Additional work may include relay- and protective-device settings. The following is an example of how these phases were implemented to successfully commission the electrical systems for a critical data center in North Carolina. It is vital that the O&M personnel be involved in all testing so that they can gain experience with the systems. Circuit breakers, relays, and switches of various types. Know about the code requirements for testing and commissioning. Motors including drives and controllers. Commissioning Procedure When intending to start the PV system the first time, the procedure starts at the array and ends at the point of connection. While some data centers will also pursue LEED certification, the commissioning process is much more extensive and includes many of the testing requirements identified here. During a visual inspection of a piece of equipment, the commissioning agent should: Compare nameplate data with design drawings, Inspect anchorage, alignment, and grounding. It does not include infrared scanning, power quality, switchgear, transformer, or low voltage system testing. The most common post-occupancy testing for electrical systems is on emergency generator systems. After successful completion of the visual inspection, electrical and functionality tests are performed on the individual piece of equipment to verify operation. Search Products And Discover New Innovations In Your Industry!! Review an issue log throughout the commissioning process. Emergency systems including generators, fuel systems, alarms, and automatic transfer switches (also seeÂ. More sophisticated power-quality monitoring can help owners avoid damage to equipment or to identify sources of poor power quality either inside the facility or from the utility. Common alarms from various systems can be collected and presented for instant remote decision-making and action plans. Testing and Commissioning Procedure for Electrical Installation in Government Buildings of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Incorporating Corrigendum No. The most common tests are functional tests and demonstrations for the owner and staff. The monthly testing must be done for 30 minutes under partial load (30%) or to achieved rated minimum exhaust-gas temperatures. Level 4: Functional performance testing: After basic start-up, the CxA will review functional performance testing. Maintaining, testing, and inspection a proper grounding system for the electrical power substation; What are the Goals? The coordination study and arc flash analysis should be reviewed, implemented, and verified during this phase. In the operation phase, installed equipment and systems are tested to verify and ensure that they perform in accordance with the design intent and ownerâs operational requirements. Determining how a system will be constructed and commissioned/tested is important during this phase because it may have an impact on how the distribution system is designed. It can be difficult in some circumstances to provide 30% of the generatorâs rated load every month. In this case, NFPA 110 allows for yearly testing at higher loads. The consulting engineer can request the owner hire a contractor to perform tests according to NETA MTS to verify the condition of the switchgear prior to new work. More details about test procedures are provided in Section 22.9. In the operation phase, installed equipment and systems are tested to verify and ensure that they perform in accordance with the design intent and owner’s operational requirements. The data center’s design was based on an isolated redundant-type system with a primary distribution system for each section of the data center, and a redundant distribution system to back up the primary systems. For example, in the first step the power distribution unit, UPS, and switchgear are tested as individual components. Electrical testing has become a key component in all modern electrical equipment and installations. It has expanded beyond the key foundations for equipment safety to include performance, operations, and energy requirements for electrical facilities. References for inspecting and testing electrical distribution equipment are: • ANSI C37.50—Low-Voltage AC Power Circuit Breakers Used in Enclosures—Test Procedures, • IEEE 450—Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Vented Lead Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications, • IEEE 1188—Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing and Replacement of Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries for Stationary Applications, • NEMA AB4—Guidelines for Inspection and Preventive Maintenance of Molded Case Circuit Breakers Used in Commercial and Industrial Applications, • NETA ATS—Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Distribution Equipment and Systems, • NFPA 70B—Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, • NFPA 70E—Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, • NFPA 110—Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, • NFPA 111—Standard for Stored Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems, Search Products And Discover New Innovations In Your Industry. Electrical Systems 1.0%-1.5% of electrical system cost Energy Efficiency Measures $0.23-$0.28 per square foot * Displays the individual average costs associated with Commissioning various scopes and systems with respect to the entire construction cost, system cost, or square footage. Knowledge of and experience with the operation of the electrical equipment. Level 3: Pre-functional testing (PFT): This level involves the inspection of the initial install equipment to verify that all equipment is installed properly and that installation meets specified standards and requirements. Smaller facilities may not have any discrete systems. The data center commissioning process is commonly expressed in levels. 