COMMISSIONING

What is commissioning?
The IESNA Handbook, 9th Edition offers the following definition of commissioning, "... a
systematic process that ensures that all elements of the day lighting system perform interactively
and continuously according to documented design intent and the needs of the building owner."
Commissioning involves equipment set-up procedures, calibration, the input of control settings
and the tuning to fit the system to the location and conditions in which it is installed. A first step
in commissioning anything is to verify that the right equipment was installed properly and that it
is functioning. Beyond that, commissioning is different for different systems.

For photo sensors the next step in commissioning is the process of making adjustments to the
control algorithm parameters to tailor performance to the specific application. Setting
potentiometers typically does these adjustments or dip switches on the photo sensor. The
adjustments generally do not change the form or type of control algorithm, but determine
constants such as set points and signal ratios that are part of the control algorithm. The constants
and the operational characteristics that they affect are unique to the different types of control
algorithms. Commissioning of the three basic types of control algorithms are separately
discussed in this tutorial.

To help better understand the commissioning process, a distinction between installation,

Calibrating is often used synonymously with commissioning, but calibrating is only a small part
of the commissioning process. Its precise definition concerns associating instrument readout with
a known unit of measurement. For example, a thermometer is calibrated by immersing it in an
ice-water bath and associating the corresponding reading with 0° C. Similarly, an illuminance
meter might be calibrated by exposing it to a known illuminance from a standard lamp and then
adjusting the readout scale so that the reading equals the known illuminance. There is more to
commissioning than just calibration. Calibration might not always be necessary to do in the field
after installation. For example, the temperature readout on a thermostat might arrive pre-
calibrated from the factory, so once installed the device will accurately indicate the temperature.
However, the heating and cooling system will not operate as intended until someone sets the
thermometer to the desired temperature. Setting the temperature is part of the commissioning
process in this example, whereas calibration is not.

The setting of the thermostat in the above example is a parameter adjustment. The desired
temperature to maintain is one of the parameters used in the thermostat control algorithm to
control temperature. Other parameters for a thermostat might include the cycle time, the range of
acceptable temperature excursions, and time clock settings for multiple set points. Similar
parameters exist for photo sensors such as the maintained work plane illuminance level, and the
rate at which dimming occurs. Depending on the type of control algorithm, a photo sensor might
have other parameter settings that allow the photo sensor to deal with specific room conditions
such as ceiling/work plane illuminance ratios.

Often times, however, people speak of moving the photo sensor to different locations within the
room to find the spot that best provide the desired control. By doing this, the person is searching
for a convenient spot where the photo sensor input optical signal is directly proportional to the
workplace illuminance or whatever other lighting criteria the person is seeking. This should not
be considered as part of a commissioning process because it is not a systematic process, but one
of trial and error, and moving the sensor is not something that is readily done, but rather involves
installation procedures (running wires, cutting holes in ceilings, fastening, etc.). To consider
moving the sensor around as part of a commissioning process, the sensor must be readily
moveable by the commissioning person (therefore no wires attaching the device to the rest of the
lighting equipment) and detailed instructions would need to lead a person through a systematic
procedure to determine the appropriate location.

