Free checklist

Data Center Commissioning Checklist: L1 FAT to L5 IST

What to confirm at each commissioning level, from preconstruction to owner acceptance. Use it to plan the commissioning scope and check progress at each level.

Precon: planning and design review

• Owner's project requirements (OPR) and basis of design (BOD) reviewed by the commissioning authority
• Commissioning plan issued, with roles for the owner, GC, CxA, trades and OEMs
• Commissioning requirements written into the specifications and subcontracts
• Equipment list agreed, with the commissioning level each item must reach
• Submittals reviewed for testability, access and commissioning requirements
• Test scripts and acceptance criteria drafted for each level

L1: Factory acceptance testing (FAT)

• FAT procedures approved before the witness date
• Witness attendees confirmed for the owner, CxA and GC
• Nameplates and serial numbers match the approved submittals
• Tests completed to the approved procedure, with results recorded
• Deviations and punch items logged with an owner for each
• Release to ship signed once open items are closed or accepted

L2: Delivery, installation and pre-energization

• Receiving inspection done: shipping damage, tilt and shock indicators, quantities
• Equipment stored and protected to OEM requirements until installed
• Installed per the drawings and OEM instructions, with clearances and grounding verified
• Pre-functional checklists completed and signed by the installing trade
• Acceptance testing complete (for example insulation resistance and torque checks)
• Labels, arc flash labels and equipment IDs in place
• Deficiencies logged and closed before startup

L3: Energized startup

• Energization readiness confirmed and approved (see the energization checklist)
• OEM startup performed, with a signed startup report
• Protective settings applied and verified against the coordination study
• Operating values recorded: voltages, currents, temperatures and alarms
• Startup issues logged and resolved, warranty start dates recorded

L4: Functional performance testing

• Functional test scripts approved by the CxA
• Each system tested in every mode: normal, failure, transfer, alarm and recovery
• Controls, BMS and EPMS points verified end to end
• Failed tests corrected and retested, with results recorded

L5: Integrated systems testing (IST)

• IST plan, sequence and roles approved by the owner, GC and CxA
• Load banks, instrumentation, communications and safety plan in place
• Failure scenarios run across systems: utility loss, generator start, UPS and transfer, cooling failure
• Trend data captured and reviewed for each scenario
• Issues resolved or formally accepted by the owner before turnover

Turnover: owner acceptance

• O&M manuals, as-builts, warranties and spare parts delivered
• Operator training delivered and attendance recorded
• Commissioning issues log closed or accepted
• Final commissioning report and systems manual issued
• Owner acceptance signed

This checklist is a general guide. Always follow the approved commissioning plan, project specifications, OEM requirements, applicable codes and standards, and your site safety program. Also see the free Energization Readiness Checklist.