Commissioning
Equipment is tested at the factory and on site, then system by system and as a whole facility, and each stage is signed off before the next one begins.
Tested before handover, stage by stage
A data centre has to keep running when a component fails, the utility supply drops or a fire alarm goes off. Commissioning is how that is proved before the operator moves in.
SECCO's commissioning team plans the work from the design review of the basis of design and the owner's project requirements. It then takes every system through factory tests, site tests, integrated systems testing and turnover.
Each stage needs formal sign-off from the contractor, the designer and the commissioning agent before the next one starts, so faults are found and closed before equipment is energised.
Testing and commissioning is also one of SECCO's standing services, with a 24-hour standby team and support through the warranty period.
Testing and commissioning servicesFrom factory test to final acceptance
A stage closes only when its checks are complete and signed off. The five test stages, from factory testing to integrated systems testing, each close with a coloured tag, from red to white. Completing each of the last four is a project milestone, and so is energisation, between the static tests and start-up testing.
- Factory testing (FAT/FWT)
Equipment is tested at the manufacturer, then delivered, inspected on arrival and set in its final location. Closes with a red tag.
- Ready for start-up
Quality control static tests prove the installation before anything is switched on. Closes with a yellow tag.
- Energisation
A milestone of its own, reached between the static tests and start-up testing.
- Start-up and site acceptance testing (SAT)
Each piece of equipment is energised and tested on its own, on site, witnessed by the commissioning agent or the client's representative. Closes with a green tag.
- Functional performance testing (FPT)
Each system is tested as a whole under full load, and its measured values are checked against the design requirements and specification. Closes with a blue tag.
- Integrated systems testing (IST)
All systems are tested together, including load bank tests, to prove the redundancy built to the operator's Uptime tier or TIA-942 requirements. Closes with a white tag.
- Turnover inspection (TOI)
The completed installation is inspected for turnover to the operator.
- Acceptance and defects liability period (DLP)
Final acceptance and operational handover of the facility, followed by the defects liability period.
Acceptance tests at the factory and on site
Factory and site acceptance tests bracket the installation, and each system is tested on site as it is finished.
Factory acceptance test (FAT)
At the manufacturer, before shipment.
- Validates manufacturing compliance
- Checks the structural layout of the equipment
- Establishes baseline performance
Tests during installation
As each system is finished on site.
- Water pressure tests on cooling-tower and thermal storage tank installations
- Nitrogen leak and pressure tests on VRV systems before refrigerant is charged
- Field device command, software point and operation tests on BMS, CCTV, access control and electrical panels
- Integration tests with the BMS, access control and the generator
Site acceptance test (SAT)
On site, at start-up, once installation is complete.
- Checks environmental conditions
- Tests field interfaces
Blackout test: from utility cut to generator power
The blackout test proves that emergency power takes over when the utility supply is lost. It follows a standard four-step sequence for periodic emergency power transfer testing, timed from the moment the supply is cut. It exercises the on-site generator, which the backup design sets up to restore power to the transfer switch bus within 10 to 15 seconds.
- Utility cut, T = 0 s
The incoming circuit breakers at main distribution boards A and B are opened to simulate a total loss of normal supply.
- Generator start, T + 10 s
The emergency main distribution board senses a dead bus and signals the generator to start. The generator reaches rated frequency and voltage and energises the board.
- Transfer, T + 12 s
The automatic transfer switch moves from normal to emergency, and priority loads, including chillers, fire pumps, UPS and lifts, are powered again.
- System verification
The team monitors voltage stability, the chiller load ramp-up and CRAH airflow, and confirms the facility is fully operational.
Fire incident case test: one event, every system
The test follows a single fire event through every system that has to respond, in order. Smoke or fire is detected, a sprinkler head breaks and discharges water, the line pressure drops and the jockey pump and fire pump start. On the fire alarm control unit's command, lifts return to the ground floor, access doors unlock, turnstiles open and exit control activates.
One team from installation to handover
Construction and commissioning programmes are aligned, and construction, quality and commissioning managers work to the same deliverables.
- Early approval of test scripts, report formats and commissioning method statements
- Commissioning meetings bi-weekly from design review, then weekly and daily in the later stages
- Hold points with the commissioning team involved, mock-ups with all parties, and early inspections and tests given priority and cleared as soon as possible
- Quality and MEP staff supporting the commissioning team up to handover
Documents, training and support
Commissioning records, training and the support that follows handover.
Commissioning documents
- Testing and commissioning documents, method statements and the project execution plan
- Standard operating procedures, pre-functional checklists and emergency response playbooks
- Testing and commissioning completion certificates, signed by the client, the consultant and the commissioning agent
- Support for the final commissioning reports and the closing of open issues
Operation and training
- Operation and maintenance documents
- Training for the operator's team
- A building operation manual, if required
- Spare parts on hand or ordered before the integrated test is signed off
After handover
- Support through the warranty period
- A standby team for 24-hour emergency service
- Preventive maintenance services
Where next
Planning a data centre? Talk to our data-centre team.
Tell us the stage, the location and the redundancy you need. A SECCO engineer will reply.