St. Michael TVET Training and Assessment Center Inc.

3rd FloorPagkatipunan Bldg. Profugo St. cor.Merchan St.

Lucena City, Quezon 4301

LESSON6. COMMISSIONING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NAME: _________________________________________________ Page | 1

GRADE/ SECTION:________________________________________
Electrical Installation and Maintenance
Program/Course: ELECTRICAL INSTALATION AND MAINTENANCE NC II

Unit of Competency: COMMISSION INSTALLED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Module Title: Commissioning Electrical System

INTRODUCTION:

This module contains information and suggested learning activities in the

installation of wiring devices for floor and ground fault current interrupting outlets. It
includes instructions and procedure on how to install and select electrical boxes.

This module consists of three (3) learning outcomes. Each learning outcome
contains learning activities supported by instruction sheets. Before you perform the
instructions, read the information sheets and answer the self-check and activities
provided to ascertain to yourself and your instructor that you have acquired the
knowledge necessary to perform the skill portion of the particular learning outcome.

Upon completing this module, report to your instructor for assessment to check
your achievement of knowledge and skills requirements of this module. If you pass the
assessment, you will be given a certificate of completion.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the module the students shall be able to:

LO1 Perform preliminary activities for commissioning

LO2 Ensure normal operability of electrical system
LO3 Finalize commissioning activities

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Refer to assessment criteria of learning outcomes 1-3 of this module.

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Pre-test
Direction: Select the best answer and write in your answer sheet.

1. It is a process of verifying that building systems operate and function at a high

performance level, as designed.
a. operating b. commissioning c. installing d. checking

2. It is a quality-oriented process for achieving, verifying and documenting that the

performance of the facilities, systems, and assemblies meets the defined objectives
and criteria.
a. inventory process c. commissioning process
b. operating process d. evaluation process

3. Which of the following does not belong to the group? Why is commissioning
important after constructing a building.
a. To avoid disappointment and subsequent costly refinements or repairs.
b. To ensure that the system/s will meet the needs of the owner and occupants.
c. To check the excess of materials.
d. To verify that the designed system meets the owner’s requirements and that
construction confirms to the contract documents and the system/s operates
as needed.

4. Which of the following does not describe to the work included in electrical system
commissioning?
a. Validation of proper and thorough installation of systems and equipment.
b. Functional testing of electrical systems.
c. Documentation of tests, procedures, and installations.
d. Inventory of tools, materials, and equipment used in the construction.

5. Stated below are system to be commissioned except .

a. Distribution and branch circuit panel boards
b. Lighting fixtures and controls
c. Fire alarm equipment/fire alarm equipment monitoring system
d. water and drainage system facilities

6. To whom will the drawings, equipment manuals and final report of commissioning be
submitted?
a. contractor b. owner c. supervisor d. inspector

7. Stated below are equipment needed in commissioning except .

a. multi tester b. insulation tester c. thermometer d. high potential tester

8. Which device is used to measure the voltage, the resistance, or the current of a
circuit. It is connected in either parallel or series with the circuit depending on what
to measure?
a. multitester b. megger tester c. high potential tester d.clamp meter

9.An instrument used to measure the insulation resistance of conductors or wire. It is

measured in ohms or meg-ohms.
a. multitester b. megger tester c. high potential tester d.clamp meter

10. It is an electronic device used to verify the electrical insulation in a cable, printed
circuit board, electric motor, transformer or other wired assembly.
a. multitester b. megger tester c. high potential tester d. clamp meter

2
11. During the continuity testing of a circuit the multitester must be set to .
a. resistance b. capacitance c. voltage d. current

12. What should be the first procedure in tracing short circuit or overload?
a. reset the circuit breaker
b. turn off all switches and unplug lights and appliances
c. mark appliances, device, or circuit with damage
d. replace the defective fuse or breaker

13. Which of the following does not create a low resistance reading during the testing of
insulation resistance?
a. heat b. moisture c. water d. dirt

14. During the insulation resistance testing, if one lead touches neutral wire of a
conductor the other will touch .
a. hot wire b. water c. ground d. wood

15. In measuring the voltage in a circuit set the meter to the appropriate range for the
voltage you expect to find, but when measuring the unknown voltage the setting
must be in .
a. highest range c. the mean of lowest and highest range
b. lowest range d. always 250 volts

