Commissioning a data centre is a critical undertaking that ensures all systems from power to cooling are designed, installed, tested, and maintained to meet performance and operational standards. To bring structure and traceability to this complex process, the industry commonly follows a phased methodology with 5 levels of commissioning, spanning from Level 1 to Level 5.
Why Use Commissioning Levels?
Commissioning levels function as structured checkpoints throughout the project lifecycle from planning to handover. Each level acts as a “gate” that must be completed and validated before advancing to the next stage. These gates are typically tracked through workflows, responsibility matrices, and program schedules, offering a transparent framework for all stakeholders. Data is at the core of everything required in commissioning and utilising a commissioning software like EIDA ensures construction data is always available for the teams, powering more streamlined commencement of works and delivering faster systems startup.
By following these levels, commissioning managers, engineers and clients/owners can align on expectations, monitor progress, and ensure quality control.
Can commissioning be done without these levels?
While data centre commissioning can technically be executed using a more generalised approach (similar to that used in commercial buildings) doing so comes with trade offs. For the larger and more complex builds, the lack of structured phases may reduce traceability and increase risk. Although these levels don’t inherently guarantee success, they establish a consistent framework that supports reliability and operational excellence.
ASHRAE vs Data Centre Commissioning Levels
The ASHRAE Guideline 0 also provides a commissioning framework, but it leans more heavily on lifecycle documentation and broader system integration. In contrast, the data centre commissioning levels explained here tend to focus on systems level validation and operational readiness, often without extensive Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) or Basis of Design (BOD) documentation.
For best results, many of the top contractors integrate both approaches, using the data centre levels for system specific testing and ASHRAE guidelines for documentation and long term quality assurance. As it is an ever evolving landscape it’s also important for clients, main contractors and sub-contractors to understand the several key trends that are influencing design, sustainability and efficiency of new data centre builds.
Commissioning Tag System
Throughout commissioning, colour coded tags are applied to equipment and systems to indicate their current status. These tags provide immediate visual cues and ensure traceability across the project timeline.
Level Tag Description
1 🟥 Red Factory Testing Complete
2 🟨 Yellow Installation & Pre-Startup Complete
3 🟩 Green Systems Start-Up Complete
4 🟦 Blue Functional Testing Complete
5 ⬜ White Integrated Testing Complete
Each tag contains essential data: level number, equipment ID, test date, and sign-offs from responsible personnel.
The EIDA platform ensures this gated level approach is followed using the following powerful features:
- Customisable commissioning workflows
- Punch Item/Activity Dependencies (Gates Sign-Off). Ensures levels cannot be achieved with open punches (defects) as well as ensuring all gate activities and checklists have been completed and approved
- Fail On No/ Punch On Fail Logic
- Checklists
- Attachment Functionality
- Milestone Deliverables
- Schedule Integration
- Mobile Device Friendly (In the field)
EIDA Project Integration – Vendor/contractor documentation management & site progress through design, construction & commissioning.
Breakdown of the 5 Commissioning Levels
Although not typically considered a formal commissioning level, design and planning lay the essential foundation for commissioning success. Key activities during this phase include assembling the commissioning team, developing and reviewing the design package, defining commissioning standards and processes, and planning for both factory and field testing procedures.
🟥 Level 1: Factory Testing
Focus: Validating equipment performance at the manufacturer’s facility.
Key Activities:
- Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
- Complete QA/QC on non-tested components
- Document test results – done digitally it guarantees completeness and is available instantly
- Coordinate delivery logistics
🏷️Red tag applied upon successful factory testing.
If you are interested in learning more about the advantages of offsite manufacturing for large and complex builds we have a recent article here.
🟨 Level 2: Installation & Pre-Startup
Focus: Ensuring proper installation and readiness for system energisation.
Key Activities:
- Verify equipment against project specs – softwares like EIDA has design data imported
- Inspect installation quality and alignment with digital documentation available
- Conduct static and pre-startup tests (e.g., insulation, pressure)
- Prepare for energisation
🏷️Yellow tag indicates readiness for system startup.
🟩 Level 3: Systems Start-Up
Focus: Safe energisation and configuration of systems.
Key Activities:
- Energise systems in a controlled manner
- Apply configurations and equipment settings
- Run site wide system tests
- Resolve startup issues
🏷️Green tag confirms successful startup.
🟦 Level 4: Functional Testing
Focus: Testing individual systems under various load and failure scenarios.
Key Activities:
- Verify sequences of operation
- Test operational modes and failover logic
- Close outstanding issues
- Train operational staff
🏷️Blue tag confirms readiness for full integration.
⬜ Level 5: Integrated System Testing
Focus: Full scale testing to validate system interoperability.
Key Activities:
- Develop and execute detailed test scripts
- Simulate thermal and electrical failure scenarios
- Run integrated load testing
- Deliver final training and documentation
🏷️White tag confirms that systems are fully integrated and tested.
During project closeout and handover the focus shifts to the official transition of the data centre to the operations team. Key activities include finalising as-built documentation, manuals, and warranties, deep cleaning critical spaces, performing walkthroughs and final inspections, and conducting lessons learned sessions and handover meetings.
Utilising a software like EIDA, with its powerful System Startup Matrix (SSM), all design, construction and commissioning data is knitted together with all related assets (tags) and services on one screen. With the capability to present by system, area, milestone and more, the SSM enables a full, true, real-time view of project deliverables.
The 5 level data centre commissioning process offers a clear, repeatable roadmap to ensure that every aspect of a data centre is properly designed, tested, and handed over. Whether managing a hyperscale build or a modular deployment, adhering to these levels reduces risk, ensures performance, and provides clarity to all stakeholders.
Combining this process with a construction management, commissioning and turnover platform like EIDA helps get your commissioning activities started quicker than ever, driving towards achieving project milestones.
Speak to one of our senior experts to find out how EIDA’s custom platform can improve the structure and flow of your data centre project, reducing risk and costly delays.