POWER
What happens when generators fail?
Ensuring power for life-critical services
When parts of Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Scotland were left in the dark after a backup generator failed during a main supply outage. a serious vulnerability in systems designed to protect lives was revealed. Andrew Keith, division director of load bank manufacturer Power Prove, explains why hospitals and other critical facilities must prioritise real- world testing of their backup generators.
What went wrong
Forth Valley Royal Hospital experienced a blackout in January 2025 that affected its emergency and maternity sections. When mains power was lost, the hospital’s backup system was supposed to activate automatically. But the generator failed to start, cutting power to critical areas for 70 minutes.
Although no patients were harmed, staff relied on torches and battery-powered screens to continue treating patients, while NHS Forth Valley described the situation as “unacceptable,” and the incident is now under investigation.
Hospitals are built with multiple layers of protection to avoid this kind of failure. But when even one safeguard fails, the consequences can be severe not just for equipment, but for the people who depend on it.
Why hospitals rely on instant backup power
In a hospital, continuous power isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. Life support systems, computer systems, theatre lights and refrigeration for medication all rely on stable, uninterrupted power. To provide this, hospitals typically use a combination of diesel generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). The UPS, usually battery-powered, kicks in instantly when mains power fails. In a matter of seconds, the diesel generator cuts in and continues to keep things going until mains power returns.
But even the most well-designed system won’t do any good if it has not been tested adequately. And that means more than
switching it on occasionally. One of the most common reasons generators fail is a lack of proper load testing. Running a generator with no load won’t show you how it will perform under pressure. It needs to simulate real conditions: that’s where load banks come in. A load bank places a controlled electrical load on the generator, simulating what would happen during an actual outage. Importantly, this testing does not interfere with the building’s live power.
The tests uncover hidden issues, such as deteriorated fuel, dead batteries, overheating, or failing controls that might otherwise remain undetected.
Fixed versus portable load banks Load banks usually come in two types: Fixed load banks are installed permanently with the generator system and can be set to perform routine and automated testing. Since they are part of the hospital’s infrastructure, they offer constant monitoring with little interruption.
Portable load banks are convenient and used for intermittent checkups or in less they generally don’t offer the same level of systems. For hospital and other mission- critical sites where operation continuity is available for regular, continuous testing that ensures backup power will be available when needed most.
Be ready before the lights go out The blackout at Forth Valley Royal Hospital didn’t cost lives, but it could have. For critical infrastructure, it’s a powerful reminder that just having backup power isn’t enough. You
28 NOVEMBER 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
must know it will work.
Load bank testing needs to be a core part of every facility’s maintenance schedule. With the right equipment and a consistent routine, power loss doesn’t have to turn into a crisis. By implementing robust testing systems and carrying out regular, real-world checks, facilities can cut risk, protect vital services and prevent avoidable failures. That reduces downtime and improves maintenance. Blackouts like Forth Valley are rare, but they’re a sharp reminder: it’s always better to be prepared than left in the dark. As a division of Cressall Resistors, Power Prove has longstanding experience and the latest technical assets at https://
powerprove.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
