Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 1 of 13
WATT-MUNCHER
Portable Load Bank
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 2 of 13
This manual was last revised:
6 June 2018
For up-to-date information on this product or others,
please contact Simplex at 800-637-8603 or on the web at
www.simplexdirect.com
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 3 of 13
Table of Contents
I. Warnings and Cautions .................................................. 4
I-A. Safety information symbols ................................................................. 4
I-B. Cautions ........................................................................................ 4
II. Description and Specification ......................................... 7
II-A. Features ....................................................................................... 7
II-B. Safety .......................................................................................... 7
II-C. Specifications ................................................................................ 8
III. Unpacking ................................................................ 9
III-A. Included Components and Parts .......................................................... 9
III-B. Primary Inspection .......................................................................... 9
IV. Installation ............................................................. 11
IV-A. Load Bank Placement ..................................................................... 11
IV-B. Wiring the load bank ...................................................................... 11
V. Operating Instructions ................................................ 11
V-A. Startup ....................................................................................... 11
V-B. Applying a Load ............................................................................. 11
V-C. Shutdown .................................................................................... 11
VI. Maintenance/Troubleshooting ...................................... 12
VI-A. General maintenance ..................................................................... 12
VI-B. Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 12
Appendix A - Product Warranty .............................. 13
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 4 of 13
I. WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
I-A. Safety Information Symbols:
This General warning symbol points out important information that, if not followed, could
endanger personal safety and/or property.
This Explosion warning symbol points out potential explosion hazards.
This Fire warning symbol points out potential fire hazards.
This Electrical warning symbol points out potential electrical shock hazards.
I-B. Cautions:
This load bank is high-powered, technical, industrial equipment operating at dangerous
voltages and temperatures. It is capable of damaging itself, property or personnel if
improperly used. It is not a consumer product.
It must be installed, connected and operated by personnel properly trained and experienced
in its use. An operator’s manual is supplied with each load bank and available online at
www. simplexdirect.com. The operator must be familiar with its contents and have access to
it during operation.
• High Voltage: Turn off and disconnect power source before opening this equipment
• High Temperature: Allow hardware to cool before servicing or opening this
equipment.
• Rotating Equipment: Ensure that the fans have stopped before opening this unit.
• For Operator Safety: Make sure this equipment is properly grounded when in use.
All compression-type connections on fuse blocks, load blocks, and contactors should be
checked for tightness frequently. This check should be established as part of routine
maintenance.
The following cautions should be observed before and during operation:
• Check intake and exhaust screens as well as fan and load elements for foreign objects.
• Position and install the load bank with consideration given to large cubic airflow
requirements, exhaust temperature, and velocity. Do not point exhaust at any nearby
surface or object that may be adversely affected by high temperature. This includes
but is not limited to painted surfaces, tar paper and asphalt roofs, water sprinkler
heads, fire alarms, and volatile material.
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
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• Do not use in confined spaces. The load bank may have to compete with cooling air
requirements of a nearby running engine generator set where cooling air intake to a
confined space may not be adequate for both engine and load bank. Be especially
careful not to bounce hot exhaust air off nearby obstructions for re-circulation through
the load bank.
• Verify that all control switch positions are set correctly for your intended usage before
connecting the load bank to the source to be tested.
• The load cables carry high amperage. Be constantly aware of possibility of inductively
heating adjacent ferrous objects to temperatures sufficient to damage cable
insulation.
• Always connect the safety ground cable to a proper ground. Do not rely on a possible
grounded neutral somewhere else in the system.
• Do not let the load bank run unattended for long periods of time.
• Do not store or operate in rain unless adequate protection is provided.
• Routinely inspect all components and electrical connections for tightness and
integrity.
• Repair any damaged or degraded components and wiring without delay.
• If technical assistance, service, or parts are needed, please call 800-837-8603 (24
Hours).
• All hardware covered by this manual have dangerous electrical voltages and can cause
fatal electrical shock. Avoid contact with bare wires, terminals, connections, etc.
Ensure all appropriate covers, guards, grounds, and barriers are in place before
operating the equipment. If work must be done around an operating unit, stand on an
insulated dry surface to reduce the risk of electrocution.
• Do not handle any kind of electrical device while standing in water, while barefoot, or
while your hands or feet are wet.
• If people must stand on metal or concrete while installing, servicing, adjusting, or
repairing this equipment, place insulative mats over a dry wooden platform. Work on
the equipment only while standing on such insulative mats.