6. The purpose of electric systems commissioning is to increase the reliability of electrical power systems after installation by identifying problems and providing a set of baseline values for comparison with subsequent routine tests. Courtesy: SmithGroup. Integrated system test. In addition to below precise method of statement, you can find many electrical and ELV system testing and commissioning method ⦠Figure 3: Parallelling generators on switchgear requires careful testing and simulation of possible operating scenarios to confirm control sequences. Today we have numerous requirements and optional recommended practices for testing and commissioning electrical systems. Level 5: Integrated systems testing (IST): This is often referred to as the âpull-the-plugâ tests. The utility power source(s) can be shut off, and the entire system (multiple paths, generators, uninterruptible power supplies)  is observed to confirm it functions as intended under loss of power. Commissioning procedures and checklists were written. Soils testing: Often overlooked by electrical engineers is the option to specify soils testing for conductivity and thermal resistivity. The month after the facility was fully commissioned, the owner started a worldwide migration to the new facility. It is also imperative that periodic testing and/or re-commissioning of an existing electrical system be performed to help ensure that it continues to operate per the design intent. Verify the delivery and effectiveness of operator and occupant training. Review building operation within 10 months after substantial completion. Make sure that the following documents and instruments are ready before the start of commissioning process. Figure 4: Infrared testing on a panel board will identify issues in terminations, connection, and overloading that result in excess heat. GSEE01) Edition: 2007: Not Available For Sale: E-version:(PDF/2234 KB) Develop or approve systemâs manual updates and delivery. Electric Power Systems is a NETA Certified, Independent Electrical Testing & Engineering Organization. It is important to understand the code differences between emergency classified systems (fire pumps, egress lighting), legally required standby generator loads, and optional standby. Commissioning factors also affected the design of the distribution system. The owner estimated that the cost to recover from losing power to the critical load during the migration would have been $5 million. This stage generally starts with a visual and mechanical inspection of the equipment to make sure that it was installed properly and that no damage occurred during shipping or installation. Courtesy: SmithGroup. This allows for systems, particularly HVAC, to have operated throughout seasonal variations and to allow for owner-operator adjustments as needed. The CxA will verify that systems are still operating to the original BOD and ownerâs requirements. List of air flows, water flows, sound levels, system capacities and efficiency measurements to be performed, and a description of specific test procedures, parameters, formulas and test instrument type to be used for the measurements have been provided. This includes the review of any protective-device settings, automatic controls and functions, remote communications or controls, and more. Once equipment is installed, Electrical Testing Solutions will perform visual, mechanical, and electrical tests to help ensure trouble-free energizing of the equipment. Design review prior to 50% construction documents. Because the commissioning agent was involved in the pre-design discussions, he was aware of the owner’s expectations. Confirm incorporation of commissioning requirements into construction documents. Level 1: Factory witness testing: The consulting engineer should outline the testing protocol in bid specifications. The engineer should be present, along with the possible installing contractor, CxA, or ownerâs representative, to witness that the equipment performs according to the owner/operatorâs standards before the equipment is approved and shipped to the site. Fire Alarm System Commissioning Activities I) Testing Procedure A) Continuity: Check the loop in and loop out continuity. 1. Outstanding punch points should be resolved before routine operation. The question then becomes: Do you test the generator under actual loads monthly or yearly or provide a generator load bank to simulate facility loads? Often, a good solution is to provide a load-bank hookup box so that a portable load bank can be brought to the site as needed for testing (see Figure 5). Equipment also is started for the first time to check basic functionality. It also discusses field testing of all the major components of an electrical system such as motors, generators, switchgear, protection and control, UPS and battery systems. receiving, distribution, etc. Check third party equipment technicians are available for interface testing. Power cables generate heat, and heat affects resistivity and current-carrying capacity. This phase also can be broken down into three steps for commissioning: The first step tests each piece of equipment separately to ensure that it functions correctly before testing the equipment as an electrical system. In this phase, the commissioning procedures and acceptance criteria are outlined, and the contractor and manufacturer’s expectations are identified. We specialize in commissioning, start up, and maintenance testing for Utility, Industrial, Transit, Data Centers, and Commercial Facilities. Commissioning is an important and integral part of the Contractorâs Quality Control program. 5. The owner required that a portion of the data center be live, serving critical load before the entire facility could be completed. For example, the owner preferred to have two sources of power to this facility, but only one medium-voltage source was available in the area. This standard is intended to verify the safe and proper operation of PV systems, and to serve as a guide for designers, installers and service personnel. ⢠prestartup testing: All testing required prior to rotating the generating unit under power (hydraulic or electrical) which is unique to the unit and not associated with system testing. This course deals with safety considerations in maintenance and testing procedures for all the components of any electrical system. Developing the commissioning plan early in the project was vital in providing guidance on how to design and build the facility so that the later phases of construction could be tested and validated without affecting the portion that was already online. Clamp meter. Individual equipment test 2. In this phase, the commissioning