DATA CENTER | Commissioning Checklist

A data center commissioning checklist can be used to aid the monitoring and delivery of the activities, tasks, and documentation required to complete an efficient and effective commissioning process of the facility, covering the following:

• Level 0 – Design & Planning
• Level 1 – Factory Testing
• Level 2 – Component Delivery, Installation & Pre-Startup
• Level 3 – Systems Start-Up
• Level 4 – Functional Performance Testing
• Level 5 – Integrated Testing
• Level 6 – Closeout and Turnover / Handover

🔗 The above Levels have been written and explained more in our article DATA CENTER | 5 Levels Of Commissioning Explained to make it easier and understand what should be delivered at each level.

As noted in the article, the general commissioning process should be based on ASHRAE Guideline 0 – and we cover this process here.

🟩 Level 0- Design & Planning

Level 0, managed by the General Contractor and Owners Commissioning Consultant, serves as the initial stage of the project commissioning process, where the primary focus is on laying the foundation for subsequent stages, evaluating, planning, and documenting the necessary information, tasks, and activities for successful commissioning.

It is important to note that while Level 0 primarily focuses on the below tasks, some will continue throughout the project and carry over into subsequent levels.

Step	Task/Activity
L0-01	Write and Issue Owners Project Requirements [OPR] Document.
L0-02	Oversee Owners Project Requirements [OPR] are being met throughout the contractor design stage, and issue updates to the project team.
L0-03	Write and Issue Basis of Design [BOD] Document.
L0-04	Ensure that the Basis of Design [BOD] is updated and reviewed by Main Contractor during the 100% design stage, and issue to the project team.
L0-05	Develop design [30%, 60%, 90%, 100%] and issue documentation for review and approval.
L0-06	Create, Develop, and Issue Computational Fluid Dynamics Study [CFD] Document.
L0-07	Complete Commissioning Review of Design [60% to 100% and Issue Report.
L0-08	Conduct Short Circuit / Single Point of Failure Coordination Study
L0-09	Issue Commissioning Document List covering all stages until handover.
L0-10	Write and Issue Data Centre Commissioning Guideline Document. [This document]
L0-11	Agree on Sequencing and Duration of Level 4 & 5 Requirements.
L0-12	Issue Initial Integrated and Sequenced Commissioning Programme.
L0-13	Issue Commissioning Process Flow Diagram covering all stages until handover.
L0-14	Agree Commissioning Process and Responsibility Matrix. [This document]
L0-15	Issue Commissioning Team Organigram covering this stage. [This is ‘Initial’]
L0-16	Agree equipment to be Factory Tested.
L0-17	Create, Develop, and Issue Load Bank & Metering Plan for Level 4 & 5 works.
L0-18	Write and Issue Initial Commissioning Plan.
L0-19	Write and Issue Construction Commissioning Specification.
L0-20	Upon contract award, 'Form Commissioning Team' and issue organigram.
L0-21	Set up Cx Electronic Platform [Levels 1-6] for later input of commissioning checklists, test procedures and observations/issues.
L0-22	Set up and discuss use Document Management System and Numbering Structures for the testing and commissioning works.
L0-23	Conduct Commissioning Kick Off meeting.
L0-24	Create, Develop, and Issue Commissioning Communication Protocol.
L0-25	Create, Develop, and Issue Material Submission Document List.
L0-26	Issue Integrated and Sequenced Commissioning Programme.
L0-27	Issue Integrated and Sequenced Commissioning Work Logics.
L0-28	Agree on method for Capturing Site Issues and Observations.
L0-29	Agree on Tagging Process and design of tags to be used.
L0-30	Agree on format and content of Factory Testing Scripts.
L0-31	Agree on format and content of Factory Testing Reports.
L0-32	Plan / programme Factory Testing.
L0-33	Agree on format and content of Confirmation to Ship Certificates.
L0-34	Agree Training Requirements and Write Training Manual.
L0-35	Develop Training Programme.
L0-36	Agree on format and content of Pre-Start Up Checklists.
L0-37	Agree on format and content of Functional Testing Procedures.
L0-38	Agree on format, content, and process for Inviting Owner Team for Witnessing and Verification.
L0-39	Agree Final Testing Pack information to be included in O&M.
L0-40	Agree on format and content of Daily, Weekly, Monthly Commissioning Reports.
L0-41	Agree on format and content of 2 Week Look Ahead Schedule.
L0-42	Agree on format and content of Final Commissioning Report.
L0-43	Agree on format and content of Systems Manual.
L0-44	Agree O&M Requirements.
L0-45	Write and Issue Final Commissioning Plan.
L0-46	Conduct Commissioning Focused Meetings and Workshops, issuing Minutes.
L0-47	Provide to CxP, Commissioning Focused Reports [monthly/weekly].
L0-48	Provide to Client, Commissioning Focused Reports [monthly/weekly].
L0-49	Review Information for Gap Analysis between Owner Specified Equipment and Main Contractor works.
L0-50	Create, Develop, and Issue Electrical Discrimination Study.
L0-51	Create, Develop, and Issue Arc Flash Study.
L0-52	Agree on Arc Flash Sticker Template to be used.
L0-53	Agree Thermal Graphic Inspection locations.
L0-54	Create, Develop, and Issue Thermal Graphic Procedure and Plan.
L0-55	Create, Develop, and Issue Electrical Lock Out, Tag Out Process and Procedure.
L0-56	Create, Develop, and Issue Plant Settings Report.
L0-57	Create, Develop, and Issue Schedule of required Work Permits for commissioning activities.
L0-58	Create, Develop, and Issue Commissioning Strategies.
L0-59	Agree Sequence of Operation [SOO] List.
L0-60	Create, Develop, and Issue Sequence of Operations [SOO].
L0-61	Create, Develop, and Issue BMS Graphic Document.
L0-62	Create, Develop, and Issue BMS Points List Document.
L0-63	Create, Develop, and Issue Fire Cause & Effect Matrix.
L0-64	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L0-65	Sign off Level.