• The National Electrical Code (NEC), Article 250 requires the frame to be connected to
an approved earth ground and/or grounding rods. This grounding will help prevent
dangerous electrical shock that might be caused by a ground fault condition or by
static electricity. Never disconnect the ground wire while the load bank is in use.
• Wire gauge sizes of electrical wiring, cables, and cord sets must be adequate to
handle the maximum electrical current (ampacity) to which they will be subjected.
• Before installing or servicing this (and related) equipment, ensure that all power
voltage supplies are completely turned off at their source. Failure to do so can result
in hazardous and possibly fatal electrical shock.
• In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately shut down the source of
electrical power. If this is not possible, attempt to free the victim from the live
conductor. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE VICTIM. Use a nonconducting
implement, such as a dry rope or board, to free the victim from the live conductor. If
the victim is unconscious, apply first aid and seek immediate medical attention.
• Never wear jewelry when working on this equipment. Jewelry can conduct electricity
resulting in electric shock or may get caught in moving components causing injury.
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
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• Keep a fire extinguisher near the hardware at all times. Do NOT use any carbon tetra-
chloride type extinguisher. Its fumes are toxic, and the liquid can deteriorate wiring
insulation. Keep the extinguisher properly charged and be familiar with its use. If
there are any questions pertaining to fire extinguishers, please consult the local fire
department.
• The illustrations in this manual are examples only and may differ from your load bank.
• Load Bank warranty is void if incorrectly cooled.
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
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II. DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATION
II-A. Features
The Simplex Watt-Muncher is a small DC load bank used to test battery systems, ACto-DC rectifiers and power supplies, battery chargers, UPS systems and DC generators.
The Watt-Muncher provides a variable test load used to measure charge and discharge
rates, response, stability and endurance. Corresponding calibrations and adjustments
can be made while maintaining a constant, precise, resistive load on the power
source.
II-B. Safety
Watt-Munchers can be operated within their rating continuously. The load resistors
used in the Watt-Muncher convection cool to less than one-third the maximum,
continuous temperature rating of the chromium alloy resistance wire. Fuses on each
load step protect the load bank against over-voltage and short circuit.
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
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II-C. Specifications
Capacity Junior: 70A
Standard: 100A
Super: 150A
Power Factor 1.0
Load Type Resistive
Cooling System Convection cooled
Voltages 12, 24, or 32V DC Frequency 60Hz standard, 50Hz
option Connection Load cables
Time Rating Continuous
Ambient Air Temperature 120°F
Control Power Supplied by test under load
Load Step Control Toggle switches
Dimensions Junior: 22.85” W x 16.5” H x 14” D
Standard: 22.85” W x 16.5” H x 14” D
Super: 22.85” W x 16.5” H x 14” D
Weight Junior: 30 lbs.
Standard: 40 lbs.
Super: 55 lbs.
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
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Call Simplex if you have any problems during installation.
24-hour contact at 800-637-8603
III. UNPACKING
III-A. Included Components and Parts
The following items are included with your load bank. If any of the following are not
included, please contact Simplex Direct, Inc., at 800-637-8603.
1.Load bank
2.Manual
3.Electrical drawings package
III-B. Primary Inspection
Preventative visual inspection of the shipping crate and the load bank is advised.
Physical or electrical problems due to handling and vibration may occur. Never apply
power to a load bank before performing this procedure. The following five-point
inspection is recommended before installation and as part of a 6-month maintenance
schedule or as a load bank is relocated:
1. If the crate shows any signs of damage, examine the load bank in the corresponding areas
for signs of initial problems.
2. Check the entire outside of the cabinet for any visual damage, which could cause internal
electrical or mechanical problems due to reduced clearance.
3. Inspect all relays and control modules. Make sure all components are secure in their bases
and safety bails are in place. Spot check electrical connections for tightness. If any loose
connections are found, inspect and tighten all remaining connections.
4. Examine all accessible internal electrical components such as fuses, contactors, and relays.
Check lugged wires at these components.
5. Visually inspect the element chamber for foreign objects, broken ceramic insulators, and
mechanical damage.
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
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HANDLE
(CABLE STORAGE)
III-C. Load Bank Dimensions and Features
SOURCE CONNECTIONS
+
DC+
SOURCE 12VDC
LOAD
BANK
-
DC-
GND
ARNING:
NEGATIVE GROUNDING OF
SYSTEM IS REQUIRED
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 11 of 13
IV. INSTALLATION
IV-A. Load Bank Placement
Proper placement of the load bank is essential for the operators’ safety and maintaining the
integrity of the load bank. The load bank requires two feet of clearance on all sides. Avoid
blocking the air inlets on the back and the bottom of the load bank and ensure the area
around the load bank is clear of debris.
