Site Survey FAQs

A site survey, also referred to as a site evaluation, is an on-site assessment of environmental conditions that can impact sensitive equipment. VEC measures vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), acoustics, floor stiffness, and ambient conditions to determine whether a location meets tool requirements.

Site surveys reduce risk by identifying potential environmental issues before installation, helping prevent delays, rework, or costly mitigation after a tool is installed. OEMs frequently require or recommend site surveys as part of the installation process.

The ideal time is after the room is built out, with floors, walls, ceilings, and utilities complete, but before the tool is installed so conditions closely match how the tool will operate.

VEC begins with a consultation to understand your project, tools, and facility and then recommends the appropriate site survey or site evaluation scope.

A baseline site survey is typically performed before tool installation to evaluate whether a proposed room or location is suitable for a specific tool. This is especially important during new construction, renovations, or when evaluating multiple possible locations.

Lead time varies based on project complexity, site location, and scheduling availability. In most cases, surveys can be scheduled within a few weeks, and we work closely with your team to align testing with your overall project timeline whenever possible.

Yes. Pre-install site surveys are common and often recommended to validate site suitability and reduce installation risk.

Yes. VEC regularly works directly with OEMs, end users, and project teams to meet pre-install requirements and resolve site concerns.

The cost of a site survey is project-dependent and based on factors such as facility size, tool type, number of locations tested, test duration, and required measurements. VEC scopes each site survey individually to ensure the testing aligns with your project and OEM requirements.

Depending on project scope, VEC may measure vibration, electromagnetic interference, acoustics and noise, floor stiffness, and temperature and humidity.

VEC collects field data, analyzes results against tool specifications, identifies sources of any non-compliance, and develops clear engineering recommendations to support installation success.

Typically, VEC requires tool specifications if available, site access approvals, safety training or background checks if applicable, a completed room build-out, and normal operating conditions during testing.

Yes. Testing conditions should mimic how the tool will operate. Construction, demolition, or abnormal activities should not occur during testing.

Field time depends on the test type. Spot testing may require only a short visit, while long-duration monitoring may involve multiple days with equipment left on site.

A spot test provides a snapshot of conditions at a specific moment and captures steady-state vibration and frequency content. Long-duration testing, such as 24, 48, or 72-hour monitoring, captures fluctuations over time including operational changes, nighttime activity, and intermittent sources.

Long-duration testing is recommended when conditions vary throughout the day, tool placement or type is not finalized, multiple operational scenarios must be captured, or intermittent disturbances are suspected. Testing should occur during normal or peak operations whenever possible.

Yes. VEC tests for vibration, EMI, acoustics, floor stiffness, and temperature and humidity as part of our site survey services.

The number of measurement locations depends on the facility size, tool requirements, and project scope. Each site survey is custom.

Tool specifications are strongly preferred, as they help us select the most appropriate test methods and accurately evaluate performance. In early planning phases, we can still proceed using interim assumptions or representative criteria, with final validation completed once full specifications are available.

Yes. Multiple tools and/or locations can be included in a single survey.

VEC identifies the source of the issue and provides clear, actionable recommendations. If mitigation is required, VEC can design and supply appropriate solutions.

Yes. VEC provides engineered mitigation recommendations for vibration, EMI, and acoustic challenges, and can support the design, coordination, and supply of mitigation solutions depending on project needs and scope.

Reports are typically delivered within five business days after testing is complete.

Reports include measurement data and methodology, compliance assessment versus tool specifications, source identification for any failures, engineering recommendations, and clear conclusions for decision-making.

Yes, VEC’s site surveys are widely accepted by OEMs and are aligned with OEM requirements when provided.

Absolutely. A findings review and presentation is included as part of the service.

Older surveys can be referenced, but new testing is recommended if there have been any environmental or operational changes. Each situation is evaluated individually.

Yes. VEC performs post-install site surveys for verification, troubleshooting, and performance validation.

Results remain valid as long as there are no changes to the environment, such as new equipment, construction, or operational changes.

No. VEC supports commercial, institutional, and industrial projects only.

Yes. VEC frequently supports data centers, particularly for acoustic testing and modeling.

Data center surveys often focus on property line noise compliance, accounting for equipment such as chillers, boilers, and large air handling systems. Modeling and mitigation strategies differ from laboratory or cleanroom environments.

Testing methods can vary when OEM guidance is limited. VEC focuses on defensible measurements, source identification, and actionable recommendations that help projects move forward rather than creating uncertainty.