Electrical Commissioning - What is It?

I know I talk alot about using infrared thermography to identify heat loss, electrical surveys, roof surveys and predictive maintenance through thermography scans. I'm going to spend the next few weeks exploring "commissioning" - what it is, why it's important and how to get it done.

First - basics! What is commissioning? It is defined as the Process by which an equipment, facility, or plant (which is installed, or is complete or near completion) is tested to verify if it functions according to its design objectives or specifications.

In laymen's terms, this means that we check to make sure it works like it's supposed to work! There are multiple kinds of commissioning: electrical commissioning, mechanical commissioning, and HVAC commissioning.

I am focusing on Electrical Commissioning this week simply because the electrical distribution system is the foundation for every other system in your commercial building. Let's face it, if the electrical system isn't working, neither is your communication, fire and/life safety, security, or any other mechanical systems!

It might seem like overkill to go through the commissioning process, but did you know that Factory Mutual did a study on losses associated with electrical failures? Over 50% of the 766 losses were caused by inadequate maintenance and testing, costing close to $4 million dollars! I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't be happy taking that kind of preventable loss to my bottom line!

Electrical power system commissioning:

• Determines if the components and system have been properly installed and are not damaged
• Reduces downtime
• Reduces risk of equipment failure
• Increases safety
• Improves insurability
• Reduces liability exposure of the designers and installers
• Improves system performance
• Determines whether components and systems operate properly and meet the design intent
• Determines if components and systems are in compliance with the project specifications and design
• Reduces construction schedule delays
• Saves money

So if you have a new or remodelled commercial building, or are installing, upgrading or maintaining your commercial power system, feel free to give us a call and set up an electrical commissioning visit to your site. Make sure you are getting what you pay for, and that your building and systems are functioning according to specifications!

Sources:
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/commissioning.html
http://www.powerstudies.com/content/resources/Cx-TypicalProblems.pdf

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans.