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, System Delivery and Pre-Installation
• Level 3 – Pre-Commissioning / Pre-Functional and Start-up
• Level 4 – Component / System Functional Performance Testing
• Level 5 – Systems Integrated Testing
• Level 6 – Closeout and Turnover / Handover
• Level 7 – Acceptance of Final Reports and Documents

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 within the article, the general commissioning process used should be based upon ASHRAE Guideline 0 – and we cover this process here.

Level 0- Design & Planning

Level 0 starts the process and will focus on the tendering and instruction of the client’s commissioning agent; once on board, the creating and integrating the commissioning process into the project to ensure that the contractors are aware and understand the requirements before submitting their proposal.  

Ref	Task/Activity
L0-1	Client to write and detail the Request for Proposal [RFP] document, which will be consolidated with the Scope of Works [SOW] document and sent to the selected Commissioning Management [CxA] tenderers.
L0-2	Client to write and detail the Scope of Works [SOW] document, which will be consolidated with the Request for Proposal [RFP] document above, and sent to the selected Commissioning Management [CxA] tenderers.
L0-3	Proposals returned from the Commissioning Management [CxA] tenderers, evaluated, and interviews completed.
L0-4	The client instructs the successful CxA consultant on the project.
L0-5	CxA consultant forms a commissioning team, including creating and managing the Organigram. Includes all known people including, Client, Designer, CxA, Facilities, etc
L0-6	CxA organizes, conducts, and minutes Owners Project Requirement [OPR] meetings and workshops
L0-7	CxA creates and manages the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document.
L0-8	Designer organizes, conducts, and minutes Basis of Design [BOD] meetings and workshops
L0-9	Designer creates and manages the Basis of Design [BOD] document. CxA should oversee to ensure it is completed.
L0-10	Client/CxA approve the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document.
L0-11	Client/CxA approve the Basis of Design [BOD] document.
L0-12	CxA organizes, conducts, and minutes Commissioning Meetings and Workshops.
L0-13	CxA writes and manages the Commissioning Specification, including process, acceptance requirements, and scope, that the project will need to deliver.
L0-14	CxA writes and manages the Integrated Systems Testing Requirements, including process, acceptance requirements, and scope, that the project will need to deliver.
L0-15	CxA writes and manages the Commissioning Tagging Standards and Requirements, including process, acceptance requirements, and scope, that the project will need to deliver.
L0-16	CxA writes and manages the Commissioning Budget.
L0-17	CxA writes and manages the Commissioning Plan document.
L0-18	CxA writes and manages the Initial Commissioning Programme document.
L0-19	CxA writes and manages the Commissioning Template Trackers.
L0-20	CxA identifies and specifies Training Requirements.
L0-21	CxA to develop the Initial Training Programme
L0-22	CxA writes and manages the Daily Report Template.
L0-23	CxA writes and manages the Weekly Report Template.
L0-24	CxA writes and manages the Monthly Commissioning Report Template.
L0-25	CxA writes and manages the Final Commissioning Report Template.
L0-26	CxA writes and manages the Systems Manual Template.
L0-27	CxA writes and manages the Operating & Maintenance Manual Format and requirement.
L0-28	CxA writes and manages the Factory Report Template.
L0-29	CxA writes and manages the Onsite Testing Document Template.
L0-30	CxA manages the Commissioning Documents.
L0-31	CxA to ensure all Commissioning Requirements are identified within the Project Tender Documents.
L0-32	CxA to complete Commissioning Review on the design drawings and information
L0-33	CxA to ensure all observations from the Commissioning Review are discussed and closed out with the designer and client team.
L0-34	CxA to complete Reporting and issue to client team [weekly, monthly]
L0-35	CxA to select and oversee the implementation of any Commissioning Software that is to be utilized on the project
L0-36	CxA ensures that all information related to the commissioning activities is stored on the Project Document Management System and requirements are clearly stated.
L0-37	CxA to develop Project Checklists for all pre-functional/functional checks that are to be conducted on the systems throughout the project.
L0-38	Contractor to be Employed to construct and commission the project.
L0-39	Contractor Forms a Commissioning Team, integrating with the client's commissioning team.
L0-40	CxA updates Organigram, including information from the Contractor.
L0-41	CxA holds a Commissioning Kick-Off Meeting with the newly employed Contractor and minutes/documents it.
L0-42	CxA updates the Commissioning Plan and issues to the project.
L0-43	Contractor to develop fully integrated and sequenced Commissioning Programme for all factory testing, pre-functional/functional checks, and tests to be conducted on the systems throughout the project.
L0-44	Contractor to develop a fully integrated and sequenced Training Programme.
L0-45	Contractor to work towards delivering the Project Commissioning Process.
L0-46	Contractor/CxA to manage the Commissioning Documentation and Filing Systems.
L0-47	Contractor to develop and issue a Detailed Commissioning Documentation List showing all documents expected to be published throughout the project to the client team. [general, factory, site, handover, etc.].
L0-48	CxA to review and approve the Detailed Commissioning Documentation List issued by the Contractor.
L0-49	Contractor to write, manage and issue all General Documents referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-50	CxA to review and approve all General Documents referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L0-51	Contractor to write, manage and issue all Material Submissions/Technical Submissions referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-52	Designer/CxA to review and approve all Material Submissions/Technical Submissions referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L0-53	Contractor to write, manage and issue BMS Points List referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-54	CxA to manage approval of BMS Points List.
L0-55	Contractor to write, manage and issue BMS Graphic Document referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-56	CxA to manage approval of BMS Graphic Document.
L0-57	Contractor to write, manage and issue Electrical Discrimination Report referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-58	CxA to manage approval of Electrical Discrimination Report Document.
L0-59	Contractor to write, manage and issue Electrical Arc Flash Study Report referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-60	CxA to manage approval of Electrical Arc Flash Study Document.
L0-61	Contractor to write, manage and issue CFD Report [Computational Fluid Dynamic] referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-62	CxA to manage approval of CFD Report [Computational Fluid Dynamic].
L0-63	Contractor to write, manage and issue Plant Settings Report referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L0-64	CxA to manage approval of Plant Settings Report.
L0-65	CxA to write, manage and issue Level 0 Closeout Report.