16. Shown below is an example of what electrical system commissioning testing (live
circuit)?

a. measuring voltage in a circuit

b. testing the insulation resistance
c. tracing short circuit or overload
d. testing the continuity of a circuit

17. What is the best way to perform when problems arise during the testing of
equipment and system?
a. shut down the power supply
b. troubleshoot techniques should be performed
c. repair the defective equipment
d. trace the short circuit

18. What is the other term for insulation/megger tester?

a. mega ohm meter b. hipot meter c. ground tester d. ohmmeter

19. Testing of any electrical circuit is prohibited except in .

a. extremely humid or wet environment c. with explosive or combustible gas
b. dry location d. if the tester is defective

20. Which of the following is not considered as electrical circuit defect?

a. open circuit b. short circuit c. grounded circuit d. close circuit

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 TECHNICAL TERMS

Amprobe's Phase Sequence and Motor Rotation Tester is used to assure used to
assure proper and safe connection of the electrical equipment on three-phase systems
Amperage (Amps) is a measure of electrical current flow.
Circuit breaker or fuses is used to protect against over-current and short circuit
conditions that could result in potential fire hazards and explosion.
Closed circuit is a circuit where electricity flows from an energy source to the desired
endpoint of the circuit.
Commissioning is a process of verifying that building systems operate and function at
a high performance level, as designed.
Commissioning Process is a quality-oriented process for achieving, verifying and
documenting that the performance of the facilities, systems, and assemblies meets the
defined objectives and criteria.
Ground/grounding is a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by
which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth, or to some conducting
body of relatively large extent that serves in place of the earth.
Hipot tester is an electronic device used to verify the electrical insulation in a cable,
printed circuit board, electric motor, transformer or other wired assembly.
LCD refers to Liquid Crystal Display.
Multi-tester is used to measure the voltage, the resistance or the current of a circuit. It
is connected in either parallel or series with the circuit depending on what to measure.
Megger is an instrument used to measure the insulation resistance of conductors or
wire. It is measured in ohms or meg-ohms.
Open circuit is a circuit constructed from conductors that are separately supported by
insulators.
PPE refers to Personal Protective Equipment.
Short circuit is an abnormal electrical path.
VAC refers to Voltage Alternating Current.
VDC refers to Voltage Direct Current.
Voltage (volts) is a measure of electrical potential.

4
LESSSON 1: Perform preliminary activities for commissioning

Introduction:

This lesson covers the knowledge of performing preliminary activities for

commissioning and it contains the information on the different work needed in the
commissioning.

Assessment Criteria

1. Scope of work is confirmed to ensure clear understanding of job elements.

2. Planning of commissioning activity is performed in line with work requirements.

3. Materials, tools and equipment needed for commissioning are prepared according to
work requirements.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES/ACTIVITIES

Learning Outcome 1: Perform preliminary activities for commissioning

Learning Activities Special Instructions

1. Read the attached Information Sheet . You can ask the assistance of your
1.1 on: teacher to explain topics you cannot
 Scope of work understand.
 Different work activities in
commissioning
 Equipment needed for
commissioning

2. Answer Self-Check 1.1 to test your

knowledge on the different work
activities and scope of work in
commissioning.

3. Compare your answer to Answer Key

1.1.

4. When you are ready, you can proceed

to L.O. 2.

5
INFORMATION SHEET 1.1

DIFFERENT WORK ACTIVITIES NEEDED IN COMMISSIONING

INTRODUCTION

Commissioning helps ensure that the system/s will meet the needs of the owner
and occupants. It also verifies that the designed system meets the owners’
requirements and that construction confirms to the contract documents and the
system/s operates as needed.

Commissioning building usually covers air conditioning, electrical, communications,

security and fire management system and their controls. It may also include other
systems and components, particularly if they are unusual or complex.

Electrical System Commissioning

A. Work included

 Systems and equipment testing and start-up.

 Validation of proper and thorough installation of systems and equipment
 Equipment performance verification.
 Functional testing of electrical systems.
 Documentation of tests, procedures, and installations.
 Coordination of training.

