PREPARING EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS 475Routine and abbreviated tests are generally the same form of tests. These are applied to those
units in a group that have not been type tested. If only one unit is to be purchased and a type test has
been waived then a routine test is usually performed and the results compared to those of a previous
type test. The number of different tests included in the routine tests is less than that of the type tests.
Some of the tests may be identical in each category. Routine tests are usually witnessed by
the owner or purchaser.
Performance tests are those tests that need to be carried out on combined equipment such as
a gas-turbine driven generator or a pump driven by a high-voltage motor. In such cases the dynamic
relationship between the various equipments is of interest. For example, rotor vibration, critical
speeds, run-up time to full speed, starting up and shutting down sequences, full-load and over-load
performances, heat dissipation and cooling medium performance.
Occasionally ‘special tests’ may be required. These may be due to the need to operate the
unit in an unusual mode or to test special control systems that may involve associated equipment
such as a power management system or a control panel. Special tests may be needed to verify the
operation of protective devices in the equipment rather than the equipment itself, but which require
the device to be in its fully functional position on its host equipment. The owner or the purchaser
usually witnesses performance and special tests.
Routine tests usually include a thorough inspection of the equipment both before and after
the testing is complete. Routine testing should not be confused with sample testing. For example a
switchboard may consist of many panels of essentially the same type, e.g. motor starters, transformer
feeders. The testing schedule should state whether samples of similar types could be tested in lieu
of testing all the units. In either case a full routine test is generally required. Functional testing of
mechanical operation should be applied to all the units, e.g. open and close contactors, rack in and
out circuit breakers, operate switches and controls.
19.2.9 Spare parts
At the inquiry stage it is common practice to ask the manufacturer to list or describe what spare parts
are needed for commissioning purposes and for normal use of the equipment.
19.2.10 Documentation
For equipment such as generators and switchgear the documentation can be extensive. Some of it is
needed by the project design engineers as soon as possible after the purchase order is placed. The
delivery of documentation can be made at the following basic stages:-
- Tender documentation.
- Purchase order documentation.
- At the time of delivery of the equipment.
Documentation can be divided into drawings and documents, some of which are listed in
Appendix E.