About our lab

The Gubany Center Test Facility provides both AC and DC test services, generating up to 300kA of test current under carefully controlled conditions while using a 37.5MW generator, spun by a utility fed 1500HP DC motor.

Testing is conducted indoors in temperature controlled and safety interlocked test cells, purpose-built to control, measure and withstand the potential forces encountered during tests.

Circuit interrupters and an extensive set of load elements between the alternator output and transformer primaries provide a safety disconnect between tests and selection of desired current levels and power factors.

Test data is measured and recorded through calibrated instrumentation. Data is transmitted via fiber-optic link for analysis by technicians using state of the art hardware and software applications in the control room. 

What we do

The Gubany Center High-Power Test Facility validates circuit protection product performance by producing overcurrent and short cicuit currents at rated voltages.

Training capabilities

Demonstrations of short circuit and arc flash events, and electro magnetic forces.

Agency certifications

• UL Data Acceptance Program (DAP), Client Test Data Program (CTDP) and Third-Party Test Data Program (TPTDP) qualified - Allows us to perform new work without UL witness and our staff to act as UL witness for contract customers.
• CSA Supervised Manufacturers' Testing for Certification Program (SMTC)

Facility test services

• Short circuit
• Overload
• Cycle
• Thermal
• Voltage drop
• Thermal cycle
• Mechanical
• Dielectric
• Digital X-ray services

Facility capabilities

• High current cell:
  • 250 - 720Vac up to 300kA (3-phase)
  • 720 - 1100Vac up to 100kA (single phase)
  • 100 - 800Vdc up to 100kA
  • 800 - 1100Vdc up to 75kA
• 10kA cell:
  • 65 - 700Vac up to 10kA (single phase)
  • 80 – 1000Vdc up to 2kA

Product testing experience

• Fuses
• Circuit breakers
• Selective coordination
• Fuse holders
• Switches
• Panelboards

37.5MVA (50KHp) continuous output could power 50,000 homes

Short-circuit capacity of 640MVA for 1/10 of a second. Enough to power 85,000 homes

Breakdown of Gubany testing in a typical year

8 miles of 2-inch pipe buried 550 feet in a loop is used to cool generator

96 ton total generator system weight, as much as 48 full-sized autos