System Commissioning and Startup

Commissioning is the verification that an installed system delivers what was designed. It is not turning the equipment on and hearing it run. It is a set of measurements compared against manufacturer specifications and design intent, then documented.

1. 1Verify the installation physically: clearances, level, supports, condensate slope and drainage, electrical connections torqued to specification.
2. 2Confirm the electrical supply matches the data plate and that overcurrent protection and wire size are correct.
3. 3On fuel fired equipment, verify gas supply and manifold pressure and leak test all disturbed joints.
4. 4Measure total external static pressure and set the blower for the required airflow.
5. 5Start the system and verify the full sequence of operation, including safeties.
6. 6On refrigerant systems, verify the charge by weight and confirm with superheat or subcooling at stable conditions.
7. 7On fuel fired equipment, perform combustion analysis and measure draft.
8. 8Verify temperature rise or temperature split against the manufacturer range.
9. 9Confirm thermostat configuration matches the equipment type and staging.
10. 10Record every reading and leave the documentation with the customer and on file.

Permits, inspection, required commissioning documentation and equipment specific startup requirements vary by jurisdiction, adopted code edition and the manufacturer instructions.