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Many people use retro-commissioning and re-commissioning interchangeably. We view the two differently. We see 'retro' as going backwards, thus commissioning your systems to a standard or design set in the past would be what we consider retro-commissioning. We view re-commissioning as taking a previously commissioned system and re-commissioning it to a newer updated standard or design.
In general re-commissioning is a furthered execution of the commissioning process. The overriding purpose of the process can be summarized with the generic statements below:
1. What to you / the owner / operator need the system to do or accomplish your desired outcome?
2. Does the system still accomplish your desired outcome? How is the systemoperating currently?
3. Does it do so as efficiently as it should, are their observable problems?
4. Verify via testing if the system meets your expectations by verifying the various modes and expected responses
5. Document your results and compare to your expectations and determine if modifications are needed and repeat as necessary
There are many reasons to perform re-commissioning, the below list are only the most common reasons:
1. Peace-of-mind verification – Some systems are critical to operations and it is recommended that they periodically are tested to ensure correct operation, this will hopefully find any newly acquired bugs during testing and not during a crisis situation
2. Changes in use – In the ever changing world building use can change overtime, this can greatly affect building operation as the designer typically bases system functions on a previously documented operation. Examples are: Conversion between 24/7 and partial use, increased or decreased personnel, and increased or decreased loads.
3. Noticeable Operational Issues – Overtime systems and some of their components can degrade and eventually a noticeable lack of functionality or efficiency is noted
Depending on your reason for recommissioning some modifications to the original process may be needed.
For our projects we typically provide the original blank forms utilized in commissioning your project, if you elect to recommission a system or sub system on your own as part of your maintenance practices, you can utilize these forms as your starting point. We also offer these services and can quickly help you run your building through its paces.
You may need to adjust the forms or format depending on your reason and goals. Prior to any recommissioning effort it is strongly recommended that you first establish your goals, a metric for success is needed to ensure your purpose is understood by all and provide a means of verifying success.
If assistance is needed in formulating your re-commissioning process and documentation please feel free to contact us.
For our government and DOD clients, we also use the first exploratory phase of recommissioning to make note of needed upgrades to comply with current Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) and other current design standards, that may have been updated after your building was designed and constructed.
Has an issue come up?
Have your utility bills increased? Have occupent complaints increased?
Have you changed how you are using your building?
Added a new process?
All of these are just a few signs that re-commissioning may be needed. Please feel free to contact us to see if re-commissioning is right for you.
Copyright 2019 Capitol Commissioning Inc. All rights reserved.
ph: 703-665-9508
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