PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING

GENERAL T. DE LEON ROAD, VALENZUELA CITY.

DIVISION 16: ELECTRICAL

SECTION 16020
TESTING

PART 1.00 – GENEAL

A. Section 16000, “Electrical General Requirements”, applies to this section, with the additions and
modifications specified herein
B. The Contractor shall provide any materials, equipment and labor requires, and make such tests as
specified in the various Electrical Power and Lighting Systems and as deemed necessary to show
proper execution of the work in the presence of the Engineer.
C. Any defects or deficiencies discovered as a result of such tests shall be corrected at the expense of
the Contractor without additional cost to the Owner.
D. After the installation is completed and properly adjusted, and at such time as the Engineer may
direct, the Contractor shall conduct operating tests. The various equipment and systems shall be
demonstrated to operate in accordance with the requirements of the Contact Documents. Tests
shall be performed in the presence of the Engineer. The Contractor shall provide electric power,
instruments and personnel necessary for performing the various tests.
E. Contractor shall engage the services of a recognized independent testing laboratory (hereinafter
referred to as testing laboratory) to perform tests herein specified.
F. Testing laboratory shall provide all material, equipment, labor and technical supervision to
perform such tests.
G. It is the intent of these tests to assure that all electrical equipment is operational within industry
and manufacturer’s tolerances.
H. Upon completion of the tests noted in these specifications, a label shall be attached to all serviced
devices. These labels shall indicate date serviced and the service company responsible and the
name of the Electrical Contractor.
I. Tests shall determine suitability for continued reliable operation.
J. Division of Responsibility:

1. Contractor shall perform routine insulation resistance, continuity and rotation tests for all
distribution and utilization equipment prior and in addition to tests performed by the
testing laboratory.
2. Contractor shall supply suitable and stable source of test power to test laboratory at each
test site. Testing laboratory shall specify requirements.
3. Contractor shall notify testing laboratory when equipment becomes available for
acceptance tests. Work shall be coordinated to expedite project scheduling.
4. Contractor shall supply complete set of electrical plans, specifications and any pertinent
change orders to the testing laboratory prior to commencement of any testing.
5. Testing laboratory shall notify the Engineer prior to commencement of any testing.
6. Testing laboratory shall be responsible for implementing all final settings and
adjustments on protective devices and tap changes in accordance with specified values.
7. Any system material or workmanship which is found defective on the basis of acceptance
tests shall be reported directly to the Engineer.
8. Testing laboratory shall maintain written record of all tests and upon completion of
project, assemble and certify final test report.

K. General Requirements:

1. Test Instrument Traceability:

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
GENERAL T. DE LEON ROAD, VALENZUELA CITY.

A. Testing laboratory shall have calibration program which maintains applicable test
instrumentation within rated accuracy.
B. Instruments shall be calibrated in accordance with following frequency schedule:

a. Field Instruments : 6 months maximum.

b. Laboratory Instruments : 12 months.
c. Leased Specialty Equipment: 12 months.

C. Dated calibration labels shall be visible on all test equipment.

D. Records must be kept up-to-date which show date and results of all instruments
calibrated or tested.
E. An up-to-date instrument calibration instruction and procedure shall be
maintained for each test instrument.

2. Test Report:

Test report shall include the following:

a. Summary of project
b. Description of equipment tested
c. Description of test
d. Test results
e. Conclusions and recommendations
f. Appendix, including appropriate test forms
g. List of test equipment used and calibration date

1.01 INSPECTION AND TEST PROCEDURES

A. Panel board, Switchgear and Switchboard Assemblies – General:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Inspect for physical damage.

b. Compare equipment nameplate information with latest single line diagram and
report discrepancies.
c. Inspect for proper alignment, anchorage and grounding.
d. Check tightness of accessible bolted bus joints by calibrated torque wrench
method. Refer to manufacturer’s instruction for proper foot pound levels. In the
absence of specific instructions use Table 1.
e. Key Interlock systems shall be physically tested to insure proper function.

1. Closure attempt shall be made on locked open devices. Operating

attempt shall be on closed locked.
2. Key exchange shall be made with devices operated in off-normal
positions.
f. All doors, panels and sections shall be inspect4ed for paint, dents, scratches and
fit.

2. Electrical Tests:

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
GENERAL T. DE LEON ROAD, VALENZUELA CITY.

a. Insulation Resistance Test: Measure insulation resistance of each bus sections

phase to phase and phase to ground for one (1) minute. Test voltage and
minimum acceptable values in accordance with requirements hereinafter
specified.
b. Over potential Test: perform over potential test on each bus section phase to
ground. Potential application shall be for one (1) minute. Test voltage shall be
in accordance with requirements hereinafter and/or manufacturer’s
recommendations.

