As repairs and retrofits take off for the summer season, it’s time to start thinking of how you’ll get all the different aspects of your customer’s system integrated and running smoothly. That’s where BACnet comes in!
So what is BACnet?
It stands for Building Automation and Control Networks. BACnet is a communication protocol designed to allow HVAC & BAS, lighting, emergency, fire, safety controls, and other building automation functions the ability to integrate though they may not all be created by the same manufacturer.
Originally, BACnet was created/developed in 1987 under the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and is even a registered trademark of ASHRAE
Why was BACnet created?
The HVAC and BAS industries have made leaps and bounds when it comes to innovations in technology and BACnet is just one facet of that innovation.
The purpose of this technology was to define both data communication protocols and services for the control and ability to monitor HVAC and BAS. And it did just that. Today there is ASHRAE Standard 135-2016 that deals with data communication protocols for building automation and control networks.
Per ASHRAE, “BACnet provides a comprehensive set of messages for conveying encoded binary, analog, and alphanumeric data between devices including, but not limited to:
(a) hardware binary input and output values,
(b) hardware analog input and output values,
(c) software binary and analog values,
(d) text string values,
(e) schedule information,
(f) alarm and event information,
(g) files, and
(h) control logic.”
Benefits of BACnet
- No more needing every part to be from the same manufacturer or technological leaning
- Standardized communication for all building automation data and analysis
- Allows for retrofits and break/fix to function normally while preserving that initial investment
- Works as a comprehensive solution for all areas of BAS
- Works with IT capabilities already in place rather than against
With more and more buildings looking to mesh and integrate products from a variety of manufacturers, BACnet has never been more important to the overall success of a building’s automation functions. So don’t drag your feet on automating your next building—get ahead of the game and let data flow effortlessly between networks to make your life easier!
Looking for more information or how BACnet can help out on your next job? Visit kele.com or call today—Kele’s got you covered.
