My December 1999 "Getting it Right" column explored the differences between commissioning and quality control. In summary, I suggested that quality control is about confirming static equipment and component installation and commissioning is about confirming dynamic system performance and preparing operations and maintenance (O&M) staff to operate those systems. With two more years of commissioning experience behind us, it seems imperative to revisit the relationship between quality control and commissioning.
If any team member fails in his responsibilities, it could very well result in a failure of the system to perform as intended, and this will become apparent during functional testing. For example, if a space temperature sensor is not terminated at the appropriate control panel, its associated variable-air volume unit will not respond to changes in space temperature. Similarly, if the test and balance contractor doesn't adjust exhaust fan speed to achieve design airflows to all spaces served, some individual space pressure controls will be unable to achieve their setpoints.