B. Scope

 Systems to be commissioned include the following:

1. Secondary Service Electrical Systems

2. Motor Control Centers
3. Distribution and Branch circuit panel boards
4. Lighting Fixtures and Controls
5. Lightning Protection Equipment and Lightning Protection Systems
6. Equipment Monitoring
7. Fire Alarm Equipment/Fire Alarm Equipment Monitoring System
8. AC motors
9. Grounding Equipment and Building Grounding System
10. Security System
11. Emergency Generators and Distribution System
12. Uninterruptible Power Systems

Along with drawings and equipment manuals, a final commissioning report is also
submitted to the owner. A complete commissioning report contains:

 All records of the commissioning procedures

 Testing results
 Deficiency notices and records of the satisfactory corrections of deficiencies

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 The following areas are addressed: general commissioning criteria, commissioning
plan, documentation requirements, verification procedures system, functional
performance tests, deferred performance tests, corrective measures, acceptance
documentation, post commissioning follow-up procedures and examples of
commissioning.

General system testing requirements

The purpose of electric systems commissioning is to increase the reliability of

electric power system after installation by identifying problems and providing a set of
baseline values for comparison with subsequent routine tests. A procedure should be
developed to include a planned approach (road map) of what should be done in order to
verify the proper system installation. This procedure is the commissioning plan.
Specific areas addressed in a commissioning plan include the verification of the
installation of all equipment/components, interface connections between equipment
and individual system, and interconnection drawings. The development of this test plan
specific to each system and/or component is key to the usefulness of any maintenance
program. The plan consists of: a) the schedule of when acceptance and routine tests
should be performed; b) test forms to be used to record the outcome of the tests which
are retained for comparison with previous and subsequent tests; and c) a listing of the
required test devices. Since the results of the commissioning tests become baseline test
values to compare with later tests and the results of the routine maintenance tests are
compiled to identify any downward trend in performance, it is vital to the maintenance
program to have accurate and complete records. To perform the testing, the plan lists
all required tests in order of performance and gives a schedule for each test. The work
items and schedule depend on many items including the importance and cost of the
equipment, consequences of failure, age of equipment, past and future frequency of
service, hours of operation, future maintenance availability, environmental conditions,
and safety requirements.

Component testing

Commissioning requirements for the system components are typically provided with
the original proposal for the procurement of the equipment. The requirements provided
by the equipment manufacturer should be adhered to in addition to the recommended
testing herein. Although there are many different components in any electrical system,
there are some tests that are common among the equipment. Examples of the common
testing procedures include the assembly check, alignment check, grounding
verification, insulation resistance tests and polarization index to name a few.

Sufficient time should be allocated to define the inspections required, perform the
check, and document the results. A review of the system drawings will show major
pieces of equipment. Specific procedures should be developed for each test referencing
the equipment to be used, drawings to be followed, and step by step procedures with
readings to be recorded and forms for the results.

System commissioning testing

Electrical system commissioning on new projects is critical to ascertain that a

system is installed properly and that it will operate as designed. The commissioning of
a system encompasses the individual testing of the related components, the verification
of the component interconnection against the drawings, and the functional testing of
the system as a whole. An understanding of the equipment involved and the modes of
operation for a system are essential to the development of the system commissioning

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plan. A survey of the equipment of the system and listing the equipment in order of
importance and startup is the first step in developing the commissioning plan. The
schedule of the tests and inspections are dependent on many aspects of the equipment
such as its importance and cost, the frequency of service, hours of operation,
environmental conditions, accessibility, and safety requirements. The inspection,
testing, and startup plan is then developed in conjunction with this schedule with
instructions and procedures for the test plan. Problems may arise during the testing of
the equipment and system. In order to identify and correct these problems,
troubleshooting techniques should be developed. Checking of equipment such as fuses,
lights, and breakers for continuity, equipment calibration and settings, and
investigating for faulty equipment or connections should be the first troubleshooting
steps. For all problems, the equipment and component manuals are consulted for
troubleshooting directions.

Equipment Needed in Commissioning

Multi-tester is used to measure the voltage, the resistance or the current of a

circuit. It is connected in either parallel or series with the circuit depending on what to
measure.
A multimeter can be a hand-held device that is useful for basic fault finding and
field service work or a bench instrument which can measure to a very high degree of
accuracy. This can be used to troubleshoot electrical problems in a wide array of
industrial and household devices such as batteries, motor controls, appliances, power
supplies, and wiring systems.

