Generator hire data centre testing requires precise coordination — the right equipment, the right capacity, and a team that can design, deliver and install under pressure. When a client in Somersby, NSW needed to test their new CRAC units before commissioning a purpose-built data centre, Aircon Rentals delivered a full 500kW load bank setup in just two days.
1250kVA — Generator capacity | 500kW — Heat load for testing | 5 units — 100kW load banks deployed | 2 days — Installation time | 2 — CRAC units under test |Somersby, NSW — Location
The Challenge: testing CRAC units before a purpose-built data centre goes live
Before a new data centre can go live, its critical systems need to be tested under real load conditions. CRAC units — Computer Room Air Conditioning units — are the dedicated cooling systems that keep server environments within the tight temperature ranges required for reliable operation. Testing them before deployment isn’t optional; it’s the only way to confirm they’ll perform to specification once the facility is running.
The client had built a dedicated test room with two CRAC units installed and needed Aircon Rentals to supply the power and generate a 500kW heat load to put the units through their paces. Aircon Rentals worked closely with the client from the outset, including designing the layout and connection plan for the full equipment setup.
The solution: full equipment deployed and installed in two days
The date was confirmed and the trucks were loaded. Everything for the test rig — a 1250kVA generator, 2000-litre fuel tank, switchboard, five 100kW load banks, all the cabling — made it to Somersby and was installed and running in two days, working alongside the electricians already on site.
The generator supplied the power needed to run the test rig, while the five load banks created the 500kW of heat load required to put the CRAC units under realistic operating conditions. The switchboard and cabling tied the whole system together, with the layout designed by Aircon Rentals in advance so the installation could proceed without delays on the day.
The outcome
The speed and organisation of the delivery and installation allowed the client to hit their first major project milestone on schedule. The CRAC units were tested under the required load conditions, the data centre build could proceed with confidence, and the client’s project manager sent a personal testimonial to the team.
“Just wanted to express my thanks for all your efforts with regard to the test rig. We have a very happy client and builder and only through a collective effort have we been able to complete our first major milestone on this project. Well done!” — Project Manager, Somersby Data Centre
For more on how we support data centre operators across Australia, or to explore our power generation solutions, see the relevant pages.
What data centre project managers can take from this
CRAC unit testing before deployment is essential. Running units under simulated load conditions before a facility goes live is the only reliable way to confirm they’ll perform to specification in operation.
Generator sizing matters. A temporary generator needs to be sized to handle the full anticipated load, including margin. Undersizing creates risk; oversizing wastes cost.
Load banks are the right tool for heat load simulation. They allow precise, controllable heat load to be generated in a test environment without relying on live server infrastructure that may not yet be in place.
Pre-installation design makes a significant difference to delivery speed. Having the layout and connection plan finalised before equipment arrives means installation can proceed without delays on site.
24/7 availability and fast mobilisation are critical for data centre builds with milestone-driven timelines. Delays in testing flow through to delays in go-live.
Need generator hire for data centre testing or commissioning? Aircon Rentals operates 24/7 across Australia. Call 1800 626 996 or enquire online.