IV-B. Wiring the Load Bank
Using the connection chart found on the side of the load bank, connect the source to be test
to the load bank via the cam-style connectors.
V. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
V-A. Startup
Before operating the Watt-Muncher load bank, ensure that the unit is wired properly based on
the instructions from “Wiring the load bank” on page 11.
1. When wired appropriately, the unit is ready to apply a load to a power source.
2. Turn on the power source.
V-B. Applying a Load
1. Activate each load step by switching the desired step on.
2. Using the meters, you can monitor the voltage and amperage of the load.
V-C. Shutdown
1. When your operation has completed, switch the load toggle switches to “Off.” This
will remove the load from the unit.
2. Turn off the power source.
3. Disconnect the load bank from the power source.
4. The unit is now off and is ready to be moved down.
SOURCE CONNECTIONS
+
DC+
SOURCE
12VDC
LOAD
BANK
-
DC-
GND
WARNING:
NEGATIVE GROUNDING OF
SYSTEM IS REQUIRED
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 12 of 13
VI. MAINTENANCE/TROUBLESHOOTING
VI-A. General Maintenance
All electrical connections should be tightened every 6
months. Cooling fan motors are permanently lubricated and
do not require maintenance.
VI-B. Troubleshooting
These recommended checks are meant to guide an experienced technician through
investigation of a few of the most common load bank issues. A certain level of electrical
knowledge and familiarity with electrical drawings is assumed.
If these checks do not pinpoint the problem, or for more information about any of the
recommendations, call the Simplex Service Department at 800-637-8603.
Load Bank wired to source but won’t operate
• Ensure load bank is wired to source correctly. See page 11 for more information about
wiring your load bank to the source. Check fuses on front of load bank to ensure they
aren’t blown.
• Remove faceplate and check loose relays, contactors, lugged wires, etc. See page 9
for more information about inspecting the load bank.
Load step won’t activate
• Check fuses on front of load bank to ensure they aren’t blown.
• Load element may be broken.
Remove all power before
servicing the load bank.
WARNING
Watt-Muncher Load Bank Manual
6 June 2018 • Simplex Service 800-637-8603 • Page 13 of 13
APPENDIX A – PRODUCT WARRANTY
SIMPLEX, Inc., warrants the industrial electrical control, test and accessory equipment and
parts and accessories thereof to be the kind and quality described in SIMPLEX’s specifications
and to be free from defects in material or workmanship under normal service, its obligations
under this warranty being limited to repairing or replacing, at its option, any part or parts
which shall, within twelve (12) months from date of shipment from its factory, as indicated
by serial date code on the nameplate or sales records, be returned to SIMPLEX or an
authorized SIMPLEX repair station, with transportation costs prepaid, and which its
examination shall disclose to its satisfaction to have been thus defective.
The provisions of this warranty shall not apply to any equipment, part or accessory which
(a) has been improperly specified by buyer;
(b) has been improperly stored or handled prior to placing in service;
(c) has been improperly mounted or connected;
(d) has not been operated within specifications stated on its nameplate, label or placard;
(e) has not been properly maintained;
(f) parts supplied by buyer for inclusion in finished equipment are not covered by this
warranty;
(g) components or assemblies specified by buyer with no substitution permissible that are
not normally used by SIMPLEX.
SIMPLEX reserves the right to reject warranty claims of any kind against assembled
equipment, parts or material for which SIMPLEX has not received payment in full.
Should buyer, at his own risk, elect to replace defective equipment or parts in the field
rather than return equipment to SIMPLEX’s factory or authorized repair station, SIMPLEX will
supply and invoice parts at normal prices upon receipt of buyer’s bona-fide purchase order.
Defective equipment or parts returned for in-warranty crediting in exchange for replacement
parts must be returned within 45 days from date of shipment of replacement in order to
qualify for warranty consideration. Defective equipment or parts returned after 45 days may
be subject to a restocking charge of 20% or a minimum charge of $50.00, whichever is
greater.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, and all other obligations or
liabilities on the part of SIMPLEX, and SIMPLEX neither assumes nor authorizes any other
person to assume for it any other liability in connection with any such electrical control, test
or accessory equipment or accessories or parts
Contact Simplex
for all your Load Bank and Fuel Supply needs.
Simplex, Inc. Simplex, Inc.
5300 Rising Moon Road 2100 Boggs Road
Springfield, IL 62711 Duluth, GA 30096
800-637-8603
www.simplexdirect.com
This manual and all of its contents
Copyright © 2018 Simplex, Inc. All Rights
Reserved.
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