Level 1 – Factory Testing

Factory testing will be completed on significant equipment critical to the data center’s operation, checking the equipment and its components against approved tests.

Once accepted that the equipment/components are operating as per the project requirements, it will be provided a ‘RED TAG’ and shipped to the site where Level 2 will conduct inspections before accepting delivery and storing.

Ref	Task/Activity
L1-1	Contractor to write, manage and issue all Factory Testing Method Statements referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L1-2	CxA to review and approve all Factory Testing Method Statement referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L1-3	Contractor to Plan & Manage all Factory Testing in line with project requirements.
L1-4	Contractor to Complete all Factory Testing in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L1-5	CxA to Oversee and Validate that all Factory Testing has been completed in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L1-6	Contractor to write and issue all Factory Testing Reports in line with project requirements to the client team for review.
L1-7	CxA to review and approve all Factory Testing Reports.
L1-8	Contractor/CxA to ensure that all Documents are Filed correctly and in line with project requirements.
L1-9	Contractor to ensure everything has been completed, then apply for a RED TAG Sticker from the CxA for mounting on the equipment.
L1-10	CxA to review RED TAG Sticker application and issue or provide a list of defects and observations for closeout.
L1-11	CxA to ensure that the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document has been reviewed and updated where needed in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L1-12	Designer to ensure that the Basis of Design [BOD] document has been reviewed and updated where needed in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L1-13	CxA to write, manage and issue Level 1 Closeout Report.

Level 2 – Component Delivery

To ensure that the quality assurance of the project is upheld, before accepting any equipment and components from the manufacturer/supplier delivery company, checks will be conducted and documented.

Ref	Task/Activity
L2-1	Contractor to write, manage and issue all Equipment, Component, and System Delivery Checklists referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L2-2	Designer/CxA to review and approve all Equipment, Component, and System Delivery Checklists referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L2-3	Contractor to Plan & Manage all deliveries of equipment, components, and systems in line with project requirements.
L2-4	Contractor to complete all Delivery Checklists in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L2-5	Contractor to complete all Pre-Installation Checklists in line with project requirements including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L2-6	Designer/QAQC to Oversee and Validate all Equipment, Component, and System Checklists have been completed according to project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L2-7	Contractor/QAQC to ensure that all Delivery Checklists are Filed correctly and in line with project requirements.
L2-8	Contractor to ensure everything has been completed, then apply for a YELLOW TAG Sticker from the CxA for mounting on the equipment.
L2-9	CxA to review the YELLOW TAG Sticker application and issue or provide a list of defects and observations for closeout.
L2-10	CxA to ensure that the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document has been reviewed and updated where needed in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L2-11	Designer to ensure that the Basis of Design [BOD] document has been reviewed and updated where needed in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L2-12	CxA to write, manage and issue Level 2 Closeout Report.

Level 3 – Pre-Functional/Start-Up

The Pre-Functional/Startup work will involve the inspection of the installations for adherence to the construction drawings and design. The equipment and components will also be checked to ensure they are installed according to the project requirements and manufacturer’s needs.

Once complete, the equipment and systems can then be energized and go through their ‘start up’ checks before Level 4 Functional Testing.

