Commissioniong tests for new motor starters

[StuMurr]

I am a design engineer who has been roped into construction and commissioning and would like to know what tests should be carried out for each new motor starter.

I would have thought that some form of injection testing to test the protection circuit along with Megga insulation testing should be carried out. However our vendor has assured us that these tests have been carried out and have provided test certs. My question is - should I repeat the tests?

I am confident that the starters will function fine but want to do the right thing.

 

[DanDel]

Acceptance Testing should always be conducted after installation of any electrical equipment, to insure that the equipment was not damaged during shipping or installation, and that the installation was done properly. For this reason, it is usually required that Acceptance Testing be performed by an independent testing company, with no connection to the manufacturer or the installer.
The short list of typical tests are:

Primary injection or the motor overloads.
Trip testing of the Short Circuit(MCP), and, if present, GF, protection.
Contact resistance testing of all contactors and switch/MCP contacts.
Megger testing of power and control circuits.
Functional testing with control power applied.

For the details, refer to NETA Acceptance Testing Spec, Section 7.16.