DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
Title: Section 018115 – Testing, Adjusting, Balancing (TAB)
Active Version
Distribution:
Author:
Author:
Date
Date
Discontinued:
Approved By:
Approved By:
Robert E. McMains
Date
Robert E. McMains
Date
Cross-Reference (CR): Section 019100
A.
Purpose:
This Section describes the guidelines necessary for performing testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of systems,
controls, and equipment at the University. These systems include, but are not limited to the following: heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), supply and exhaust air systems, hot water heating, chilled water systems,
cooling towers, and condensate systems. The responsibility of the engineer/contractor or Commissioning Authority is to
apply the principles of this section such that the University may achieve a level of quality and consistency in the design,
operation, and construction of their facilities.
B.
Requirements:
This standard covers the requirements and responsibilities as related to general procedures, balancing reports,
equipment testing, data analysis, adjusting, final tests, inspection, and acceptance. Testing, adjusting, and balancing
shall be performed by a qualified agency, contractor, or Commissioning Authority that has no less than 5 years of
experience on projects with similar systems, scope, and complexity. Reference Commissioning standard for
commissioning requirements and responsibilities. Post-occupancy TAB testing will be required by the University or the
Commissioning Authority during Warranty Period.
All work shall conform to codes, regulations, and standards specified by the engineer/contractor and approved by the
University. Systems and their components shall perform as required by drawings and specifications. The National
Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) “Procedural Standards for Testing, Adjusting, Balancing of Environmental
Systems” or other approved standard outline of the general procedures are required in this Section.
All testing, adjusting, and balancing described in this Section must be reviewed and approved by the
engineer/contractor, Commissioning Authority and UAB prior to signing off that the project is substantially complete.
C. Definitions:
1.
2.
3.
Testing (T) – The use of specialized and calibrated instruments to measure temperatures, pressures,
rotational speeds, electrical characteristics, velocities, and air/water qualities for an evaluation of equipment
and system performance.
Adjusting (A) – The final setting of balancing devices such as dampers and valves, fan speeds, and pump
impeller sizes. In addition to automatic control devices such as thermostats and pressure controllers to
achieve maximum specified system performances and deficiencies during normal operation.
Balancing (B) – The methodized regulation of system fluid flows to achieve the desired or specified airflow or
water flow.
D.
Products:
Not applicable
E.
Execution:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
6.
7.
All mechanical equipment, piping systems, and air systems shall be tested, adjusted and balanced to meet
designer specifications.
Testing of equipment and systems shall be in conformance with the following TAB Standards:

The Building Commissioning Handbook – Section 01815.9 – Testing, Adjusting, Balancing

NEBB 2005

ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC Systems and Applications – Chapter 38 Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing
Parts 1 and 2
Initial testing shall be performed to verify that the system(s) and equipment are ready for balancing. In the
case where the initial testing indicates the system and its components are not performing as required, then
adjusting shall be performed to correct any deficiencies.
Testing and balancing operational tests shall be of not less than 4 hours duration, after stabilized operating
conditions have been established. At a minimum, TAB of 10% of the system shall be demonstrated to comply
with balance reports in the presence of the designer, University Commissioning Authority and the UAB Project
Manager.
Balancing reports shall be required as a part of this process, and include required information specified by the
University or Commissioning Authority. The engineer/contractor will be required to submit an initial balancing
report that will include a description of the building system, control system, and related equipment to
demonstrate comprehension of system operation. The report shall contain the scope of the balancing work
and the intended order of the activity. It shall list any deficiencies that might prevent the balancer from
providing a full and complete balance, and all problem areas that might require design or construction
changes. The final balancing reports shall include a narrative and the data necessary to describe the
system(s), controls, and operating equipment.
Final tests and inspection procedures shall demonstrate that capacities and general performance of systems
are verified to comply with contract requirements. All testing requirements shall be provided by the
engineer/contractor to the University or Commissioning Authority for approval.
Acceptance criteria shall be defined in the specific operational testing procedures for each system.
If applicable, post-occupancy TAB testing will be performed during Warranty Period at approximately 3
months after acceptance, and within 3 months of termination of Warranty Period.
End of Standard