10. Elements of a Functional Test

Based on current best practice, a functional test should include all of the following components:

·       Test name

·       General documentation of the building, system, actual test conditions, personnel involved, time, date, etc

·       Conditions under which the test is to be performed

·       Test duration

·       Data to be gathered

·       Instrumentation methodology and locations

·       Data acquisition requirements including tolerances, number of samples, etc

·       Results to be obtained, including some method of documentation and any analytical calculations required

·       Measurable acceptance criteria

·       Precautions associated with executing the procedure

·       Description of the test procedure steps in the order they are to be performed including:

1   The prerequisites required to be ready to perform the test.

2   The steps necessary to prepare for the test.

3   The actual steps in the test process.

4   The steps necessary to return the system to normal operating status.

5   Instruction regarding information that needs to be documented and a place to record this information.

In actual practice, some of the components may be addressed informally through meetings and field discussions.