Analog Multimeter Digital multimeter

Megger is an instrument used to measure the insulation resistance of conductors

or wire. It is measured in ohms or meg-ohms. It is connected in parallel with the
circuit.

A megger (or sometimes meggar) is often used as an

alternate term for insulation tester a circuit tester which
puts a very high voltage at a very low current across two
conductors to make sure that they are properly insulated.
The word is short for megohm-meter.

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 High potential tester is an electronic device
used to verify the electrical insulation in a cable,
printed circuit board, electric motor, transformer or
other wired assembly. A hipot tester is used to
perform a high potential test. Generally a hipot
tester consists of:
 A source of high voltage,
 A current meter,
 A switching matrix used to connect the high
voltage source and the current meter to all of
the contact points in a cable.
In addition to these parts a hipot tester may also have a microcontroller and a
display to automate the testing process and display the testing results.

A hipot tester can be very similar to a cable tester very often the two are combined
into a single device.

A hipot tester is used to verify the circuits that should be insulated. It is done by
applying a high voltage between the circuits and making sure no current flows.
In a typical wired assembly, a hipot test should connect all circuits in common to
ground. Then, one by one the tester will disconnect a given circuit from ground and
connect that circuit to high voltage. The current that flows is monitored to verify that it
is low enough.
Phase sequence tester - means two measurement devices in one unit that provides
three functions - phase sequence identification, open
phase condition and motor rotation indication.
Amprobe's Phase Sequence and Motor Rotation Tester is
used to assure proper and safe connection of the
electrical equipment on three-phase systems.

Phase sequence testing is crucial for some of the

three-phase loads, whenever they need to be connected
to the electrical system. Improper connection of three-phase motors may lead to reverse
rotation, and as a result it may damage equipment powered by a motor.

Note. In this module, the focus of the commissioning process lies on the following:
 Insulation resistance
 Earth resistance test
 Phase sequence test

163
 SELF-CHECK 1.1

A. Direction: Enumerate the following:

1-12. Scope of commissioning electrical system

13-18. Work included in commissioning process

B. Direction: Identify the word or words being referred to by the statement. Write the
answer on your answer sheet.

1.It is a device used to verify the electrical insulation in a cable,

printed circuit board, electric motor, transformer or other wired
assembly.

2. It is used to assure proper and safe connection of the electrical

equipment on three-phase systems.
3.It is an instrument used to measure the insulation resistance of
conductors or wire.

4.It is used to measure either, the voltage, the resistance or the

current of a circuit.

References:

1. Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Incorporated.

Philippine Electrical Code of 1992.
2. Max B. Fajardo Jr. & Leo R. Fajardo. Electrical Layout and Estimate, 2 nd Edition.
3. Azares, Efren F. and Recana, Cirilo B. Practical Electricity III; Adriana Publishing:
1999.
4. Roland E. Palmquist. Audel House Wiring, 7th Edition.
5. www.des.od.nih.gov/eWebb/…/commissioning/nih_cxguide/cxspecs/1699555k
6. www.epa.gov/rtp/new-bldg/environmental/0910updf
7. www.megger.com/au/products
8. www.omnicontrols.com/manufacturer.megger.aspx
9. www.amprove.com/manuals/PRMZ-pdf
10. www.wikihow.com/use-a-multimeter

164
LESSON 2: Ensure normal operability of electrical system

Introduction:

This lesson covers the knowledge and skills on testing continuity circuit, tracing
short circuit, testing insulation resistance, measuring the voltage in the circuit, testing
earth resistance and testing phase sequence.

Assessment Criteria

1. Continuity of circuit is measured following prescribed procedure.

2. Insulation resistance is performed in following prescribed procedure.

3. Supply voltage is measured following prescribed procedure.

4. Earth resistance test is performed following prescribed procedure.

5. Phase sequence testing is performed following prescribed procedure.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES/ACTIVITIES

Learning Outcome 2: Ensure normal operability of electrical system

Learning Activities Special Instructions

1. Perform Operation Sheet 2.1 on testing  You can ask the assistance of your
the continuity of a circuit. teacher in case problems arise.

