1 Scope
1.1 General applicability
This document defines procedures and specifications for loop check, which comprises the activities between the completion of the loop construction (including installation and point-to-point checks) and the beginning of cold commissioning. This document is applicable for the construction of new plants and for expansion or retrofits (i.e. revamping) of electrical and instrument (E&I) installations in existing plants (including PLC, DCS, panel-mounted and field instrumentation). It does not include a detailed checkout of power distribution systems, except as they relate to the loops being checked (i.e. a motor starter or a power supply to a four-wire transmitter). Loop checks can be performed throughout the lifecycle of the plant. This document is also applicable when loop checks are performed after commissioning. This document describes what is intended to be tested but not how the test is performed, due to the wide range of technologies and equipment available.
The intent of this document is to provide a means for all parties, including the owner, the installer and the vendor, to clearly establish and agree on the scope of activities and responsibilities involved in performing these tests in order to achieve a timely delivery and acceptance of the automation system. The activities described in this document can be taken as a guideline and adapted to the specific requirements of the process, plant or equipment.
1.2 Exclusions
1.2.1 Prior and post activities
Engineering and manufacturing activities prior to or after the loop checks, such as FAT, SAT, SIT and commissioning, are not covered by this document.
1.2.2 Regulated industries
For applications in the pharmaceutical or other highly specialized industries, additional guidelines (e.g. good automated manufacturing practice (GAMP)), definitions and stipulations apply in accordance with existing standards.
1.2.3 Safety instrumented systems
All loops are checked in accordance with this document. However, loops involved in safety instrumented systems are subjected to additional testing. The IEC 61511 series provides requirements for checks and validation of safety instrumented systems.
1.2.4 Manufacturing execution systems
Testing and verification of manufacturing execution systems (MES) is not covered by this document.
1.2.5 Advanced process control
Testing and verification of advanced process control (APC) are not covered by this document.
1.2.6 Security for industrial automation and control systems
The IEC 62443 series provides requirements for network and system security.
1.2.7 User-specific procedures and requirements
This document does not describe any user-specific procedures and requirements that can be related to loop check, e.g. positioning of process isolation valves, what state to leave the loop in after check, calibration. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that these are added to the loop check requirements as necessary.