FAQs

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ABOUT COMMISSIONING

  • Data centre commissioning is a structured process of verification, validation, and assurance that begins early in design and construction and continues through installation, testing, and handover. It confirms that systems are designed, installed, integrated, and tested to operate safely, reliably, and in line with the approved design intent, with clear, auditable evidence to support operational readiness.

  • A commissioning agent (CxA) acts as an independent technical authority, overseeing and verifying the commissioning process on behalf of the client. This includes reviewing designs, witnessing testing, managing integrated systems testing, validating results, and ensuring that systems meet performance, safety, and compliance requirements.

  • A commissioning agent (CxA) provides independent oversight and verification, while a commissioning manager (CxM) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the commissioning process. At Global Commissioning, we deliver both, ensuring robust governance alongside independent technical assurance.

  • We commission hyperscale, colocation (COLO / IBX), enterprise, and modular data centres, as well as associated critical infrastructure including substations.

  • We provide both full commissioning management (CxM) and independent commissioning agent (CxA) services, depending on client requirements and project complexity.

Commissioning Process & Technical FAQs

  • Commissioning levels typically range from Level 1 (factory testing and inspections) through to Level 5 (integrated systems testing under live conditions). Each level builds a structured evidence trail that verifies individual components, systems, and full site operation.

    The stages are:

    • Level 1: Factory acceptance and delivery checks

    • Level 2: Installation verification

    • Level 3: Equipment startup

    • Level 4: Functional performance tests

    • Level 5: Integrated Systems Testing (IST)

  • Integrated Systems Testing (IST) verifies that all critical systems -power, cooling, controls, life safety, and monitoring - operate together as designed under real-world scenarios, including failure and redundancy testing.

  • We provide structured, auditable documentation, including test scripts, test records, issue logs, compliance reports, and final certification or verification packs to support operational handover and long-term assurance.

  • Commissioning duration depends on project scale and complexity. As commissioning begins early in the project lifecycle, activities can span months rather than weeks, reducing risk and avoiding late-stage delays at handover.

Where We Work

  • Yes. Our South African team delivers commissioning management and agent services across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and surrounding regions.

  • Yes. We deliver commissioning services across the UK and Europe, supporting both single-site and multi-site programmes.

  • Yes. We regularly support multi-region and international projects, providing consistent standards, governance, and reporting across locations.

  • Yes. We work with global data centre operators, developers, and end users across multiple markets.

Specialist Solutions

  • SSOW is a structured approach to controlling risk during commissioning and electrical works. We implement SSOW to ensure safe energy control, clear authorisation, and compliance throughout testing and commissioning activities.

  • Yes. We provide cloud-based permit-to-work systems that improve visibility, traceability, and compliance across commissioning activities, alongside digital and physical project support teams.

  • An Energy Marshal is responsible for safe control of electrical energy during commissioning, ensuring isolation, authorisation, and compliance with safety procedures.

  • You’ll receive a full commissioning report, test scripts, sign-offs, redline drawings, and final verification certificates. Everything is aligned to industry standards and your compliance needs.

  • Our digital tools centralise permits, testing data, and approvals, creating a single source of truth and reducing risk through real-time oversight and auditable records.

  • We apply strict electrical safety controls, authorised person structures, SSOW, and independent verification to ensure all testing is conducted safely and compliantly.

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Certifications, Experience & Trust

An electrician wearing a white hard hat, yellow safety vest, red gloves, and safety glasses is working on electrical panels in an industrial control room.

  • All commissioning activities are delivered by experienced, qualified professionals acting as independent technical authorities under structured governance.

  • Global Commissioning operates in line with recognised ISO standards and industry best practice, supporting consistent quality and compliance across projects.

  • We have delivered over 600MW of commissioned data centre capacity across multiple regions.

  • We focus on independent verification, structured evidence, and early-stage assurance, not just late-stage testing. Our work is designed to stand up to scrutiny.

  • Yes. Visit our Projects page to view selected case studies.

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