2. Perform Operation Sheet 2.2 on

tracing short circuit or overload.
3. Perform Operation Sheet 2.3 on
testing the insulation resistance of a
conductor.

4. Perform Operation Sheet 2.4 on

measuring the supply voltage of an
electrical circuit.

5. Perform Operation Sheet 2.5 on

testing earth resistance.  You can ask the assistance of your
teacher in case problems arise.

6. Perform Operation Sheet 2.6 on

testing phase sequence of a
component.

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 OPERATION SHEET 2.1

TESTING THE CONTINUITY OF A CIRCUIT

Tools and Equipment

 laboratory circuit board

 multitester
 screwdriver
 side cutting pliers
 combination pliers
 personal protective equipment
- gloves
- goggles

Procedure
13. Prepare the necessary tools, materials and equipment.

14. Wear the appropriate PPE.

15. Turn-off power to the circuit. If the voltage source is connected to the circuit during
this test, you will damage the meter.

16. Select “resistance” on your

multimeter (choose the lowest
setting). If using an analog, you
must first “zero” the meter by
touching the test pros together
and turning the thumbwheel until
the needle set at zero.

17. Touch the probe tips across the

component or portion of the
circuit for which you want to determine continuity.

18. Read the meter. (Note: If the reading is low, it means you have continuity(the circuit is
closed. If the reading is “infinity’, it means there is no continuity (the circuit is open)

19. Record the data you have gathered.

20. Perform good housekeeping.

166
Safety precautions

1. Do not attempt to adjust, test or make a repair if you do not have basic repair
skills or if you do not fully understand the directions.

2. Always practice proper and reasonable safeguards as well as those suggested by

the manufacturer of the devices and tools you use.

Assessment Criteria

WORKMANSHIP 5 pts.
ACCURACY OF TESTING 4 pts.
USE OF TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS 3 pts.
USE OF PPE 3 pts.
SPEED 3 pts.
HOUSEKEEPING 2 pts.
TOTAL 20 pts.

167
OPERATION SHEET 2.2

TRACING A SHORT CIRCUIT OR OVERLOAD

Tools and Equipment

 laboratory circuit board

 multitester
 screwdriver
 side cutting pliers
 combination pliers
 personal protective equipment
- gloves
- goggles

Procedure

1. Prepare tools, materials and equipment needed.

2. Wear appropriate PPE.

3. Turn off all wall switches and unplug all lights and appliances.

4. Reset the circuit breaker. Pull the lever to off and then to on again to reset a circuit
breaker with a lever switch. If a fuse is blown, it must be replaced. Unscrew the fuse
to replace it with one with exactly the same amperage rating (both circuit breakers
and fuses should be sized according to the wire used in the circuit they protect).

 Note the following symptoms after resetting the breaker

- If the breaker trips immediately: the problem may be a

short circuit in a receptacle or switch.
- If the breaker does not trip again, turn on each switch one
at a time and check if and when the breaker trips again.
- If turning on a switch causes the breaker to trip, there is a
short circuit in a fixture or receptacle controlled by the
switch.
- If turning on the switch makes no difference, the problem is
in one of the appliances connected to the switch.
- If the circuit went dead when you plugged in the appliance,
the problem is probably in the cord or plug.
- If the circuit went dead when you turned on the appliance,
the appliance itself is defective

5. Mark devices, appliances or circuit with damage. Separate them if

possible.

6. Report to the owner/occupant the test that you have done.

7. Perform good housekeeping.

168
Caution
 To protect yourself, think “Safety First”.
 Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, face shields,
insulating gloves, insulating boots, and/or insulating mats.
 Never ground yourself when taking electrical measurements.
 Always work with a partner.

Assessment Criteria
WORKMANSHIP 5 pts.
ACCURACY OF TESTING 4 pts.
USE OF TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS 3 pts.
USE OF PPE 3 pts.
SPEED 3 pts.
HOUSEKEEPING 2 pts.
TOTAL 20 pts.

