When is the best time to functionally test new systems? Some of the common answers to that question are:
Part of the challenge is defining “systems,” assuming, by definition, that there is a one-to-one relationship between a system and its functional performance test (FPT). For example, does an “air handling system” include the air handler, return fan, all terminal units served by that air handler, and all smoke/fire dampers and other fire alarm devices? If that is the “system,” it will be very late in the project when all of those elements and supporting subsystems (fire alarm, chilled water, heating hot water, steam, etc.) are complete and ready for testing.