PCM Guide · Standards
The CIBSE Commissioning Codes
Codes A, B, C, L, M, R and W — what each code actually covers, what it proves at handover, and how they fit together on an Australian project.
| Code | System | What it covers | What it proves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code M | Commissioning Management | How commissioning is planned, resourced, programmed, witnessed and documented across the whole project, from brief to post-occupancy. | That the right tests happened at the right time, by the right party, with records. |
| Code A | Air Distribution Systems | Fans, air handling units, ductwork, terminals and grilles — pre-commissioning checks, setting to work and proportional air balancing. | Measured airflow within tolerance of design at every terminal. |
| Code W | Water Distribution Systems | Chilled, heating, condenser and domestic water — filling, flushing, cleaning, chemical treatment, sampling and proportional water balancing. | A clean, treated, correctly balanced system with traceable sample results. |
| Code B | Boilers | Boiler plant set-to-work, combustion and burner commissioning, safety interlocks, sequencing and efficiency verification. | Safe, efficient boiler operation across the firing range. |
| Code C | Automatic Controls | BMS and control systems — point-to-point verification, sequence of operation testing, setpoints, alarms and interlocks. | The building control strategy behaves as the design intent describes. |
| Code R | Refrigerating Systems | Chillers, DX and heat pump plant — charge, safety devices, capacity control, staging and performance verification. | Rated capacity delivered safely under controlled conditions. |
| Code L | Lighting | Lighting installations and controls — illuminance verification, scene setting, daylight and occupancy control commissioning. | Designed light levels and control behaviour are achieved in the finished space. |
Code M
Commissioning Management explained
Read
Code A
Air distribution & balancing explained
Read
Code W
Water systems, flushing & balancing explained
Read
Common questions
- Which CIBSE code applies to my project?
- Code M applies to every project because it governs how commissioning is managed. The technical codes then apply per system: Code A for air, Code W for water, Code B for boilers, Code R for refrigeration, Code C for controls and Code L for lighting.
- Is CIBSE used in Australia?
- Yes. Australian specifications routinely call up CIBSE Commissioning Codes and BSRIA guides alongside AS/NZS standards, NCC requirements and Green Star or NABERS obligations. PCM works to CIBSE Code M as the management framework on Australian projects.
- What is the difference between Code M and Code A or W?
- Code M is the management code — who does what, when, and how it is evidenced. Code A and Code W are technical codes that tell the specialist how to physically set to work and regulate air and water systems.
- Who witnesses commissioning results?
- Under Code M, results are witnessed by the commissioning manager or an independent commissioning agent who is not the installing contractor. That independence is what makes the record defensible at handover.