169
 OPERATION SHEET 2.3

TESTING THE INSULATION RESISTANCE

Tools and Equipment

 laboratory circuit board

 insulation resistance tester
 screwdriver
 side cutting pliers
 combination pliers
 personal protective equipment
- gloves and goggles

Procedure

1. Prepare all tools, materials and equipment needed.

7. Wear appropriate PPE.
8. Use a multimeter or the voltage measurement function on the MegOhmMeter to
make sure there is no power applied to the tested circuit.
9. Select the appropriate voltage level.
10. Plug one end of the black test lead to the common terminal on the meter and touch
the test probe to a ground (earth)or another conductor. Sometimes it is helpful to
ground all conductors that are not part of the test. Alligator clips can make
measurements easier and more accurate.
11. Plug one end of the red test lead to the volt/ohm terminal on the meter and connect
the test probe to the conductor to be tested.
12. Press the test button to apply the desired voltage and read the resistance displayed
on the meter. It could take a few seconds for the reading to settle. The higher the
resistance is the better.
13. Test each conductor against ground and against all the other conductors present in
the conduit. Keep a dated record of the measured values in a safe place.
14. If some of the conductors show low resistance, identify the problem or re-pull the
conductors. Moisture, water, or dirt can create low resistance readings.

Figure 2. Actual testing

Figure 1. How to test
of insulation resistance
conductor resistance
170
Precautions

Adhere to the following four-step process before every test:

 Take the equipment out of service

 Check what will be included in the test
 Discharge capacitance
 Check current leakage at switches

Assessment Criteria

Workmanship 6 pts.
Accuracy of Testing 4 pts.
Use of Tools and Instruments 4 pts.
Use of PPE 3 pts.
Housekeeping 3 pts.
TOTAL 20 pts.

171
OPERATION SHEET 2.4

MEASURING VOLTAGE IN A CIRCUIT

Tools and Equipment

 laboratory circuit board
 multitester
 screwdriver
 side cutting pliers
 combination pliers
 personal protective equipment
- gloves
- goggles

Procedure
1. Prepare the necessary tools, materials and equipment needed.
2. Wear the appropriate PPE.
3. Set the meter to the appropriate range for the voltage you expect to find. (Note;
When measuring an unknown voltage, select the highest range and workdown.)

4. Touch the negative probe to a known ground and touch the positive lead to the wire
you are testing.
5. View the reading on the display and record it.
6. Perform good housekeeping.

Safety precautions
 Always wear eye protection and protective clothing or gear, as appropriate.
 Do not work alone - in the event of an emergency another person's presence may be
essential.
 Always keep one hand in your pocket when anywhere around a powered line
connected or high voltage system.
Assessment Criteria

Workmanship 5 pts.
Accuracy of Testing 4 pts.
Use of Tools and Instruments 3 pts.
Use of PPE 3 pts.

172
 Speed 3 pts.
Housekeeping 2 pts.
TOTAL 20 pts.
OPERATION SHEET 2.5

TESTING THE EARTH RESISTANCE

Tools and Equipment

 laboratory circuit board

 earth resistance tester
 screwdriver
 side cutting pliers
 combination pliers
 personal protective equipment
- gloves
- goggles

Procedure
1. Prepare tools, materials and equipment needed.
2. Wear appropriate PPE
3. Before proceeding with measurement, if the “ “ symbol appears on the display,
replace with new batteries.
4. Short the tips of the leads. Adjust the 0Ω ADJ control to set the reading to zero.
5. Rotate the function switch to the “EARTH VOLTAGE” position and press to test.
Earth voltage will be displayed on the LCD. If earth voltage is more than 10V, an
inaccurate reading may be obtained.
6. Precision earth resistance measurement method:
 Connect the green, yellow and red test leads to instrument terminals E, P and C
with auxiliary earth spikes P1, C1 placed into the soil “IN A STRAIGHT LINE”.
(Fig. 1)
 Rotate the function switch to a suitable range, then press the push button to
test and take the reading.
7. Simplified earth resistance measurement method:
 This method is recommended where an earth resistance higher than 10Ω is
measured or where it is not possible to drive auxiliary earth spikes. An
approximate value of earth resistance can be obtained by the two wire system
shown in Fig. 2.
 Rotate the function switch to “EARTH VOLTAGE” position and press to test.
Make certain that earth voltage is less than 10V.
 First rotate the function switch to the “200Ω position and press to test. Read
earth resistance. If the display shows “1”, switch to the “2KΩ” position and read
earth resistance.
 The reading obtained (Rx) is an approximate earth resistance value.
 There is no need for external shorting as P and C terminals are shorted by using
the test leads specified for the simplified measurement.
8. Record the data you have gathered.
9. Perform good housekeeping.

