1-The width of the transformer room is equal to or greater than the width of the transformer used for the building.
For more explanation, see the below image:
In this image you can see there are three conditions: 1, 2, and 3. let’s explain them one by one.
Condition -1
See the first condition as shown in the image: electrical equipment is installed on one wall; it should be transformers or electrical panels, and the opposite side of the electrical equipment has no live or grounded part; the minimum distance is equal to 3ft or 900 mm, as shown in the image.
Example:
First condition is, distance between transformer and Door.
Condition -2
As shown in the image opposite, the electrical panels have grounded parts, like walls. This means the distance between the panels or transformers is equal to or greater than 3 ft. 6 in. or 1 m.
Example:
The second condition is the distance between the transformer and the wall.
Condition: 3
As shown in the above image, the electrical panel opposite is another panel or live part. This means the distance between the transformer and other live parts, like panels or transformers, is equal to or greater than 4 ft or 1.2 m.
Example:
The third condition is the distance between the transformer and another transformer.
Now I will show you how to calculate the transformer room size from the given transformer size chart:
Practical example:
Given data:
Rating: 1 MVA
Voltage: 21 kV
Length: 1970mm, 1.97m
Width: 980mm, 0.98 m
Calculate transformer room size?
Solution:
As shown in the above NEC table, our transformer rating is 21 kV. We will select 9 to 25 kV.
Condition-1
The distance between the transformer and door is 5ft, 1.524 m.
Condition-2
The distance between the transformer and wall is 6ft, 1.828
Condition-3
The distance between the transformer and another transformer note (if applicable when there are two transformers in one room).
1.1 This fire alarm testing method statement outlines the step-by-step process for inspecting and testing the fire alarm system at this project site.
1.2 The contractor may further enhance or expand upon these guidelines, subject to agreement with the Project M&E Engineer and Independent Testing and Commissioning Engineer.
1.3 The primary goal of this procedure is to verify that the fire alarm system’s installation and performance align with the M&E design intent.
1.4 The contractor must become familiar with the existing system’s operation, including the cause and effect scenarios. Upon completing the commissioning, the contractor will perform comprehensive cause and effect testing on the new fire alarm installation to ensure compatibility and consistency with the existing configuration.
2. Test Instruments / Tools Required
2.1 All testing instruments must have a valid calibration certificate (at least 6 months remaining) traceable to international standards.
2.2 Instruments should be suitable for the expected test parameters and provide accurate readings, ideally at their mid-range scale.
2.3 The following tools and equipment are required for fire alarm system testing:
Calibrated Multimeter
Aerosol Smoke Canisters
Heat Source
Walkie Talkies
3. Reference Standards
3.1 The testing procedure adheres to the following British Standards:
BS 6266:2002 – Code of Practice for Fire Protection for Electronic Equipment Installations
BS 5839:2002 – Code of Practice for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Buildings
All testing and commissioning activities must comply with these standards.
4. Test Procedures
Before testing begins, ensure the following:
4.1 Verify correct placement and installation of device housings and components. 4.2 Confirm that appropriate cable types are used. 4.3 Ensure all high and low voltage cables have passed electrical testing, and power (AC/DC) is available at correct voltages.
Note: Never connect devices until wiring tests are approved to avoid potential damage.
4.4 Confirm proper labeling of all system components per design specifications. 4.5 Verify device numbering and alarm message descriptions match the latest architectural layout or room names. 4.6 Perform insulation resistance tests, polarity checks, and loop resistance measurements. 4.7 Measure addressable circuit capacitance and inductance where applicable. 4.8 Confirm all equipment (detectors, sounders, etc.) is properly installed per manufacturer instructions. 4.9 Check suppressors and polarizing diodes on electro-mechanical sounders. 4.10 Ensure short circuit isolators are installed at specified intervals. 4.11 Confirm battery sizing by recording voltage and current data. Simulate standby operation and record performance.
5. Test Execution
Before starting, print the list of all addressable devices and confirm:
Devices are installed and in normal status
No devices are isolated or malfunctioning
5.1 Functional Testing:
5.1.1 Test call points with a key or by breaking glass. 5.1.2 Use aerosol smoke to test smoke detectors. 5.1.3 Apply heat (e.g., hair dryer) to test heat detectors without damaging components. 5.1.4 Confirm proper operation of all input/output devices.
