University of Edinburgh

Engineering Services

Guidelines
Section 2: Testing and Commissioning.
The University of Edinburgh
Estates and Buildings
Works Division

Issue: 3
Date: January 2008
Engineering Services Guidelines December 2006
Works Division Issue 3
The University of Edinburgh

Contents

1.0 General Introduction and Application

1.1 M&E Relevant Standards

1.2 Design Submissions

1.3 Operating and Maintenance Manuals

2.0 Testing and Commissioning

3.0 Mechanical Engineering Guidelines

3.1 Design Criteria

3.2 Heating Central plant

3.3 Cooling Central Plant

3.4 Pipework and Distribution

3.5 Space Heating Equipment

3.6 Space Cooling Equipment

3.7 Ventilation Systems

4.0 Controls

See separate document.

5.0 Special Installations

5.1 Fume Cupboards

5.2 Lecture Theatres

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Engineering Services Guidelines December 2006
Works Division Issue 3
The University of Edinburgh

6.0 Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Power Distribution Equipment and power quality equipment

Cable Installation

Lighting, Luminaries & Lamps

Fire Detection and Alarms

Emergency Lighting

Lightning Protection

7.0 Lift Installations

8.0Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

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2.0 TESTING AND COMMISSIONING

The level of testing and commissioning required will vary with the complexity of the project.
It may be possible to carry out commissioning on partial systems on both simple and
complex projects. Alternatively it may only be possible to carry out commissioning of a
complete facility on completion of the building services work.
The University expects a very high standard of test, commission and hand-over procedures. It
is essential that contractors are made aware of this at the tender stage.

By whatever method testing and commissioning is undertaken the following general

comments apply:-

• All testing and commissioning including off-site inspections, must be witnessed by

the Engineer responsible for the services design (or his appointed representative).
• Testing and commissioning shall be in accordance with BSRIA recommendations.
• If the competence of the installing contractor’s ability to undertake commissioning is
in doubt’ then use is to be made of specialist commissioning contractors. This
decision must be made before the issue of tender documents and provision made for
any additional costs.
• All on-site tests and commissioning must have the design engineer in attendance or
be represented by a third party.
• If, in the opinion of the design engineer, a system or complete building requires a
comprehensive and lengthy testing period, including the imposition of dummy loads,
this is to be allowed for in the tender documentation costing and programming of the
complete project.

If it is required that a system, complete building test, or commissioning procedure requires to

be witnessed by a representative of the University, this should be made known at the Tender
stage and a minimum of five working days notice given by the Consulting Engineer to the
University’s representative. Some facilities such as those requiring designation to Home
Office requirements, will require lengthy periods of commissioning and preparation of
extensive real time data. It is the Consulting Engineer’s responsibility to obtain this data and
present it in the form specified.
The programmed period for services plant commissioning shall only be reduced with the
written agreement of the University Project Manager.
Systems offered for witnessing must be complete, fully operational and commissioned.
University representatives will abandon witnessing of any system found to be non-compliant
in this respect.
Testing and commissioning must be realistically timed and shown on the project programme.
Commissioning shall be followed by a period for demonstration to Works Division and end
users as agreed with the Project Manager and/or Engineer and generally in accordance with
hand-over procedures.