173
 Figure 3 (above).
Earth resistance

Figure 4 (right). Earth

resistance tester lead
terminal

Caution
To protect yourself, think “Safety First”.
 Voltages exceeding 30VAC or 60VDC pose a shock hazard so use caution.
 Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, face shields,
insulating gloves, insulating boots, and/or insulating mats.
 Never ground yourself when taking electrical measurements.
 Always work with a partner.
 When using the probes, keep fingers as far behind the probe tips as possible.

Assessment Criteria

Workmanship 5 pts.
Accuracy of Testing 4 pts.
Use of Tools and Equipments 3 pts.
Use of PPE 3 pts.
Speed 3 pts.
Housekeeping 2 pts.
TOTAL 20 pts.

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OPERATION SHEET 2.6

TESTING PHASE SEQUENCE

Tools and Equipment

 laboratory circuit board
 phase sequence tester
 screwdriver
 side cutting pliers
 combination pliers
 personal protective equipment
- gloves
- goggles

Procedure
1. Prepare tools, materials and equipment needed.
2. Wear appropriate PPE.
3. Connect the tester to the circuit under test.
4. Check for voltage on all phases: three LEDs marked “A”, “B” & “C” should be on. If
there is a lack of voltage on one of the test leads the corresponding LED will not
illuminate. If a voltage is present on one or two leads and the remaining leads are
connected to neutral or ground, both or all LEDs will illuminate not including the
phase sequence LEDs.
5. If the voltages of all phases are correct it is possible to read out the phases’ order by
observing the illumination of the LED marked as “NORMAL (ABC)” or “REVERSE”.
6. After conducting a test, the instrument should be disconnected from the circuit
under test. The tester left under voltage for long periods of time can overheat. In
such a case the built-in thermal protection will disconnect the electronic system
and the indications will be switched off. If such a situation occurs, you should
disconnect the tester from the installation and wait a few minutes before another
use of the tester (the tester will run automatically after cooling down).
7. Record the data you have gathered.
8. Perform good housekeeping.

Figure 5. Phase sequence tester Figure 6. Actual testing

of phase sequence

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Caution

Do not test any circuits in the extremely humid or wet environment.

 After transferring the tester from a cold place into a warm one, please, wait about
30 min. to get the tester acclimated to the present conditions. You can wipe the
condensed dew, if necessary.
 Do not operate the meter in the environment with explosive gas (material),
combustible gas (material), steam or filled with dust.
 Insulate yourself from the objects being measured.
 Do not make contact with any exposed metal (conductive) parts such as the tips of
the test leads, sockets, fixing objects, circuits, etc.
 Do not conduct any measurements if the tester is defective, with the defective
casing or test leads (breakages, deformations, fractures, contaminations, etc).

Assessment Criteria

Workmanship 5 pts.
Accuracy of Testing 4 pts.
Use of Tools and Instruments 3 pts.
Use of PPE 3 pts.
Speed 3 pts.
Housekeeping 2 pts.
TOTAL 20 pts.

References:

1. Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Incorporated.

Philippine Electrical Code of 1992.
2. Max B. Fajardo Jr. & Leo R. Fajardo. Electrical Layout and Estimate, 2 nd Edition.
3. Azares, Efren F. and Recana, Cirilo B. Practical Electricity III; Adriana Publishing:
1999.
4. Roland E. Palmquist. Audel House Wiring, 7th Edition.
5. www.des.od.nih.gov/eWebb/…/commissioning/nih_cxguide/cxspecs/1699555k
6. www.epa.gov/rtp/new-bldg/environmental/0910updf
7. www.megger.com/au/products
8. www.omnicontrols.com/manufacturer.megger.aspx
9. www.amprove.com/manuals/PRMZ-pdf
10. www.wikihow.com/use-a-multimeter
11. www.acmehowto.com/howto/maintenance/electrical/onthevoltage.htm

176
LESSON 3: Finalize commissioning activities

Introduction:

This lesson covers the knowledge of finalizing commissioning activities and it

contains only the information on the commissioning plan.