Ref	Task/Activity
L3-1	Contractor to write, manage and issue all Equipment, Component, System Installation, and Start-up Checklists referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L3-2	Designer/CxA to review and approve all Equipment, Component, System Installation, and Start-up Checklists referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L3-3	Contractor to write, manage and issue all documentation relating to any Work Permits required to complete the works. These will be referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L3-4	Project Manager/CxA/Facilities to review and approve all Work Permits referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L3-5	Contractor to Plan & Manage all installation, energization, and start-up of equipment, components, and systems in line with project requirements.
L3-6	Contractor to complete all Installation and Start-up Checklists in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L3-7	Contractor to ensure all Settings & Set Points of Equipment and Systems are in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L3-8	Designer/CxA to Oversee and Validate all Equipment, Component, and System Checklists have been completed according to project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L3-9	Contractor/CxA to ensure that all Installation and Start-up Checklists are Filed correctly and in line with project requirements.
L3-10	Contractor to ensure everything has been completed, then apply for a GREEN TAG Sticker from the CxA for mounting equipment.
L3-11	CxA to review GREEN TAG Sticker application and issue or provide a list of defects and observations for closeout.
L3-12	CxA to ensure that the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document has been reviewed and updated where needed in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L3-13	Designer to ensure that the Basis of Design [BOD] document has been reviewed and updated where needed in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L3-14	CxA to write, manage and issue Level 3 Closeout Report.

Level 4 – Functional Testing

Level 4 will monitor the overall equipment and system site functional testing before completing integration testing at Level 5.

Ref	Task/Activity
L4-1	Contractor to write, manage and issue all Site Acceptance Testing Method Statements referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team.
L4-2	CxA to review and approve all Site Acceptance Testing Method Statements referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L4-3	Contractor to Plan & Manage all functional testing of equipment, components, and systems in line with project requirements.
L4-4	Contractor to ensure all Instruments and Equipment is available and ready for the functional testing of equipment, components, and systems in line with project requirements.
L4-5	Contractor to complete all Site Acceptance Testing/Functional Testing Works in line with project requirements and documents, including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L4-6	CxA to Oversee and Validate that all equipment, component, and system functional testing has been completed in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L4-7	Contractor/CxA to ensure that all Site Acceptance Testing Method Statements and Results are Filed correctly and in line with project requirements.
L4-8	Contractor to ensure everything has been completed, then apply for a BLUE TAG Sticker from the CxA for mounting on the equipment.
L4-9	CxA to review BLUE TAG Sticker application and issue or provide a list of defects and observations for closeout.
L4-10	CxA to ensure that the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document has been reviewed and updated where needed, in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L4-11	Designer to ensure that the Basis of Design [BOD] document has been reviewed and updated where needed, in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L4-12	CxA to write, manage and issue Level 4 Closeout Report.

Level 5 – Integrated Testing

The integrated testing will test the data hall for performance to validate that the design works and the critical spaces can be maintained in line with the client’s Service Level Agreement [SLA]:

Ref	Task/Activity
L5-1	CxA to write, manage and issue Electrical Integrated Testing Script referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team & Contractor.
L5-2	Client/Designer to review and approve Electrical Integrated Testing Script referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L5-3	CxA to write, manage and issue Mechanical Heat Load Testing Script referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List to the client team & Contractor.
L5-4	Client/Designer to review and approve Mechanical Heat Load Testing Script referenced on the approved Detailed Commissioning Documentation List.
L5-5	CxA/Contractor to Plan & Manage all integrated and heat load testing in line with project requirements.
L5-6	CxA/Contractor to ensure all Instruments and Equipment is available and ready for the integrated and heat load testing, in line with project requirements.
L5-7	CxA/Contractor to ensure all Pre-Requisites are completed prior to testing taking place, in line with project requirements.
L5-8	CxA/Contractor to complete all Integrated Systems and Heat Load Testing in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects, with the client team.
L5-9	CxA to Run, Oversee and Validate all testing has been completed according to project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L5-10	CxA to Write Detailed Reports in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L5-11	Client/Designer to approve Detailed Report in line with project requirements, including all observations and defects.
L5-12	CxA/Contractor to ensure everything has been completed, then apply for a WHITE TAG Sticker from the CxA for mounting on the equipment.
L5-13	Client/CxA/Designer to review WHITE TAG Sticker application and issue or provide a list of defects and observations for closeout.
L5-14	CxA to ensure that the Owners Project Requirement [OPR] document has been reviewed and updated where needed, in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L5-15	Designer to ensure that the Basis of Design [BOD] document has been reviewed and updated where needed, in case of any changes to client needs or design.
L5-16	CxA to write, manage and issue Level 5 Closeout Report.

Level 6 – Closeout/Handover

Level 6 will ensure that the above processes are fully closed out, and handover is completed.

Ref	Task/Activity
L7-1	The client accepts and Provides Certification confirming that the project has been completed in line with expectations.

Level 7 – Acceptance

The acceptance stage is more of a quality check that all items and issues are fully closed out prior to the client accepting the handover.

Ref	Task/Activity
L7-1	The client accepts and Provides Certification confirming that the project has been completed in line with expectations.

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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 or purchased from our shop by clicking the button below. Within the purchase, you will receive each type of checklist [.doc] & [.xls] shown.

Data Center Commissioning Checklist [MS Word]

066-Data-Center-Commissioning-Checklist-R3-word

Data Center Commissioning Checklist [MS Excel]

066-Data-Center-Commissioning-Checklist-excel-1

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