At Keentel Engineering, we recognize that the safety, reliability, and longevity of electrical infrastructure hinge on thorough commissioning practices. Based on ANSI/NETA ATS-2017 standards, our team delivers end-to-end testing and commissioning services for medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) power systems, ensuring compliance, performance, and operational excellence.
What Is Electrical Commissioning?
Commissioning is the systematic process of verifying that electrical equipment and systems are designed, installed, and tested to meet intended performance and safety standards. Our scope includes:
- Visual & Mechanical Inspections
- Functional Performance Tests
- Power System Studies
- Calibration & Coordination
- Documentation & Equipment Labeling
Why Choose Keentel Engineering?
With over 30 years of experience in power system design, testing, and NERC compliance, our certified engineers (ANSI/NETA ETT) bring:
- Unmatched NETA-compliant commissioning expertise
- Deep knowledge of CIP, risk management, and critical infrastructure protection
- Proven track record with utilities, industrial facilities, and data centers
Our Commissioning Services Include
System Function Testing
Validate protection relays, circuit breakers, sensing devices, and control logic per ANSI/NETA ECS.
Power System Studies
- Short-Circuit Studies
- Protective Coordination
- Arc-Flash Hazard Assessment (NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584)
- Load Flow, Harmonic, and Stability Studies
Inspection & Electrical Testing
Perform Sections 7.1–7.25 of ANSI/NETA ATS-2017 on switchgear, breakers, relays, transformers, UPS, generators, and fiber-optic cables.
Thermographic Survey
Infrared imaging to detect hotspots, with follow-up surveys within 12 months.
EMF Testing
Measure magnetic flux densities to ensure compliance with safe EMF exposure thresholds.
FAQs | MV & LV Electrical Systems
What is ANSI/NETA ATS-2017?
American standard for acceptance testing specifications of electrical equipment and systems.
Is commissioning different from routine maintenance?
Yes—commissioning occurs pre-energization or after major retrofits; maintenance is periodic.
Do I need to perform arc-flash studies during commissioning?
Yes—critical for determining PPE levels and proper equipment labeling.
Are thermographic surveys required?
Optional but highly recommended under load to identify abnormal heating.
Which test equipment is required?
All instruments must be calibrated per NIST traceable standards within the past 12 months.
Who is authorized to conduct these tests?
Only technicians certified by NETA-accredited or equivalent organizations.
What is the purpose of a coordination study?
Ensure selective fault isolation without unnecessary system shutdowns.
How is a short-circuit study conducted?
Analyze fault currents and component withstand capabilities per IEEE 399 & 242.
What is the load-flow study for?
Optimizing voltage, current levels, and power factor across scenarios.
What documentation is required after testing?
Complete reports with test data, environmental conditions, technician IDs, and stamped summaries.
Can commissioning be done after energization?
Only with strict safety protocols; pre-energization is preferred.
What is a test decal?
A color-coded label (white/yellow/red) indicating equipment condition status post-testing.
Is insulation-resistance testing mandatory?
Yes; results must meet IEEE Std. 43 thresholds for motors and transformers.
Are harmonic studies mandatory?
Optional, crucial when nonlinear loads (e.g., VFDs) are present.
What is system function testing?
Verifies correct operation of sensing, logic, and action components across devices.
How often should follow-up commissioning occur?
Thermographic surveys within 12 months; other tests based on system criticality.
What are acceptable bushings power factor values?
Within ±10% of nameplate ratings.
Can Keentel assist with NEC/NFPA 70E compliance?
Yes—we ensure commissioning aligns with OSHA, NEC, and NFPA regulations.
How do you verify relay settings?
Through field testing against design and coordination study outputs.
Do you provide stamped reports for permitting?
Yes—our P.E. seals reports as required for regulatory and permitting submissions.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Arc Flash and Coordination Commissioning – Pharmaceutical Facility (Confidential)
Scope
A 480V system with five MCCs, multiple panels, and standby generators.
Keentel’s Role
- Performed short-circuit, arc flash, and coordination studies
- Generated compliant labels per NFPA 70E
- Verified relay settings and tested protective devices
Outcome
- PPE categories established
- Improved coordination minimized nuisance tripping
- Full compliance with OSHA 1910.269 and IEEE 1584
Case Study 2: MV Substation Commissioning – Utility-Scale Solar Farm
Scope
34.5 kV switchgear, step-up transformers, breakers, and fiber optic SCADA links
Keentel’s Role
- Completed functional system testing under Section 8 of ANSI/NETA ATS
- Verified CT/PT ratios and protective relay wiring
- Performed system energization support
Outcome
- Zero protection failures during energization
- Interconnection approved without delays
- Thermographic baseline survey established for maintenance tracking
Case Study 3: Critical Data Center UPS and Generator Commissioning
Scope
Redundant UPS, battery banks, diesel gensets, ATS panels, fiber ring
Keentel’s Role
- Electrical and mechanical inspection of UPS and emergency systems per Sections 7.22.2 and 7.22.1
- Load testing, insulation resistance, and harmonic distortion measurement
- Verified failover operations via system function tests
Outcome
- Continuous uptime verified under full load
- Reduced harmonic distortion within IEEE 519 limits
- Delivered a full test report with recommendations and asset labeling
Comprehensive Risk Management & CIP Compliance
Our licensed P.E.s and former NERC auditors deliver turnkey risk management, critical infrastructure protection (CIP), and compliance program development. Through detailed gap analysis, CIP audit support, and ongoing regulatory monitoring, we ensure alignment with NERC reliability standards, regional reliability rules, and CIP requirements. Empower your organization with audit-ready documentation, compliance testing, and proactive measures to maintain operational resilience.
Learn more on our NERC Compliance Services.
Partner with Keentel Engineering
Whether you’re commissioning a greenfield facility or upgrading existing infrastructure, Keentel Engineering provides unmatched expertise and compliance assurance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a commissioning proposal.
📞 813-389-7871
📧 contact@keentelengineering.com
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