CCP Commissioning Process & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which commissioning phase includes the development of the Systems Manual and completion of seasonal or deferred testing?
- Construction Phase
- Design Phase
- Warranty Phase (Correct answer)
- Pre-Design Phase
Correct answer: Warranty Phase
During the Warranty Phase, the CxA ensures deferred and seasonal testing is completed, the Systems Manual is finalized, and unresolved issues are addressed.
Question 2: A functional performance test (FPT) for an AHU would typically verify which of the following?
- That the unit was ordered from an approved vendor
- That the unit responds correctly to control sequences including economizer, heating, and cooling modes (Correct answer)
- That the ductwork downstream of the unit is properly insulated
- That the unit's nameplate data matches the submittal
Correct answer: That the unit responds correctly to control sequences including economizer, heating, and cooling modes
FPTs verify that equipment operates through all required modes and sequences of operation as specified in the OPR and construction documents.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'issues log' maintained throughout the commissioning process?
- To track contractor payment disputes
- To document, assign, and track resolution of deficiencies discovered during commissioning (Correct answer)
- To record daily weather conditions during testing
- To list equipment warranties and service contacts
Correct answer: To document, assign, and track resolution of deficiencies discovered during commissioning
The issues log (also called deficiency log) is the primary tracking tool ensuring all commissioning problems are documented, assigned to responsible parties, and resolved.
Question 4: In the context of building commissioning, what does 'retro-commissioning' (RCx) refer to?
- Commissioning a building that was originally designed before commissioning standards existed and has never been commissioned (Correct answer)
- Re-commissioning a building after a major renovation
- Commissioning performed retroactively on new construction
- Any commissioning performed after building occupancy
Correct answer: Commissioning a building that was originally designed before commissioning standards existed and has never been commissioned
Retro-commissioning applies the commissioning process to existing buildings that were never originally commissioned to optimize their performance.
Question 5: Which party is responsible for correcting commissioning deficiencies found during functional performance testing?
- The Commissioning Authority (CxA)
- The party whose work or equipment caused the deficiency (Correct answer)
- The building owner exclusively
- The commissioning specification writer
Correct answer: The party whose work or equipment caused the deficiency
Deficiency corrections are the responsibility of the contractor or subcontractor whose scope of work encompasses the deficient equipment or installation.
Question 6: What is the typical minimum timeframe for seasonal testing to be considered complete for an HVAC system serving a commercial building in a climate with both heating and cooling seasons?
- Seasonal testing must capture both peak heating and peak cooling conditions (Correct answer)
- Seasonal testing must occur within 30 days of substantial completion
- Seasonal testing is only required in climates below 20°F
- Seasonal testing must be completed before the first occupancy permit is issued
Correct answer: Seasonal testing must capture both peak heating and peak cooling conditions
Seasonal testing requires verifying system performance under both peak heating and peak cooling conditions to confirm full operational capability.
Question 7: During a commissioning scoping meeting, which document should be reviewed to confirm that commissioning scope aligns with project goals?
- The general contractor's bid schedule
- The Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) (Correct answer)
- The equipment maintenance manual
- The local building department permit application
Correct answer: The Owner's Project Requirements (OPR)
The OPR defines what the owner expects the systems to do, making it the essential reference for confirming commissioning scope is aligned with project intent.
CCP Commissioning Process & Procedures 3
Which commissioning phase includes the development of the Systems Manual and completion of seasonal or deferred testing?