Electrical commissioning is a critical process in the lifecycle of any power system, ensuring that all components work together harmoniously to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable electricity. Division 26 specifications often reference electrical commissioning; however, this typically refers to NETA acceptance testing to ensure compliance with industry standards and the proper functionality of electrical systems. This often leads to confusion between the overall building commissioning process and the specific electrical acceptance testing requirements.
In Absolute Testing Services’ (ATS) opinion, this process is not just about meeting industry standards but about guaranteeing the operational integrity and performance of electrical infrastructures. The goal is to validate the design and safe operation of electrical systems, including switchgear, transformers, generators, and other critical components. By conducting thorough testing and verification, ATS plays a vital role in minimizing risks and enhancing system reliability before full-scale operation commences.
However, a common misconception in the commercial building services industry is confusion between NETA testing and commissioning services and the overall building commissioning process related to electrical systems. Engineered Air Balance (EAB) is a leader in the building commissioning industry and conducts the commissioning process on many large power systems and subsequent electrical components including lighting, equipment loads and plug load distribution. EAB’s Cx personnel review the electrical design from a view of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD), and integration with served HVAC, Plumbing, Life Safety, and other low voltage systems.
This design review complements the in-depth performance and compliance evaluation that ATS provides as part of its NETA acceptance testing services. In addition, EAB Cx personnel develop System Verification Checklists (SVC) for each component in the electrical system, ensuring compliance with project specifications and manufacturer requirements. These checklists guide the process from procurement to the point of energizing the equipment and preparing systems for final functional testing.
The NETA acceptance testing process is crucial in making equipment ready for safe energization and is integral to completing these commissioning checklists, particularly for major power system components. ATS approaches electrical acceptance testing in a comprehensive and methodical way, starting with a thorough review of the electrical system’s design documents. This is followed by rigorous testing of each component, including power cables, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, emergency power equipment, and system integration tests, to verify proper installation and ensure that all parts of the electrical system communicate and operate as intended.
In addition to these system-level tests, ATS employs advanced diagnostic tools to identify potential issues, recommend corrective actions, and prevent equipment failures or downtime. This independent view and meticulous process culminates in ATS providing NETA acceptance testing documentation including summary reports, test sheets, and deficiency logs. The NETA documentation is then submitted to the construction team and Cx provider (EAB) for review before authorizing the energization of the electrical equipment. These reports will also become a permanent record in the building commissioning documentation as attachments to the applicable SVCs for electrical power equipment.
Once authorized and energized, the Cx provider (EAB) and construction team—including ATS as the NETA provider in some instances—will conduct Functional Performance Testing (FPT) to verify system performance under load conditions. This testing proves the functionality of electrical systems and ensures appropriate interaction with monitoring systems and building transitions such as power loss or life safety events. The importance of these processes, especially in complex power systems, cannot be overstated.
With electrical commissioning now mandated by the 2023 NFPA 70B (Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance), the initial data from the commissioning process becomes invaluable for ongoing maintenance of the facility’s electrical systems. ATS and EAB remain at the forefront of this essential activity, using their expertise and specialized knowledge to ensure that electrical systems meet compliance standards and perform optimally and safely. Together, the smooth commissioning of power systems reduces the likelihood of operational disruptions, extends the lifespan of electrical components, and supports the reliable distribution of electricity in modern buildings.