Procedures of commissioning
Purchase Order Terms And Conditions
1. ACCEPTANCE: This order becomes the exclusive agreement between the parties for the
Supplies and/or services, subject to the terms and conditions herein. Any of the following shall
constitute an unqualified acceptance by Seller of this order.
(i) Acknowledgment of this order,
(ii) Furnishing of any products or services under this order,
(iii) Acceptance of any payment, or
(iv) Commencement of performance under this order.
Additional or different terms or conditions proposed by Seller shall be void and of no effect
unless accepted in writing by Buyer. No change in modification or revision of this order shall be
valid unless in writing and signed by Buyer.
2. CHANGES:
(a) Buyer may, at any time by written notice and without notice to sureties or assignees, make
changes within the general scope of this order in any one or more of the following:
(i) Drawings, designs or specifications,
(ii) Method of shipping or packing,
(iii) Place of inspection acceptance or point of delivery, and
(iv) Delivery schedule.
Should any such change increase or decrease the cost or the time required for performance of
this order, Seller or Buyer may request an equitable adjustment in the price, delivery schedule or
both. No request by Seller for such adjustment will be valid unless submitted to Buyer within
thirty days from date of such change. The request for adjustment should include charges for
redundant material, works in process and any other costs involved. Any claim for cost associated
with a change in the scope of the work shall be documented in the detail prescribed by Part
43.203b of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and will not be considered valid unless submitted
within six (6) months of the change.
(b) Buyer's engineering and technical personnel may from time to time render assistance to the
Seller concerning the items or services to be furnished pursuant to this order No change order
will be binding unless issued in writing by Buyer's authorized procurement representative. Any
request of action by Buyer’s Technical Staff that Seller considers to constitute a change to the
scope of this order shall be identified in writing to the Buyer's authorized procurement
representative within thirty days of the alleged change. Nothing contained n this clause shall
relieve Seller from proceeding without delay in the performance of this order as changed.
3. INDEMNIFICATION. Seller shall comply with all the requirements placed upon the Seller
and its subcontractors by 10 USC 2306a. Cost or Pricing Data: Truth in Negotiations, as such
requirements are or become applicable hereto; and further, Seller shall indemnify Buyer against
and hold Buyer harmless from any loss or damage, including Buyer's lost profit and overhead,
under Buyer's contracts with its customer as a result of Seller's noncompliance with such
requirements.
4. DISPUTES. Pending resolution of any dispute arising under this purchase order, Seller shall
proceed diligently with the performance of this purchase order and, with reference to the matter
in dispute; Buyer may direct insuch manner as.
5. GOVERNING LAW. This Purchase Order Contract shall be construed, interpreted and the
rights of the parties determined in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
6. INSPECTION. Seller expressly warrants that all items covered by this Purchase Order shall
conform to specifications, drawings, samples, or other description set forth in the contract or
furnished by Buyer, that they shall be merchantable, of good material and workmanship and free
from defects. Said warranties, however, shall not be deemed to limit any warranties of additional
scope given to Buyer by Seller. All property and workmanship pertaining to this Purchase Order
shall be subject, upon request of the Buyer, to inspection and test by representatives of the
Buyer. The Buyer shall make final inspection after delivery is made unless otherwise provided
for in the Purchase order. If inspection or test, preliminary or final, by Buyer or the Federal
Government, requires to be made on the Seller's premises, the Seller shall furnish all reasonable
facilities and assistance for safe and convenient inspections and tests required by inspectors of
the Buyer or the Federal Government in performance of their duties. Final inspection and
acceptance by Buyer shall not terminate Seller's liability for any defects not revealed by
reasonable inspection, or resulting from fraud or such gross mistakes as amount to fraud.
The provisions of the foregoing paragraph shall not relieve the Seller of the obligations to make
full and adequate tests and inspection. Notwithstanding any prior payments or acceptance, Buyer
may reject and return any items not of quality ordered or not in conformance with specifications
or warranties. At Buyer's option, Seller either:
(a) Shall promptly reimburse the Buyer for the invoiced price of any rejected or returned items
plus all transportation charges paid by the Buyer plus any and all damages sustained by Buyer as
a result of Seller's breach of warranty, or
(b) Shall replace without additional cost to the Buyer such rejected and returned items if the
Buyer requests such replacement.
7. INVOICING. Seller shall mail for each shipment: (1) an original invoice (so marked) and two
copies thereof to Buyer's Accounts Payable Department and, (2) if appropriate (i.e., F.O.B.
origin) the original bill of lading or express receipt signed by Carrier to Buyer's Receiving
Department. The Buyer shall honor no price increase claimed on the basis of prices in effect at
shipping date unless it is specifically provided for in the body of the Purchase Order.
8. TAXES. Unless otherwise indicated in this Purchase Older, the prices herein shall not include
any Federal, state, or local sales, use or other taxes from which the Seller or this transaction or
procurement is exempt or for which the Buyer supplies a tax exemption certificate acceptable to
the taxing authorities.
9. EXAMINATION OF RECORDS. Seller's books and records pertaining to the work under
this Purchase Order shall at all reasonable times be subject to inspection and audit by the Buyer.
10. TERMINATION. Buyer may, by written or electronic notice, terminate this Purchase Order
and the performance of work hereunder, in whole or from time to time in part, for reason of
default of the Seller or whenever, for any reason, Buyer deems such termination to be in his best
interest. Upon receipt of such notice, Seller shall terminate work when and to the extent specified
in the notice, terminate all orders and subcontracts to the extent they relate to the work
terminated, continue work not terminated and take necessary actions for the protection of
property in the Seller's possession in which the Buyer or the Government has or may acquire an
interest. The Seller and the Buyer shall negotiate the amount of fair compensation to be paid the
Seller in event of a termination.
11. CONIFIDENTIALITY/PUBLICATION. The Seller shall not publish, permit to be
published, or distribute for public consumption, any information oral or written, concerning the
work being performed or the results or conclusions made pursuant to the performance of this
order, without the prior written consent of the Buyer. (Two copies of any material proposed to be
published or distributed shall be submitted to the Buyer for such approval.)
The Seller also agrees to preserve as confidential all information obtained by him pertaining to
the business of the Buyer and shall not, without first obtaining Buyer's written consent, advertise,
publish or disseminate in any manner the fact that Seller has furnished or has contracted to
furnish Buyer the items covered hereby, nor advertise, publish or disseminate in any manner the
name of any person or organization affiliated with the Buyer.
The Seller further agrees to require similar agreements of all his suppliers and agents to whom
any work or duty relating to this Purchase Order may be allotted.

12. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Seller shall, in performing on this Purchase Order, comply
with all laws, orders, regulations, ordinances, local laws, proclamations, demands, requisitions
and directives of the Federal Government or of any state, political subdivision, or any authority
or representative thereof which may now or hereafter relate to manufacture, sale or delivery of
the items covered by this Purchase Order or dissemination of information in connection
therewith.
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successors, assignees, and customers against liability, including costs and expenses for
infringement upon any Letters Patent of the United States or Copyright Rights arising out of the
purchase, use, or disposal of the items covered by this Purchase Order, insofar as such items
represent a device or composition of design submitted by Seller or are of Seller's standard
manufacture.
14. SUBCONTRACTING. Seller shall not subcontract for completed or substantially
completed articles called for hereunder without prior written consent of Buyer. This limitation
does not apply to the purchase of standard commercial supplies or raw materials.
15. ASSIGNMENT. Buyer shall have the right to set-off amounts now or hereafter owing
(whether or not due and payable) by Seller to Buyer, under this contract or otherwise, against
amounts, which are then, or may thereafter, become due and payable to Seller under this
contract. Neither this contract nor monies due or to become due hereunder shall be assigned by
Seller in whole or in part without Buyer's prior written consent. Should Seller make assignment
or purported assignment of this contract or monies due or to become due hereunder without
Buyer's prior written consent, Buyer, at its option, may cancel this contract without obligation to
make any further payments hereunder.
16. MODIFICATIONS. This Purchase Order cannot be modified except by written consent of
the Buyer, and the provisions of this Purchase Order shall be deemed to control irrespective of
any conditions specified by the Seller in conflict therewith.
17. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. If this order is placed pursuant to a government prime or
subcontract indicated on face of order, the following shall apply: Seller will comply with all
pertinent Acquisition Regulations of any government agency funding this order or otherwise, and
agrees to accept as its Obligation.
COMMISSIONING REPORT WRITING
Definition
Commissioning report today deals with an important aspect of commissioning activity. In any
industry and business today, every body is expected to write a commissioning report on what
he/she performed in commissioning. Because it is in the main means of communication between
suppliers and receiving agents.
In commissioning report, people express what they performed, analysed, the procedure and
material used, summaries of work and some recommendations.
Thus, commissioning report writing is a process of producing reports, which comprises of the
above components.
Any body who produces commissioning report should know how to communicate with people to
get reliable data, interpret data, analyse data and it is expected to know what medium of
communication used to exchange data, how to document this data and generate the final report
about the occurrence. So commissioning report writing is a practical repetitive activity of
employees as part of jobs in commissioning activities.
Purpose of commissioning report writing
Commissioning report writing has three basic purpose:
 To inform (receive and transfer items, activities done, procedures used, result of work)
 To instruct (give directions for performing duties, provide commissioning support,
descriptions of items…. etc)
 To persuade (to tell reason why does follow rules/procedures, convince work to be done,
to inform bottlenecks of the process).
Types Of Report
There are many ways to classify commissioning reports using subject matter, functions,
frequency of issuance, type and formality of formats, …but, traditionally there are two
descriptive categories
 Informational report and
 Analytic report
The Informational Report
Presents information with out criticism, evolution and recommendation.
It provides
 Detailed account of activities
 No attempt to provide solution to problems
 Information on present and past events
Example inventory report, sales report, progress report
The Analytic Report
It is a report goes beyond informational reports since it presents an analysis and
interpretation of the fault in addition to the facts.
The conclusion and recommendations are the most important and interesting parts of the
report. The analytical report serves as bases for the solution of an immediate problems or a
guide to future happenings.
It is valuable and commonly used instruments for all types of activities to report by
applying different techniques
Procedures Of Report Writing
Report writing is reconstruction of written form of purpose full performances of
commissioning.
Report writing goes through 4 steps of doing
1) Preliminary planning
2) Jotting work procedures
3) Gathering of data about the activities and situations
4) Organizing data and
5) Develop report
Formats Of Commissioning Reports.
The format of commissioning reports is different from agent to agent. But, it main
components are: Title of report, name of commissioning agent, material and equipment
required for commissioning, items to be commissioned, procedure used, problems, solution
taken and Recommendations.