scope and budget for the project are determined, and a preliminary commissioning plan is developed identifying the role of the commissioning agent. Introduction: The safe and efficient operation of modern electrical equipment and control systems requires the successful testing, start-up and commissioning of this equipment, or system, to ensure correct operation, plus; Ensure the backup batteries are fully charged. Some of the codes or standards that provide requirements or recommendations for commissioning include: U.S. Green Building Council LEED-rated facilities require fundamental commissioning. For electrical systems, this includes lighting, controls, daylight-harvesting controls, and any sustainable green power systems, like solar photovoltaic systems. Fundamental commissioning activities performed by the CxA include: LEED-rated facilities also offer additional credits for Enhanced Commissioning, which can provide additional points. It should be noted that enhanced commissioning is done by a third party independent of the design and construction teams. The third-party professional will: Both the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings mandate the commissioning of lighting systems. ASHRAE 90.1 now requires lighting and controls functional testing, design documentation, submittals, operation manuals, complete narrative, and daylighting documentation. The functional testing canât be performed by the design or construction team members. 3. A cost-benefit comparison is usually warranted on how much of the electrical system should be specified to be tested to ANSI/NETA ATS. The consulting engineer may wish to confine the testing to certain parts of the system, such as emergency or standby systems, or may wish to limit the testing to certain voltage levels or amperage ratings. A discussion with the building owner can also help in defining the limits of NETA testing. The operational phase was split into multiple sections because of the phased construction. However, the origin of this number is unknown. Proper commissioning and start-up testing also provide a valuable baseline or benchmark that can be used to ⦠Develop or approve construction checklists. The commissioning process (often referred to as âacceptance testingâ) includes achieving, verifying, testing, accepting, and documenting that the performance of mechanical systems meets design intent and the owner and occupant needs. This is important, as CxAs should  be involved in the early development of the OPR, specification development, and reviews of design documents against ownerâs requirements. Two key tasks of commissioning electrical systems are: Becoming involved early in the design process. During this phase the owner also determined that all critical electrical systems would be factory tested and then validated through on-site testing. Commissioning Procedure Commissioning is the overall performance testing of the facility and its systems such as HVAC, pumps, piping, and lighting. During the utility power outage, one of the standby systems tripped and went offline. Electrical Commissioning Start-up Testing. Many share a common perception that commissioning is the final stage of a project, performed when a facility is complete or nearly complete. Electrical systems that meet the operational needs of the owner, Reduced downtime due to power outages caused by utility loss and/or failures within the electrical system, Coordinated electrical systems that balance protection with reliability and meet the recent code requirements and standards for critical facilities, Confidence that the electrical systems will operate correctly when required. Sample forms have been included. Commissioning of the Electrical Systems are an integral part of this Section. The most common electrical integrated system test is a simulated site-wide power outage, also known as the “black start” test. In addition, the arc flash analysis and coordination study were reviewed, and all protection device trip settings were verified. Develop or approve a monitoring-based commissioning plan. Critical facilities like data centers, call centers, and hospitals have more complex electrical distribution, standby, or emergency generation and other backup systems than a standard office facility, and therefore will require a more comprehensive commissioning scope. Wiring diagram. A review of shop drawings submittals for all major electrical equipment provides the design team and the commissioning agent with the opportunity to confirm that the manufacturers are providing the equipment as specified and that the systems meet the design intent. This is where the entire facility as a whole is tested. Witness at least a portion of the electrical systemâs functional testing. The inspection and testing performed on an electrical power system and its components before the initial energization is key to lifecycle reliability. During design, electrical engineers will design loads across a 3-phase system, typically on panelboard schedules, to be relatively balanced among each phase. NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC), Article 210.11 (B), discusses unbalanced loading on panels, and Article 220.61 discusses unbalanced loading on neutral conductors. Overheating, power-quality issues, and energy loss can occur with unbalanced loads. During construction, however, loads often change from what is in original design documents, and it is good practice to specify final load balance testing. The commissioning agent also may be responsible for overseeing the factory testing, confirming that the results meet the acceptance criteria, and documenting any deficiencies. Figure 1: Testing agents are shown communicating with remote chiller operations during commissioning of new medium-voltage switchgear to verify proper operations. This will reduce hazards and make the diagnostic and testing of subsystems easier in case there is a problem in the installation. This Testing and Commissioning (T & C) Procedure aims to lay down the minimum testing and commissioning requirements to be carried out on electrical installation in Government Buildings of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Soils vary greatly by region. Soil conditions also vary over seasonal time frames, rain, drought, and the application of landscaping materials and chemicals. NEC Article 250 discusses the need to achieve a maximum earth ground of 25 ohms. Electrical engineers should coordinate with their civil or structural engineering team members to include these electrical tests. By the end of this online training course, participants will be able to: Design, install, commission, test, operate, control and maintain HV/MV substations in a professional manner The purpose of this method statement for electrical testing and commissioning is to explain step by step method to implement the correct practices for the precommissioning, testing & commissioning of âLV Switchgear âthrough the guidelines.. B. Handy Calibrator (If required). Once on-site, any equipment defects or problems can cause delays in the construction schedule. 