🟩 Level 1 – Factory Testing

Level 1, managed by the General Contractor, is where a diverse range of roles and responsibilities come together from the commissioning team to ensure that the selected plant and equipment is factory tested.

Although this stage is relatively short and uncomplicated, it necessitates the dedicated efforts of individuals with specialized tasks and expertise.

Step	Task/Activity
L1-01	Fix and confirm dates of Factory Testing.
L1-02	Create, Develop, and Issue Factory Testing Scripts.
L1-03	Conduct Commissioning Focused Meetings and Workshops, where required.
L1-04	Organize Transportation and Accommodation for Factory Testing.
L1-05	Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing with owner team at factory or remotely.
L1-06	Add any issues to Observation Register and managing to close.
L1-07	Create, Develop, and Issue Factory Testing Reports for all equipment.
L1-08	Obtain and Issue Factory QA/QC documents for record and filing.
L1-09	File and manage Factory Testing information and records within the Project electronic filing system.
L1-10	Install all Red Tags where applicable.
L1-11	Issue Confirmation to Ship Certificate.
L1-12	Ship equipment to site.
L1-13	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L1-14	Sign off Level.

🟩 Level 2 – Component Delivery, Installation & Pre-Startup

Level 2, managed by the General Contractor, is a crucial stage in the data center commissioning process, ensuring that all equipment, plant, and components are successfully delivered, installed, and thoroughly checked via pre-start-up activities to meet the project requirements.

This stage sets the foundation for the subsequent energization phase at Level 3.

Step	Task/Activity
L2-01	Write and Issue Level 2 Checklists and Scripts that will be used to facilitate the works.
L2-02	Plan and Manage Deliveries of plant, equipment, and materials. [If not, Factory Tested]
L2-03	Complete Delivery and Storage Checklists when plant, equipment and materials arrive on site.
L2-04	Complete Installation Checklist Inspections.
L2-05	Complete Pre-Start-up / Energization Inspections.
L2-06	Conduct any First of Kind [FOK] Inspections if noted in the project process with the owner’s CxP.
L2-07	For Electrical Panels ensure Arc Flash Stickers are attached and Breakers Set in line with the Arc Flash Report and Discrimination Study.
L2-08	Complete Foreign Object Detection [FOD] Inspection for all electrical panels and equipment.
L2-09	Update Commissioning Tracking to reflect actual status and progress. [Manually or as per Commissioning Electronic Platform]
L2-10	Manage the Overall Programme for the Commissioning Tasks and Activities.
L2-11	Add any issues to Observation Register and managing to close.
L2-12	File and manage documentation and records within the Project electronic filing system.
L2-13	Issue regular 2 Week Look Ahead Schedules for Commissioning Team Resource Planning.
L2-14	Conduct Daily Morning Coordination Workshop.
L2-15	Provide Daily Commissioning Updates.
L2-16	Conduct Commissioning Focused Weekly Meetings and Workshops.
L2-17	Provide Commissioning Focused Reports. [Monthly / Weekly]
L2-18	Install all Yellow Tags where applicable.
L2-19	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L2-20	Sign off Level.

