12.7 Functional performance testing

Section 120.8(g): Functional performance testing. Functional performance tests shall demonstrate the correct installation and operation of each component, system, and system-to-system interface in accordance with the acceptance test requirements. Functional performance testing reports shall contain information addressing each of the building components tested, the testing methods utilized, and include any readings and adjustments made.

12.7

12.7.1  Intent

Develop and implement the functional performance tests to document (as set forth in the Commissioning Plan) that all components, equipment, systems and system-to-system interfaces were installed as specified, and operate according to the Owner’s Project Requirements, Basis of Design, and plans and specifications.

The following systems to be functionally tested are 'listed in the Basis of Design:

1. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls

2. Indoor lighting system and controls

3. Water heating system and controls

4. Covered processes

12.7.2  Existing Law or Regulation

Title 24 Acceptance Testing requirements call for functional testing of some systems and equipment. Refer to Chapter 13: Acceptance Requirements, located in this Nonresidential Compliance Manual for further guidance.

12.7.3  Compliance Method

Compliance is demonstrated by developing and implementing test procedures for each piece of commissioned equipment and interfaces between equipment and systems according to the building-specific Commissioning Plan. Tests should include verification of proper operation of all equipment features, each part of the sequence of operation, overrides, lockouts, safeties, alarms, occupied and unoccupied modes, loss of normal power, exercising a shutdown, startup, low load through full load (as much as possible) and back, staging and standby functions, scheduling, energy efficiency strategies and loop tuning. Title 24 Acceptance Requirements, discussed in Chapter 13, are required and will contribute toward compliance with section 120.8(g), but do not cover all necessary testing.

 

Elements of acceptable test procedures include:

1.   Date and Party – Identification of the date of the test and the party conducting the test.

2.   Signature Block – Signature of the designated commissioning lead and the equipment installing contractor attesting that the recorded test results are accurate.

3.   Prerequisites – Any conditions or related equipment checkout or testing that needs to be completed before conducting this test.

4.   Precautions – Identification of the risks involved to the test team members and the equipment and how to mitigate them.

5.   Instrumentation – Listing of the instrumentation and tools necessary to complete the test. 

6.   Reference – In each procedure item, identify the source for what is being confirmed (e.g., sequence of operation ID, operating feature, specification requirement, etc.).

7.   Test Instructions – Step-by-step instructions of how to complete the test, including functions to test and the conditions under which the tests should performed. 

8.   Acceptance Criteria – Measurable pass / fail criteria for each step of the test, as applicable.

9.   Results – Expected system response and space to document the actual response, readings, results and adjustments.

10.  Return to Normal – Instructions that all systems and equipment are to be returned to their as-found state at the conclusion of the tests.

11.  Deficiencies – A list of deficiencies and how they were mitigated.

 

Enforcement

At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance during Field Inspection by:

1.   Receipt of a copy of completed and signed Functional Performance Tests that indicate any deficiencies have been corrected (optional), or

2.   Receipt of a form signed by the owner, owner representative or commissioning coordinator attesting that the Functional Performance Tests have been completed and any deficiencies corrected.