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Data center commissioning
Commissioning Support (Levels 1 to 5)
Commissioning is where a data center proves it works before the client trusts it with live load. AAAT3 supports and manages Levels 1 through 5, keeping testing safe, documented and on schedule from factory witness to integrated systems testing.
- Level 1 to 5 support
- IST safety plans
- Load bank testing
- Cx issue tracking
- Test documentation
By the numbers
Why commissioning pays for itself
Median payback for commissioning new buildings, with 13% energy savings
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 2009 (643 buildings)Deficiencies found by commissioning, from data on only one third of the buildings studied
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 2009Median commissioning cost as a share of construction cost, about $1.16 per square foot
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 2009Drop in net commissioning cost once fewer equipment failures and change orders are counted
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 2009What’s included
Commissioning support at every level
From the factory floor to full load, we keep the testing safe and the records complete.
Levels 1 and 2: factory and site checks
Problems found at the factory or on delivery cost far less to fix.
- Factory witness test support
- Delivery and installation inspections
- Pre-functional checklists
- Submittal and spec checks
Levels 3 and 4: startup and functional tests
Startup and functional tests put energized and rotating equipment in play.
- Startup safety plans and LOTO
- Functional performance test support
- Load bank safety and setup
- Test results logged and reviewed
Level 5: integrated systems testing
IST fails power and cooling on purpose. It must be planned to the minute.
- IST scripts and safety review
- Failure scenario walkthroughs
- Roles, communication and stop rules
- Issues tracked to closure before turnover
Project management and consulting
Project management and consulting for commissioning
AAAT3 can manage the commissioning process for the owner, support your commissioning agent or keep the contractor side ready for testing.
Commissioning management
We coordinate the commissioning agent, contractors and owner so each level starts on time and finishes complete.
Best for: Owners who need one point of contact for CxContractor Cx readiness
We get the contractor side ready: checklists done, gear started up and documents in order before testing.
Best for: GCs who want to pass Cx the first timeIST safety planning
Safety review of IST scripts, load bank setups and failure scenarios with clear stop rules.
Best for: Projects heading into Level 5 testingCx issue log management
We run the issues log, chase owners and verify fixes so nothing is open at turnover.
Best for: Projects with long open issue listsCommissioning QC (USACE CQM)
Test records, inspections and documentation to federal QC standards.
Best for: Federal and military data centersRetro-commissioning consulting
Testing and tuning of existing systems in operating facilities.
Best for: Older sites and expansionsHow it works
From factory test to live load
L1 Factory
Witness tests at the factory.
L2 Install
Delivery and installation checks.
L3 Startup
Equipment startup and LOTO.
L4 Functional
System by system tests.
L5 IST
Integrated failure and load tests.
Turnover
Issues closed and records delivered.
Rule of thumb: no integrated systems test starts until every Level 4 issue is closed and every person on the floor knows the stop words.
Ways to work with us
Pick the level of support you need
Start small with a review, put a qualified person on site, or hand us the whole program. Every option is priced to your scope.
Quick start
Cx readiness review
A check of your checklists, startup plans and documents before testing.
- Document review
- Readiness walkdown
- Gap list with fixes
- Report in days
Most popular
On-site Cx support
A qualified AAAT3 lead supporting testing on site.
- Startup and IST safety
- Issue log tracking
- Test witness support
- Daily reports
Full program
Commissioning management
We manage the commissioning process from Level 1 to turnover.
- Cx coordination
- IST planning
- Issue closure
- Owner reporting
What you get
Deliverables
Cx readiness checklist
What must be done before each level starts.
Startup safety plans
LOTO, roles and limits for each startup.
IST safety review
Scripts checked with stop rules and roles.
Issues log
Every issue tracked to verified closure.
Test records
Signed results ready for turnover.
Weekly Cx report
Progress, open issues and risks in plain language.
Standards
Codes and standards we work to
Commissioning
3- ASHRAE Guideline 0
The commissioning processIndustry
- ASHRAE Standard 202
Commissioning process for buildings and systemsIndustry
- NETA ATS
Acceptance testing of electrical equipmentIndustry
Safety and federal
3- NFPA 70E
Electrical safety in the workplaceIndustry
- 29 CFR 1910.147
Control of hazardous energyFederal
- UFGS 01 91 00
Commissioning for federal projectsFederal
Related data center services
Every phase of the build, one partner
Where we do this work
Heading into commissioning? Get your testing ready and safe before Level 3 starts.
Get a Commissioning QuoteFAQ
Common questions
What are the five levels of commissioning?
Level 1 is factory testing, Level 2 is delivery and installation checks, Level 3 is startup, Level 4 is functional testing of each system, and Level 5 is integrated systems testing of the whole facility.
What is integrated systems testing (IST)?
IST tests the whole data center together, often failing utility power or cooling on purpose to prove the backups take over without dropping load.
Is AAAT3 a commissioning agent?
We can manage the commissioning process for the owner, support your commissioning agent, or get the contractor side ready for testing.
Why does commissioning need safety planning?
Startup and IST put energized, rotating and pressurized equipment in play, often with load banks and many trades in the room. Each test needs a plan and stop rules.
Does commissioning really pay off?
A Lawrence Berkeley National Lab study of 643 buildings found a median payback of 4.2 years for new construction, before counting fewer failures and change orders.
Get a quote for Commissioning Support
Tell us about your project, location and start date. We reply with a plan and pricing.
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