Traffic Signal Field Acceptance Test Procedure and Commissioning
Introduction
A field acceptance test is the final verification that a newly installed traffic signal is safe and correct before handover. The test follows a written procedure, with every step signed off. This guide covers the standard procedure.
Pre-Test Preparation
Before the field test, the contractor should:
- Verify the cabinet wiring against the as-built diagram
- Confirm all surge arrestors are installed and bonded
- Confirm the earth rod resistance is under 10 ohms
- Verify all signal heads are installed, aligned, and visible from the approach
- Print the as-built timing plan, the conflict monitor program card, and the test sheets
The agency representative witnesses the entire test.
Test Sequence
The standard test sequence is:
1. Visual inspection (30 minutes): walk every component, check for damage, alignment, and labelling 2. Cabinet power-on test (15 minutes): verify AC mains, DC bus voltages, MMU self-test pass 3. Manual phase test (30 minutes): run each phase manually, verify signal head response 4. Conflict monitor test (45 minutes): test every conflict scenario per the pre-printed test sheet 5. Detector test (30 minutes): each detector channel responds correctly to test calls 6. Timing test (60 minutes): run the full timing plan, verify yellow, all-red, pedestrian intervals 7. Coordination test (if applicable) (30 minutes): verify offset and progression with adjacent signals 8. Communication test (if applicable) (15 minutes): verify central system connection and remote commands 9. Backup power test (if applicable) (15 minutes): simulate power loss, verify battery runtime
Total: about 4-5 hours for a typical intersection.
Documentation
The test produces a written record:
- Test sheet with every step, time, and outcome
- As-built timing plan with parameter values
- Conflict monitor test log
- Detector test log
- Photos of every test point
- Signatures of the contractor and the agency representative
GAOQIAO can supply a pre-formatted test sheet package matched to the cabinet and timing plan.
Punch List
Any non-conformance found during the test becomes a punch list item:
- Re-torque loose terminals
- Re-align mis-aimed signal head
- Re-program conflict monitor if program card is wrong
- Replace failed component
The contractor fixes the punch list, then re-tests only the failed steps. After the punch list is closed, the signal is handed over to the agency for operation.
Featured Products
GAOQIAO supplies pre-formatted test sheets and commissioning support for any project size.
Conclusion
A documented field acceptance test is the foundation of a safe handover. GAOQIAO supplies test sheets and commissioning support. Send us your project specification for a test package.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the field acceptance test take?
4-5 hours for a typical intersection, more for complex or coordinated signals.
Can the test be done by the contractor alone?
The agency representative must witness and sign. Self-certification is not accepted.
What happens if the test fails?
The punch list is created; the contractor fixes and re-tests. The signal is not handed over until every punch list item is closed.
Relevant GAOQIAO products
These public GAOQIAO catalogue pages are related to the guide. Open them for the representative description, then confirm the latest drawing and configuration before ordering.
- Traffic signal controllersWired and solar controllers with 6, 22, 44 and 56 output options.
- LED traffic signal heads200mm, 300mm and 400mm signal heads with MUTCD, EN12368, GB14886 compliance.
- Signal polesVertical, signal arm and double-arm poles for any intersection geometry.
- Spare parts and accessoriesSpare LED modules, lenses, visors, surge arrestors and anchor bolts.