BACnet® is the official building automation protocol standard of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). It has also been adopted as a global standard known as ISO 16484-5.
BACnet provides a common control language for an unlimited variety of building automation systems, including HVAC and IAQ, security and fire safety, lighting, vertical transport, and energy management. BACnet also enables cost savings by allowing central management, control, monitoring, and system optimization.
An an ISO standard, BACnet is rapidly becoming the solution of choice for building automation applications around the world. It has been incorporated into a wide range of HVAC and other equipment by many of the industry's leading manufacturers.
For more information on BACnet, visit the official website at www.bacnet.org.
The BACnet protocol was specifically developed by ASHRAE for standardized building system networking interoperability. The BACnet Manufacturers Association (BMA)was established to encourage the successful use of the BACnet data communication protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability and compliance testing, educational programs, and promotional activities.
Andy McMillan, President and CEO of Teletrol System, currently sits on the BMA Board of Directors, actively involving Teletrol in the strategic direction and policies of the BMA during his four year term. www.bacnetassociation.orgThe BACnet protocol was developed to be a consensus standard, under full public scrutiny. Today, as a national standard, it cannot be significantly changed without public review and comment. BACnet has since also become firmly established on the international stage, where it is a European pre-standard (CEN). It was recently announced at ASHRAE 2003 that BACnet has become an ISO standard (ISO 16484-5).
The BACnet protocol is designed to enable end-users and network integrators to purchase “off-the-shelf” devices that will work together, from different manufacturers.
The BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL), which is part of the BACnet Manufacturers Association (BMA), offers a product testing and listing program for products that have BACnet capability.The goal of the BTL is to perform independent BACnet conformance testing for vendors' building automation equipment. Teletrol is a member of the BMA and has worked with the BTL to help develop BACnet test criteria and procedures.
BTL product listings can be viewed at: http://bacnetassociation.org/btl
Other BACnet links:
North American BACnet Interest Group www.big-na.org
Publications (incl. the BACnet standard) www.ashrae.org