3. This phase can be broken down into three steps for commissioning: Finalizing the on-site commissioning plan. The purpose of this procedure is to define the step by step method to implement the correct practices for the precommissioning & commissioning of âLighting Control Systemâthrough the guidelines contained herein so as to ensure that the job execution complies with the project requirements and serves the intended function to satisfactory level. Learn why testing and commissioning enhances building performance,and understand the benefits of third-party involvement. Participate and review in development of OPR and basis of design (BOD). During this test, various partial systems failures can be initiated to stress the system and validate backup system performance. Commissioning is a process, and in order to maximize commissioning success, it must begin in the pre-design phase of a project and continue through construction until that final verification is executed. The integrated system test is the final step in the verification process. In the design phase, the owner’s requirements are translated into construction documents. Electrical Commissioning - This 12-Hour live online instructor-led Electrical Testing and Commissioning Training course covers practices and procedures that are essential to the safe start up of any electrical system for the first time, regardless of its size, type or industry. During this integrated system test, the mechanical, control, and life safety systems should be incorporated to evaluate the true operation of the facility’s combined systems. Data centers are another type of mission critical facility with some of the more rigorous requirements for commissioning electrical power systems. Once all phases of construction were completed, the entire facility was turned over for integrated systems testing, where a “black start” test was conducted with multiple failure scenarios (loss of generator, loss of primary backup system, UPS failure, etc.). For example, phased construction may require additional load bank connections and/or isolation breakers to allow for testing without affecting those portions of the facility already online. The commissioning agent’s role in the design phase is to review and comment on the construction documents to verify that the goals and requirements set forth in the pre-design are being met. Factory testing provides the design team and commissioning agent with an opportunity to inspect and test the functional operation of the equipment before it arrives on-site. Develop or approve an ongoing commissioning plan. In this phase, the on-site commissioning plan is finalized. Problems did occur in each phase of testing (defective breakers, interaction of systems during a failure, coordination issues with inrush, etc.). Medium-voltage cable testing is accomplished under IEEE 400-2012: IEEE Guide for Field Testing and Evaluation of the Insulation of Shielded Power Cable Systems Rated 5 kV and Above, which has several options for testing cables in the field. The point of this testing is to check the integrity of cables (usually medium-voltage) immediately after pulling but before energizing, or as a condition assessment after years of operation. Years ago, direct current (dc) high-voltage (also called hi-pot) was the common test for medium-voltage cables. The simplest way to explain hi-pot testing is the application of a very high voltage to cables to see if the insulation breaks down or remains intact. It is basically a pass-or-break test. Concerns over damage to cables from hi-pot testingâespecially on existing cablesâhas led to the preferred use of partial-discharge (PD) testing. There are several PD testing methods depending on whether the cable is live. This constant evaluation or âtestingâ of space use blurs the line between the roles of electrical engineers and interior architects and planners, requiring an integrated team approach to improving the performance of both electrical systems and the spaces we work and live in. Rectify by checking the device continuity for short circuit if the required continuity is not achieved. Obtain the permit to work PTW for starting the electrical testing and commissioning T&C activity. The redundant systems were installed first in a section of the existing building, and the existing service was used to temporarily serve the data center until the new service and UPS plant were constructed. According to NETA, this document âwas developed for use by those responsible for the continued operation of existing electrical systems and equipment to guide them in specifying and performing the necessary tests to ensure that these systems and apparatus perform satisfactorily, minimizing downtime and maximizing life expectancy.â. Introduction. The client decided to spend extra money in redundant backup systems. Once the operation of each individual piece of equipment in the electrical system is confirmed, the equipment will be examined as a discrete system. Commissioning is the systematic process by which a piece of equipment, system, or facility is tested to verify that it functions in accordance with the design intent and owner’s operational requirements. Dates and times related to the complexity of the electrical systems to consider post-occupancy commissioning and testing of the and. A simulated site-wide power outage, also known as the “ black start test... 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