MH Controls Corner: Commissioning vs. Factory Startup

May 30, 2018

Lighting control systems have a sequence of events required in order to provide a functional operation that is optimized for the particular application. In discussing and specifying these different tasks, there appears to be confusion as to what certain terms entail. An optimized control system is one that meets code requirements and maximizes energy savings while meeting the needs of the occupants of the buildings. In commercial buildings, for the occupants, the best lighting control system is the one that they never notice.

To achieve an optimal functionality that balances the above requirements, the system will be installed, programmed, then have its functionality verified. Through these steps, confusion often arises as to who is doing what and what to call each step of the process. In particular, confusion between the meanings of “startup” and “commissioning” often arises. In some cases, these terms are used interchangeably when the scope involved is far from the same task.

Startup, also known as “Factory Authorized Startup,” is where the manufacturer or its authorized service provider completes the initial programming of the system in order to create the functionality as documented in the plans and specifications. Through the design process, a sequence of operations for the controls system will be created. Startup is what makes the components installed by the contractor function per this sequence.

Commissioning is a separate process where the functionality of different systems of a building are verified for functionality and, at times, tuned to maximize energy savings and performance based on the use of the facility. Commissioning is performed by a third party that did not have involvement with the installation or factory programming of the system. A third party is necessary to avoid the conflict of interest that arises when the installer or factory provides documentation of system functionality. If the system is not functional, there will typically be an additional cost to the installer or factory to achieve the correct functionality, leading to a financial incentive to claim functionality.

The order of events to install and optimize a controls system is as follows:

  1. The control system is installed by the contractor with the assistance of the factory authorized service provider.
  2. The control system is programmed (“started up”) by the factory authorized service provider with the assistance of the installer to correct any problems found.
  3. The system is then functionally demonstrated to the commissioning agent who will provide recommendations to ensure that the system operates in accordance with the documented sequence of operations. This commissioning process may also include additional recommendations or adjustments that will maximize system performance.
  4. The factory authorized service provider implements programming adjustments per the recommendations provided by the commissioning agent.

The latest editions of the IECC (2015 and 2018) include requirements for “Functional Testing.” These requirements provide documentation that the system is functioning correctly. This documentation is best provided by a third party. Most jurisdictions will require either a commissioning agent or the engineer of record as the entity that can provide certification in order to avoid a conflict of interest with the contractor or system programmer.

Every step in the sequence described above has its place in the value chain leading to an optimized control system. Keeping the tasks straight will lead to the installation of a more successful control.

This article was written by Clint Conley, our Lighting Controls Department Manager. Clint can be reached at 720.904.8554 or clint@mhlighting.com.

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