Table I
U.S. Standard

BOLT TORQUE FOR BUS CONNECTIONS

GRADE SAE SAE SAE SAE

1&2 5 6 8
MINIMUM
42 MPa 70 MPa 89 MPa 100 MPa
TENSILE

BOLT
TORQUE (kg – m)
DIAMETER
6 Mm .7 1.0 1.4 1.5
8 Mm 1.2 1.9 2.6 3.0
10 Mm 2.0 3.5 4.7 5.0
11 Mm 3.3 5.5 7.6 8.3
12 Mm 5.0 8.0 12.0 12.7
14 Mm 7.0 12.0 16.0 18.3
16 Mm 10.0 16.0 23.0 25.0
19 Mm 16.0 28.0 39.0 41.0
22 Mm 25.0 42.0 60.0 65.0
24 Mm 39.0 64.0 90.0 98.7
NOTE: Reduce torque by 20% when cadmium plated bolts are used.

3. Test Values:

a. Bolt torque levels shall be in accordance to Table 1 unless otherwise specified by

manufacturer.
b. Insulation resistance test shall be performed in accordance with Table 2.

TABLE 2

INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST VOLTAGE

Voltage Rating Test Voltage

150 – 600 V 1000 V DC
601 – 5000V 2500V DC
5001 – 5000V DC

Values of insulation resistance less than manufacturer’s minimum or KV +1 in mega

ohms should be investigated. Over potential tests should not proceed until insulation
resistance levels are raised to said minimum.

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
GENERAL T. DE LEON ROAD, VALENZUELA CITY.

B. Cables – Low Voltage (600 Volts and Less):

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Cables to be inspected for physical damage and proper connection in accordance
with single line diagram.
b. Cable connection shall be torque tested to manufacturer’s recommended values.

2. Electrical Tests:

a. Perform insulation resistance test on each cable with respect to ground and
adjacent cables.
b. Perform continuity test to insure proper able connection.

3. Test Values:

a. Insulation resistance tests shall be performed at 1000 volts D.C. for one-half (1/2)
minute.
b. When insulation resistance must be determined with all switchboards, panel
boards, fuse holders, switches and overcurrent devices in place, the insulation
resistance when tested at 500 volts D.C. shall no less than Table 7.

TABLE 7

MINIMUM INSULATION RESISTANCE

Conductor or Minimum
Circuit Size mm2 Resistance

3.5 1,000,000 ohms

25 ampere circuits and above 250,000 ohms

C. Circuit Breakers - Low Voltage (Molded Case):

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Circuit breaker shall be checked for proper mounting, conductor size and feeder
designation.
b. Operate circuit breaker to insure smooth operation.
c. Inspect case for cracks or other defects.
d. Check tightness of connection with torque wrench in accordance with
manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Electrical Tests:

a. Contact resistance shall be measured.

b. Time-current characteristics test shall be performed by passing three hundred
percent (300%) rated current through each pole separately. Trip time shall be
determined.
c. Instantaneous pickup current shall be determined by run-up or pulse method.
Clearing times should be within four (4) cycles or less.

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
GENERAL T. DE LEON ROAD, VALENZUELA CITY.

d. Insulation resistance shall be determined pole to pole, across pole and pole to
ground. Test voltage shall be 1000 volts D.C.

3. Test Values:

a. Contact resistance shall be compared to adjacent poles and similar breaker.

Deviations of more than fifty percent (50%) shall be investigated.
b. Insulation resistance shall not be less than fifty (50) megohms.
c. All trip times shall fall within Table 9. Circuit breakers exceeding maximum
three hundred percent (300%) time (column 5) shall be replaced.
d. Instantaneous pickup current levels should be within twenty percent (20%) of
manufacturer’s published values.

TABLE 9

Values for Overcurrent Trip Test

(at 300 percent of Rated Continuous Current of Breaker)
Tripping Time, Seconds
Maximum
Range of Rated Tripping Times
Continuo Minimum For
Voltage, us Thermal Magnetic Cable
Volt Current, Breake Breake Protect
s Amperes rs rs Maximum ion*

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

240 15 – 45 3 – 50 100
240 50 – 100 5 – 70 200
600 15 – 45 5 5 80 100
600 50 – 100 5 5 150 200
240 110 – 225 10 5 200 300
600 110 – 225 10 – 200 300
600 250 – 450 25 – 250 300
600 500 – 600 25 10 250 350
600 700 – 1200 25 10 450 600
600 1400 – 2500 25 10 600 650

 These values are based on heat tests conducted by circuit breaker manufacturers on conductors in
conduit. NEMA reference.

D. Metering and Instrumentation:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Examine all devices for broken parts, indication of shipping damage and wire
connection tightness.
b. Verify meter connections in accordance with single line meter and relay diagram.

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
GENERAL T. DE LEON ROAD, VALENZUELA CITY.

2. Electrical Tests:

a. Calibrate all meters at midscale. Calibration instruments shall have precision no

more than fifty percent (50%) of the instrument being tested.
b. Calibrate watt-hour meters to one-half (1/2%).
c. Verify all instrument multipliers.

E. Grounding System:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

Inspect ground system for compliance with plans and specifications.