Assessment Criteria

1. Defects are remedied or repaired following prescribed procedure.

2. Work reports are prepared in line with established policies.

3. Workplace is cleaned up and made safe in line with established policies

.
4. Tools, equipment and surplus materials are cleaned, checked and stored in
line with established procedure.

5. Final testing is undertaken in line with established procedures.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES/ACTIVITIES

Learning Outcome 3: Finalize commissioning activities

Learning Activities Special Instructions

1. Read the attached Information Sheet 2.1  You can ask the assistance of your
on the: things to consider in final testing teacher to show you and explain
of electrical circuit accountability in further topics you cannot
declaring system as commissioned. final understand.
activities in commissioning process.

2. Answer Self-Check 2.1 to test your

knowledge on the things to consider in
final testing of electrical circuit.

3. Compare your answer to answer key 2.1.

4. Answer Activity Sheet 2.1 on

Commissioning Grounded Fluorescent
and Fixture

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INFORMATION SHEET 3.1

THINGS TO CONSIDER IN FINAL COMMISSIONING ACTIVITIES

In electrical system, there are several electrical circuit defects to be considered.

These include an open circuit, short circuit and grounded circuit. These factors should
be considered in the final testing of the electrical components/circuits. Remember that
the purpose of electric systems commissioning is to increase the reliability of electric
power system after installation by identifying problems and providing a set of baseline
values for comparison with subsequent routine tests. A procedure should be developed
in the form of commissioning plan.

COMMISSIONING PLAN

Procedures
1. Verify the installation of all equipment/components.
2. Understand the equipment moods of operation.
3. Test the equipment.
Consider the following factors in testing:
 Operation
 Safety requirements
Note: When problems arise during testing of the equipment and system, then
troubleshooting techniques should be performed.
Basic Electrical Troubleshooting
1. Gathering information is a logical first step in any troubleshooting endeavor.
Guide questions:
 What technical documentation about the equipment is available?
 How exactly is the equipment supposed to operate?
2. Understanding the malfunction means that you understand how or what the
process is and what portion of the process is operating incorrectly.
Guide questions:
 How is the process supposed to work?
 What is not functioning as it should?
3. Identifying which parameters need to evaluated.
Guide questions:
 How is the process supposed to work?
 What is not functioning as it should?
4. Identifying the source of the problem requires the technician to
 Isolate components and evaluate circuit parameters.
 Identify the malfunctioning component using the recorded data.
5. Correcting / repairing the component identified as damaged based on the
recorded data.
6. Verifying the repair after completion. Ensure the equipment is operating as
designed.
7. Performing root cause analysis.

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 SELF-CHECK 3.1

Direction: Answer the following questions:

1. In troubleshooting electrical circuit, where are you going to base your repair?

2. What do we need to consider in testing electrical component?

References:

1. Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Incorporated.

Philippine Electrical Code of 1992.
2. Max B. Fajardo Jr. & Leo R. Fajardo. Electrical Layout and Estimate, 2 nd Edition.
3. Azares, Efren F. and Recana, Cirilo B. Practical Electricity III; Adriana Publishing:
1999.
4. Roland E. Palmquist. Audel House Wiring, 7th Edition.
5. www.des.od.nih.gov/eWebb/…/commissioning/nih_cxguide/cxspecs/1699555k
6. www.epa.gov/rtp/new-bldg/environmental/0910updf
7. www.megger.com/au/products
8. www.omnicontrols.com/manufacturer.megger.aspx
9. www.amprove.com/manuals/PRMZ-pdf
10. www.wikihow.com/use-a-multimeter
11. www.acmehowto.com/howto/maintenance/electrical/onthevoltage.htm

179
ACTIVITY SHEET 3.1

COMMISSIONING GROUNDED FLUORESCENT FIXTURE

Direction:

The students will be given a grounded fluorescent fixture. The teacher will
observe them if they have followed the correct procedure in
commissioning, and also by supplying the needed information written
below. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

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Guide question:

1. When was this fluorescent lamp bought?

2. What will happen to the lamp once you turn on the switch?

3. What test instrument is needed?

Table 1

Symptoms Cause Remedial Measure

181