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A lot of commissioning services focus on sensors only. That leaves a big gap because gas detection equipment is a system, not a collection of parts, and the controller is what turns a sensor reading into action.

If the controller, outputs, and integrations are not tested, you do not actually know what will happen during a leak. You only know the sensors power up.

The Most Common Commissioning Oversight: Skipping The Controller

We see this all the time. Sensors get calibrated and show numbers, so everyone assumes the job is done.

But if the controller is not verified, the horn and strobe might not trigger. Fans might not start. Shutdown devices might never engage.

This is also where wiring verification and programming errors show up. A relay can be landed on the wrong terminals, a point can be mapped wrong, or the logic can be incomplete.

Sensors Detect, Controllers Decide, Outputs Protect

A gas sensor detects a condition. The controller decides what it means.

The controller then triggers the response, which can include alarm functionality, ventilation control, annunciation, and shutdown devices. If you do not test that chain end-to-end, you are guessing about the most important part of the safety system.

This is why complete commissioning a gas detection system is not optional on life-safety applications. It is the only way to confirm that detection leads to action.

How Integration Testing Ensures Alarm Functionality

Integration testing connects the whole chain. You verify that the sensor input reaches the controller, and that the controller triggers the correct outputs at the correct thresholds.

A proper test cycle usually includes:

• Triggering test scenarios so the strobe and horn activate as expected
• Confirming fan start or purge sequences work
• Verifying shutdown devices, valves, or equipment interlocks engage correctly
• Confirming alarm reset behavior and any delay timers

This is also where you catch nuisance alarm behavior. If setpoints, delays, or logic are wrong, you will know before the site is in full operation.

Why Communication Protocols Must Be Verified

Modern systems often rely on communication protocols like Modbus and BACnet, especially when tying into BAS, PLC, or SCADA environments. Those connections can look fine on paper and still fail in the field.

Gas detection commissioning should include verifying that every sensor and controller is actually talking. It should also confirm that the right points are being reported, in the right format, with the right scaling.

Incorrect mapping or incomplete communication setup can create missed alarms, delayed response, or confusing system behavior. It also creates expensive troubleshooting after startup.

What Complete Commissioning Services Should Include

A commissioning checklist should cover the entire system startup, not just sensor verification.

At a minimum, complete commissioning services should include:

• Sensor verification with test gas where applicable
• Wiring verification from sensors to controller and from controller to outputs
• Controller programming review and alarm logic validation
• End-to-end testing of alarms, fans, and shutdown devices
• Integration testing for Modbus, BACnet, or other protocols
• Documentation, including commissioning report and as-left setpoints

When you do this, you reduce nuisance alarms and build real confidence. People trust the alarm because they have seen what it triggers.

FAQs

Do commissioning services cover all system components?

It should. Commissioning is not complete unless sensors, controller logic, communication links, and output actions are all verified. If only sensors were checked, you still do not know if the system will respond correctly.

Why is the controller just as important as the sensors?

Because the controller is what turns a sensor reading into action. Sensors detect, the controller decides, and the controller triggers the alarms, ventilation, and shutdown responses that protect people and equipment.

What does full system testing include?

It includes sensor verification, controller testing, wiring verification, alarm and output testing, and integration testing. It should also include a documented commissioning report and a clear record of alarm setpoints and system behavior.

Commission Your Sensors And Controllers With Hawk For Total Protection

Hawk performs complete commissioning services that includes both sensors and control systems. We verify alarm functionality through end-to-end testing, confirm ventilation and shutdown responses, and validate communication protocols like Modbus and BACnet where applicable.

You also get a commissioning report that documents what was tested and what passed, which helps with compliance expectations and audit readiness. If you want confidence that your system will detect and act the way it should, contact Hawk to help you commission it the right way.