🟩 Level 3 – Systems Start-Up

Level 3, managed by the General Contractor, encompasses tasks and activities to ensure that the individual plant, equipment, systems, and components are successfully started up, tested, and operating per the design intent and approved testing scripts/procedures.

This stage is crucial before combining the different systems for Level 4 and Level 5 works.

Step	Task/Activity
L3-01	Write and Issue Scripts/Start-up Plans that will be used to facilitate the start-up and testing works.
L3-02	Write and Issue Work Permits as noted in Level 0 that will be used to facilitate the start-up and functional testing works.
L3-03	Install Temporary Equipment and Instruments to facilitate the testing and Level 4 Works in line with the Load Bank & Equipment Plan.
L3-04	Ensure BMS and Control Logics are ready and available. [Point to Graphic]
L3-05	Ensure Control Room and equipment is ready and available, for testing to commence.
L3-06	Plan and Manage Energization, Site Testing and Acceptance of plant, equipment, and materials in line with approved procedures, scripts, and programme.
L3-07	Conduct any First of Kind [FOK] Testing if noted in the project process with the Owner’s Commissioning Consultant.
L3-08	Update Commissioning Tracking to reflect actual status and progress. [Manually or as per Commissioning Electronic Platform]
L3-09	Manage the Overall Programme for the Commissioning Tasks and Activities.
L3-10	Add any issues to Observation Register and managing to close.
L3-11	File and manage documentation and records within the Project electronic filing system.
L3-12	Issue regular 2 Week Look Ahead Schedules for Commissioning Team Resource Planning.
L3-13	Conduct Daily Morning Coordination Workshop.
L3-14	Provide Daily Commissioning Updates.
L3-15	Conduct Commissioning Focused Weekly Meetings and Workshops.
L3-16	Provide Commissioning Focused Reports [Monthly / Weekly]
L3-17	Issue Operation and Maintenance Manuals.
L3-18	Complete Clean of Data Halls and critical areas.
L3-19	Install all Green Tags where applicable.
L3-20	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L3-21	Sign off Level.

🟩 Level 4 – Functional Performance Testing

Level 4, managed and delivered by the Owners Commissioning Consultant, with support from the General Contractor, focuses on bringing the systems together, integrating them, and conducting a series of rigorous tests to ensure their alignment with the Owner’s Project Requirements [OPR], Basis of Design [BOD], and relevant contract documentation such as drawings, specifications, and control logics.

This stage plays a pivotal role in verifying the functional performance of these integrated systems.

Step	Task/Activity
L4-01	Write and Issue Scripts that will be used to facilitate the testing works.
L4-02	Write and Issue Work Permits as noted in Level 0 that will be used to facilitate the works.
L4-03	Ensure that Temporary Equipment and Instruments are installed in line with the approved Load Bank & Equipment Plan as noted in Level 0 works.
L4-04	Operate Temporary Equipment and Instruments to facilitate the testing works.
L4-05	Plan and Manage Testing and Acceptance of plant, equipment, and systems in line with approved procedures, scripts, and programme.
L4-06	Complete Thermographic Studies and create report as noted in Level 0 works.
L4-07	Download Data and Information for review after testing.
L4-08	Update Commissioning Tracking to reflect actual status and progress. [Manually or as per Commissioning Electronic Platform]
L4-09	Add any issues to Observation Register and managing to close.
L4-10	File and manage documentation and records within the Project electronic filing system
L4-11	Issue regular 2 Week Look Ahead Schedules for Commissioning Team Resource Planning.
L4-12	Conduct Daily Morning Coordination Workshop.
L4-13	Provide Daily Commissioning Updates.
L4-14	Conduct Commissioning Focused Weekly Meetings and Workshops.
L4-15	Provide Commissioning Focused Reports. [Level 4 / Monthly / Weekly]
L4-16	Issue Final Operation and Maintenance Manuals.
L4-17	Start Facility Operatives Training in line with the documents noted in Level 0 works.
L4-18	Install all Blue Tags where applicable.
L4-19	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L4-20	Sign off Level.

