scope:

Applicability

The commissioning process described here applies to new construction, major renovations, and all systems and assemblies. Although this chapter focuses on HVAC, commissioning can be applied to the building as a total system, which includes structural elements, building envelope, life safety features, electrical systems, communication systems, plumbing, irrigation, controls, and HVAC systems (ASHRAE Guideline 0). Based on owners' preference and project contract scope, total commissioning can include industrial process and process equipment, systems, piping, instrumentation, electrical, and related control, or these topics may be treated as an independent phase of project commissioning.

Which building systems should be commissioned varies with the systems and assemblies used, building size, project type, and objectives. Owners and commissioning providers often focus on systems and assemblies under the commissioning umbrella that have (1) historically not performed well at turnover (e.g., outside air economizers and variable-speed drives), (2) are mission-critical (e.g., air cleanliness in a cleanroom, emergency power in a hospital), (3) will be costly to fix during occupancy if they fail (e.g., chilled-water piping, window flashing assemblies), or (4) present a life-safety risk if they fail (e.g., fire alarm, smoke control, moisture penetration). Recommendations in this chapter should be appropriately modified for each project. Although commissioning may begin at any time during the project life cycle, owners obtain the highest benefits when commissioning begins at the conceptual or predesign phase.