2. Electrical Tests:

Perform ground continuity test between main ground system and equipment frame,
system neutral and/or desired neutral point. This test shall be made by passing a
minimum of ten (10) amperes D.C. current between ground reference system and the
ground pint to be tested.

Voltage drop shall be measured and resistance calculated by voltage drop method.

F. Rotating Machinery:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Inspect for physical damage.
b. Compare equipment nameplate information with single line diagram and report
discrepancy.
c. Inspect for proper anchorage, mounting, grounding and connection.
d. Special tests as suggested by manufacturer, such as gap spacing and pedestal
alignment, shall be made where applicable.

2. Electrical Tests:

a. Dielectric Absorption Tests:

1. (Large motors) A dielectric absorption test shall be made on motor and

starter circuit. Polarization index shall be determined for motor winding.
2. (Small motors) A dielectric absorption test shall be made on motor
winding. The thirty/sixty (30/60) second ratio shall be determined.

b. Perform insulation resistance test on pedestal per manufacturer instructions,

where applicable.
c. A rotation test shall be made to insure proper shaft direction.
d. Measure no load and full load running current and compare to nameplate.
e. Observe proper operation and sequence of any reduced voltage starters.
f. Vibration Tests:

1. (Large motors) Perform vibration base line tests. Amplitude to be

plotted vs. frequency.
2. (Small motors) Perform vibration amplitude test.

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
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g. Check all protective devices in accordance to other sections of these

specifications.

3. Test Values:

a. Dielectric absorption tests shall be made in accordance with test voltage listed in
Table 2. Polarization tests shall be for ten (10) minute duration. Sixty/thirty
(60/30) second ratio tests shall be for a one (1) minute duration. Polarization
index readings less than three shall be investigated. Sixty/thirty (60/30) second
ratio readings less than 1.4 shall be investigated.
b. Motor measured full load current shall not exceed nameplate value.
c. Overpotential test shall be made at eighty percent (80%) of twice rated voltage
plus one thousand (1000) volts.
d. Vibration amplitude shall not exceed values shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VIBRATION AMPLITUDE

Speed Amplitude
RPS peak to peak

50 and above 0.025 mm

25 – 49.98 0.05 mm
16.66 – 24.98 0.0625 mm
16.65 and below 0.075 mm
NEMA Standard 7 – 16 – 1969

G. Automatic Transfer Switch:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Inspect for physical damage.

b. Compare equipment nameplate information and connections with single line
diagram and report any discrepancies.
c. Check switch to insure positive interlock between normal and alternate sources.
d. Check tightness of all cable connectors and bus joints.
e. Perform manual transfer operation.

2. Electrical Test:

a. Perform insulation resistance tests phase to phase and phase to ground with
switch in both source positions.
b. Set and calibrate in accordance to the Engineer’s specifications.

1. Voltage sensing relays.

2. Transfer time delay relay.
3. Engine shutdown relay.

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
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c. Perform automatic transfer by:

1. Simulating loss of normal power.

2. Return to normal power.

d. Monitor and verify correct operation and timing:

1. Normal voltage sensing relays.

2. Engine start sequence.
3. Time delay upon transfer.
4. Alternate voltage sensing relays.
5. Automatic transfer operation.
6. Interlocks and limit switch function.
7. Timing delay and retransfer upon normal power restoration.
8. Engine shutdown feature.

3. Test Values:

Insulation resistance test voltages and minimum values to be in accordance to Table 2.

H. Battery System:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Inspect for physical damage.

b. Verify system configuration with specifications and single line diagram.
c. Check intercell bus link integrity.

2. Electrical Tests:

a. Measure system charging voltage and each individual cell voltage.

b. Measure electrolyte specific gravity and level.
c. Perform infrared scan of the intra cell links under battery current discharge
conditions.

3. Test Values:

a. Compare measured values with manufacturer specified tolerances.

b. Inter cell connector links should exceed 10ºC temperature differential.

I. Surge Arresters:

1. Visual and Mechanical Inspection:

a. Inspect for physical damage, such as chipped or fractured porcelain.

b. Verify location and nameplate rating with plans and specifications.
c. Inspect ground and discharge counter connections for integrity.

2. Electrical Tests:

a. Perform a 60-Hz sparkover test.

b. Perform a radio influence voltage (RIV) test.

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PROPOSED TWO-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING
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c. Perform an insulation power factor-test.

d. Perform ground continuity test to Ground Grid System.

3. Test Values:

a. Spark over voltage must:

1. Exceed 1.5 times rating.

2. Not exceed 2.0 times rating.

b. Radio influence voltage (RIV) must not be detected within voltage rating of
arresters.
c. Power factor tests should show similar dielectric loss between similar arresters.
d. Ground grid connections should not exceed 0.5 ohms maximum.

1.02 SYSTEM FUNCTION TESTS:

A. General:

1. Each system specified shall be function tested to insure total system operation.
2. Upon completion of equipment tests the system functional tests shall be performed. It is
the intent of system functional tests to prove the proper interaction of all sensing,
processing and action devices to effect the design end product or result.

END OF SECTION

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