Commissioning Procedures and Checklists

Commissioning Overview

Commissioning is the systematic process of verifying that all building and infrastructure systems are installed correctly, operate as designed, and meet the project performance requirements. For data center facilities, commissioning is critical because the consequences of undetected issues are significantly higher than in conventional buildings.

GridCore's commissioning framework follows a phased approach that begins during design and continues through construction, integration, testing, and handover to operations.

Commissioning Phases

Phase 1: Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)

Factory acceptance testing verifies that individual equipment and pre-assembled modules meet specifications before shipping. FAT procedures include visual inspection, dimensional verification, electrical safety testing, functional testing of controls and monitoring, and performance testing where practical within factory conditions.

FAT deliverables include completed test forms, punch list items (if any), photographs documenting installed condition, and shipping/handling instructions for field teams.

Phase 2: Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)

Site acceptance testing verifies that equipment and modules arrive in good condition and are correctly installed per design drawings. SAT includes receiving inspection, placement verification, connection verification (electrical, mechanical, controls), and individual equipment start-up.

Phase 3: Functional Performance Testing (FPT)

FPT verifies that each system operates correctly under normal and abnormal conditions:

• Electrical FPT: Utility transfer testing, UPS transfer/bypass testing, generator start and load acceptance, breaker coordination verification, and power monitoring calibration.
• Mechanical FPT: Cooling system capacity verification, temperature control response, pump speed control, valve operation, and heat rejection system performance.
• Fire and Life Safety FPT: Detector testing, suppression system discharge testing (or simulated), alarm notification verification, and emergency shutdown sequence testing.
• Controls FPT: Sensor calibration verification, alarm threshold testing, BMS/DCIM data accuracy, and automated response sequence testing.

Phase 4: Integrated Systems Testing (IST)

IST verifies that all systems work together correctly under simulated operational conditions, including failure scenarios. IST is the most critical phase of commissioning and typically takes 2-4 weeks for a major facility.

IST scenarios include:

• Utility Power Failure: Simulate utility loss, verify UPS transfer, generator start and load pickup, and return-to-normal sequence.
• Cooling System Failure: Simulate primary cooling loss, verify backup system activation, temperature rise rate, and alarm response.
• Concurrent Maintenance Simulation: Remove one path of a redundant system while operating and verify continued operation.
• Fire Scenario: Simulate fire detection in an IT space and verify suppression activation, HVAC shutdown, alarm notification, and emergency procedures.
• Full Load Testing: Apply design load (using load banks or actual IT equipment) and verify all systems maintain specified conditions for a sustained period (typically 24-72 hours).

Phase 5: Handover and Documentation

The final commissioning phase produces a complete documentation package for the operations team, including as-built drawings, operating procedures, maintenance schedules, warranty documentation, and the commissioning report summarizing all test results.

Commissioning Agent Requirements

GridCore recommends engaging an independent commissioning agent (CxA) who is not part of the design or construction team. The CxA should have documented experience with data center facilities and relevant certifications (e.g., ASHRAE BCxP, NETA certification for electrical testing).