
and explains how a Froment Load Bank makes the process easier, safer and more
reliable. It then provides an introduction to the 8000 SERIES load banks and their main
features.
Chapter Two covers all of the procedures that need to be carried out before a load
bank can be put into operation. It explains how to install the unit safely and how to
commission it to check that it will operate correctly.
Chapter Three explains the basics of how to operate the load bank. It describes the
load bank controls and explains how they are used in an emergency. This chapter also
explains how the load bank can be operated when an Hand-held or other control unit
is not available.
Chapter Four provides a detailed reference to the Sigma Hand-held, including details
of its more advanced features.
Chapter Five covers the maintenance procedures you will need to follow to keep a
8000 SERIES load bank operating correctly. It also explains how to troubleshoot should
a problem occur.
Chapter One
An Important Note on Safety
All Froment load banks are designed with safety as a very high priority, but their operation does
present some risks. In common with other test equipment, the safety of all concerned is dependent
on the way that the unit is operated. Do not use this equipment unless you have read and understood
this manual, and are familiar with the accepted practice for the industry. The equipment should not
be used by unskilled personnel. Misuse could result in serious injury and damage to the equipment.
Be sure to follow all of the safety warnings in this manual. In particular, pay careful attention to the
following points:
• Keep all personnel who are not directly involved with tests well away from the load bank and the
equipment under test.
• The discharge air can be very hot and could cause serious flesh burns. Do not touch the outlet
grille while the load bank is running, or for a few minutes afterwards.
• 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 short-circuiting the cooling air.
• Ensure the air inlet and outlets are completely unobstructed and that there is no loose paper,
plastic bags, or other debris that may be drawn on to the air inlet grille, obstructing the airflow.
• Combustible material left near the air discharge should be removed.
• 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.
• Always route cables into the terminal compartment through the gland plate or strain relief
system provided. The terminal compartment door must be closed during the test.
• Make sure that all equipment is adequately grounded; this applies equally to the Supply-on-Test,
and the load bank.
• Ensure all cables are in good condition and adequately rated for the planned load, and that all
connections are securely made.
• Ensure all cables are long enough to lay in smooth curves, and are unstressed, undamaged, and
protected from mechanical damage. Lay the cables to minimise the risk of personnel tripping or
accidentally tugging on the cables.
• Do not switch o the cooling fan immediately after a test. Allow the fan to run for 5 minutes after
removing the load.
• Store the equipment in a clean, dry place when not in use. Only install and operate the load bank
in environmental conditions suited to the enclosure classification of the load bank.