5.2 At Each Detector:
5.2.1 Ensure LED lights up during detection.
5.3 At the Fire Alarm Control Panel:
5.3.1 RED fire lamp should light. 5.3.2 Internal sounder must activate. 5.3.3 Relevant fire zone must be indicated. 5.3.4 Correct text message should display and print. 5.3.5 Appropriate sounders should activate. 5.3.6 Switching relays should change state.
5.4 After Alarm is Muted:
5.4.1 Internal sounder remains audible. 5.4.2 Fire zone still indicated. 5.4.3 ‘Fire’ lamp stays illuminated.
5.5 Fault Testing:
5.5.1 Remove each detector; verify ‘Fault’ lamp and sounder activate. 5.5.2 Ensure fault message displays and prints. 5.5.3 Replace components and reset the system to confirm restoration.
5.6 Sounder Walk Test:
5.6.1 Program panel for walk test. 5.6.2 Walk the site and confirm sounder operation. 5.6.3 Reset panel to normal after test.
Alternatively, activate alarm in ‘Test’ mode and verify sounders.
5.7 Audibility Test:
5.7.1 Activate alarms; use calibrated sound level meter. 5.7.2 Acceptable sound level is minimum 65dB(A) or 5dB(A) above ambient noise sustained for over 30 seconds. 5.7.3 Repeat test during full occupancy if initially unoccupied. 5.7.4 Use BS5969 Type 2 compliant meter, slow response, A-weighted.
5.8 Short Circuit Testing:
Introduce shorts at intervals to verify isolators and ensure fire system functionality is retained, except at the faulted segment.
5.9 Battery Testing:
Measure standby and alarm currents using multimeter across fuse terminals.
Isolate mains, record performance in both standby and alarm modes.
Simulate a full mains failure and verify backup battery operation during full alarm for required duration.
6. Fire Dampers
6.1 The responsible trade contractor shall submit a comprehensive fire damper schedule including reference numbers, locations, type, and size (base build and fit-out).
6.2 The schedule must confirm that drop tests were completed and that dampers are accessible and resettable. Upon confirmation, 100% of dampers will be witnessed by the Independent Testing and Commissioning Engineer, and subsequently reviewed by the Fire Marshal.
7. Test Record Sheets
The following documentation must be completed and submitted:
This guide provides a complete and professional procedure for commissioning a Building Management System (BMS), including safety precautions, integration checks, and testing requirements.
🧷 Safety Preparations
Ensure engineers and technicians wear appropriate PPE.
Clear the area around the BMS panel to allow easy and safe access.
Unlock and open the BMS panel using the provided keys.
Verify that there is no power in the system using a multimeter.
🔧 Cable and Connection Inspection
Check that all terminated cables are tightly secured and no conductors are exposed.
Confirm cable terminations are as per the wiring diagram and cable schedule.
Perform the following safety checks:
Line-to-neutral continuity
Earth connection verification
Enclosure body grounding
Transformer earthing confirmation
🔗 Integration Verification
Verify all integration cables are properly connected:
System
Protocol
Cable Type
Fire Alarm System
BACnet/IP
CAT-6
Lighting Control
BACnet/IP
CAT-6
Water Meters
Modbus/RTU
Serial
Multifunction Meters
Modbus/RTU
Serial
VRV System
BACnet/IP
CAT-6
Confirm integrated systems are configured by coordinating with the BMS supplier.
For IP-based connections, ensure suppliers use BMS-designated IP ranges.
All integrated systems must allow BMS discovery of their data points.
⚡ Power Supply & Breaker Verification
Ensure all secondary breakers and fuses are in the OFF position.
Measure incoming power (L-L and L-N) using a multimeter; confirm 380V/3PH/60Hz as per drawings.
After verification, switch ON the MCCB.
Measure voltage post-MCCB and record.
Sequentially activate breakers/fuses and confirm power output.
💻 DDC & Software Commissioning
Once power is verified, the panel is ready for system integration.
Connect a laptop to the DDC and enable communication.
Launch commissioning software and enter the third-party integration parameters.
Discover the integrated system’s data points.
If successful, define and store them in the BMS controller.
Validate values against actual system data.
For meters, verify values from the physical display.
📊 HMI & Finalization
Check the HMI screen to ensure all signals and values are correctly displayed. Create users with different administrative roles. Upload and verify graphics on EWS and OWS at the Control & Admin buildings.
Secure and lock the BMS panel.
Conduct final housekeeping.
Inform the contractor/consultant that the system is ready for handover.