🟩 Level 5 – Integrated Testing

The Level 5 Integrated Testing phase, managed by the Owners Commissioning Consultant, with support from the General/Main Contractor, is the final step in validating the performance of the installed systems.

It focuses on integrating all the systems, conducting rigorous tests to evaluate and verify their functionality, interoperation, and response to simulated failure scenarios, demonstrating that they operate seamlessly together, in accordance with the owner’s project requirements [OPR], Basis of Design [BOD], and other contractual documentation such as drawings, specifications, and control logics.

Once the testing has been completed, data will be collected and analyzed from the systems and instruments systems to ensure that critical data hall and other space ambient conditions are maintained during different testing scenarios.

Step	Task/Activity
L5-01	Write and Issue Scripts that will be used to facilitate the testing works.
L5-02	Write and Issue Work Permits as noted in Level 0 that will be used to facilitate the works.
L5-03	Ensure that Temporary Equipment and Instruments are installed in line with the approved Load Bank & Equipment Plan as noted in Level 0 works.
L5-04	Operate Temporary Equipment and Instruments to facilitate the testing works.
L5-05	Plan and Manage Testing and Acceptance of plant, equipment, and systems in line with approved procedures, scripts, and programme.
L5-06	Download Data and Information for review after testing.
L5-07	Remove Temporary Equipment after testing has been agreed complete.
L5-08	Update Commissioning Tracking to reflect actual status and progress. [Manually or as per Commissioning Electronic Platform]
L5-09	Add any issues to Observation Register and managing to close.
L5-10	File and manage documentation and records within the Project electronic filing system.
L5-11	Issue regular 2 Week Look Ahead Schedules for Commissioning Team Resource Planning.
L5-12	Conduct Daily Morning Coordination Workshop.
L5-13	Provide Daily Commissioning Updates.
L5-14	Conduct Commissioning Focused Weekly Meetings and Workshops.
L5-15	Provide Commissioning Focused Reports. [Level 5 / Monthly / Weekly]
L5-16	Complete Facility Operatives Training in line with the documents noted in Level 0 works.
L5-17	Install all White Tags where applicable.
L5-18	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L5-19	Sign off Level.

🟩 Level 6 – Closeout/Handover

Managed and executed by the Owners Commissioning Consultant, with the support of the General Contractor, Level 6 is the final stage, where the Commissioning Process is completed with the systems transitioning to the Owner and Facilities Team, ensuring that the data center is fully prepared and optimized for operation, and all commissioning-related activities are concluded in a systematic and well-documented manner.

Step	Task/Activity
L6-01	Write and Issue Closeout Script.
L6-02	Complete Clean of Data Halls and critical areas. [If not completed under Level 3 tasks and activities]
L6-03	Conduct Final Site Inspection.
L6-04	Inspect and Document all Plant Settings.
L6-05	Conduct Lessons Learned Workshop and document.
L6-06	Ensure all Issues and Observations have been closed out for the project.
L6-07	Ensure all Commissioning Documentation is complete and uploaded to the relevant electronic platforms.
L6-08	Conduct Closeout Meeting.
L6-09	Issue Final Commissioning Report.
L6-10	Write and Issue Systems Manual.
L6-11	Provide to Owner, Level Close Out Reports.
L6-12	Sign off Level.

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⬜ Data Center Commissioning Checklist [Downloads]

Below we have included our Excel & MS Word Data Center Commissioning Checklists that can be viewed and purchased from our shop by clicking the button below. You will receive each type of checklist [.doc] & [.xls] shown within the purchase.

⬜ Data Center Commissioning Checklist [MS Word]

⬜ Data Center Commissioning Checklist [MS Excel]

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