Panel commissioning is the systematic verification process between completing assembly and handing the panel over to the client. Skipping or rushing commissioning steps creates callbacks, warranty claims and in worst cases safety incidents. This checklist covers the 25 steps that a KNX panel engineer must complete before signing off any installation.

Pre-power checks (steps 1-8)

Step 1 — Visual inspection: Verify all components are present, correctly rated and correctly positioned against the panel schedule. Check DIN-rail spacing, terminal tightness (use calibrated torque screwdriver to manufacturer spec — typically 0.5-0.6Nm for 6mm² terminals). Check no bare conductors visible outside terminal slots.

Step 2 — Circuit schedule verification: Compare installed MCB ratings, RCD types and cable sizes against the approved circuit schedule. Any deviation from approved design must be documented and approved before energisation.

Step 3 — Earth continuity test: Using a calibrated low-resistance ohmmeter (IEC 61439-1 requires < 0.1Ω from panel PE terminal to each metal component frame), test: DIN-rail continuity, enclosure door continuity, cable containment bonding. Record all readings.

Step 4 — Insulation resistance test: With all circuits isolated, test IR between phase and earth, neutral and earth using 500V DC test voltage (IEC 60364-6). Expected: > 1MΩ per circuit. Failure indicates damaged cable insulation or contaminated components.

Step 5 — KNX bus wiring visual check: Verify YCYM 2×2×0.8 cable installed (correct colour coding: red bus +, black bus −). Check all KNX terminal polarity connections. Verify no bus cable routed alongside 230V cables (minimum 50mm separation or separate conduit). Check that no KNX cable runs exceed 700m (350m per segment × 2 with repeater).

Step 6 — KNX device address check: All KNX devices must have a physical address programmed (1.1.1 – 1.1.64 for first line). Verify in ETS6 that the topology diagram matches the physical installation — line couplers on correct lines, device count per line within limits.

Step 7 — 24V auxiliary supply check: Verify separate 24V SELV transformer for Belimo actuators, DALI drivers and any other 24V load. Check wiring from transformer to load terminals. Verify transformer rating ≥ total load (sum actuator current draws + 20% margin).

Step 8 — Component data log: Record serial numbers of: KNX power supply(ies), all KNX devices (from ETS6 individual address list with product descriptions), RCDs, main MCBs. Required for IEC 61439 documentation and warranty tracking.

Power-on and electrical verification (steps 9-14)

Step 9 — Energise in stages: Apply power to sub-circuits progressively. Start with KNX power supply only. Measure bus voltage at supply terminals (expected: 29 ± 1V DC). Measure bus voltage at furthest point of bus run (expected: > 21V DC after load).

Step 10 — Bus current budget verification: Measure total KNX bus current draw using clamp meter around bus + wire at the PSU. Compare against calculated budget: (number of devices × average current per device). Typical budget: 64 devices × 18mA = 1152mA on a 1280mA (×2 PSU) supply. Verify < 80% of PSU rated current.

Step 11 — RCD testing: Test each RCD with IEC 61557-compliant RCD tester (e.g. Fluke 1663, Megger MFT1721). Record: test current (30mA for residential, 300mA for discrimination), trip time (< 300ms for 30mA Type A), and manual push button test result. Type A RCDs: verify tripping on AC and pulsating DC test current. Type F: verify tripping on 1kHz mixed-frequency test current.

Step 12 — Prospective short-circuit current (PSCC) measurement: Measure PSCC at panel incomer and at each outgoing circuit origin using loop impedance tester. Verify MCB breaking capacity ≥ PSCC at point of installation. Record all loop impedance values.

Step 13 — DALI bus power check: If DALI present, measure DALI bus voltage (expected: 16 ± 1.5V DC at controller terminals). Measure DALI bus current (< 250mA per controller bus per IEC 62386). Check polarity of DALI wiring.

Step 14 — KNXnet/IP connectivity: From laptop on same LAN segment, open ETS6 → Interfaces → Scan. Verify KNX IP router or IP interface appears with correct individual address. Test ETS6 download to one device via IP interface. If using KNX Secure: verify device certificates loaded.

Software commissioning (steps 15-20)

Step 15 — ETS6 project backup: Before beginning programming, export ETS6 project archive (.knxproj) and save to secure backup location (cloud + local). Date-stamp the file. This protects against data loss during programming.

Step 16 — Download all devices: Download ETS6 applications, parameters and filter tables to all KNX devices systematically, area by area. Log any download errors and their resolutions. Verify each device shows green status in ETS6 topology view after download.

Step 17 — Group address verification via bus monitor: Open ETS6 Group Monitor. Operate each KNX input device (pushbutton, sensor) manually and verify the expected group address telegrams appear. Check DPT assignments — a temperature sensor sending to a 1-bit GA produces no visible error in ETS6 but causes silent failure in the actuator.

Step 18 — Actuator function test: For each controlled circuit: switch on from KNX pushbutton, verify load energises. Switch off, verify load de-energises. For dimming circuits: dim up and down, verify full range. For shutters: move up and down to end positions, verify travel time calibration and end-stop behaviour.

Step 19 — Sensor and HVAC test: For each KNX room thermostat: verify setpoint adjustment sends correct DPT 9.001 value to HVAC group address. For each presence detector: verify presence telegram triggers lighting on. Block detector, wait hold time, verify lights off. For each CO2 sensor: verify ppm value reads plausibly in group monitor.

Step 20 — Scene test: Recall each configured scene (pushbutton, time-switch or visualisation). Verify all actuators respond as specified in the scene design document. Test scene learn function if provided.

Documentation and handover (steps 21-25)

Step 21 — ETS6 group address export: Export complete group address table from ETS6 (Project → Export → Group Addresses as CSV). Include in O&M documentation as the definitive KNX address reference for future service engineers.

Step 22 — IEC 61439 test protocol: Complete the test protocol with all measurement results from steps 9-14. Sign and date. The test protocol must be retained by the panel builder for 10 years (IEC 61439 requirement).

Step 23 — Circuit schedule as-built update: Mark any deviations from original design (MCB rating changes, circuit additions) on the circuit schedule. Issue as-built drawing set with revision number and date.

Step 24 — Panel nameplate check: Verify IEC 61439 nameplate affixed: manufacturer, type designation, rated voltage, rated current (In), rated PSCC (Icc), IP rating, year of manufacture.

Step 25 — Client handover and training: Demonstrate: normal operation of all functions, scene recall, time-switch settings, ETS6 backup procedure (provide client with ETS6 project copy on USB), emergency override procedure (manual actuator operation if KNX fails), RCD reset procedure, and service contact information. Obtain client signature on commissioning certificate.