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BACnet®
BACnet is a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks. Developed under the auspices of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), BACnet is an American national standard, a European pre-standard, and an ISO global standard. As BACnet provides a standard way of representing the functions of a device it allows interoperability between vendors in a client-server method, along with communicating over various networking options such as ARCNET, MS/TP, PTP, BACnet/Ethernet, and BACnet/IP.
BACnet® International (Formerly BACnet Manufacturers Association) is an organization that encourages the successful use of BACnet® in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing educational programs, and promotional activities. BACnet® International complements the work of other BACnet® -related groups whose charters limit their commercial activities.
BACnet® IP or BACnet/IP
A BACnet network type which uses an Ethernet carrier and IP addressing
BACnet® MS/TP
A BACnet network type which uses a Master-Slave Token Passing configuration. MS/TP networks are unique to BACnet and utilize EIA485 twisted pair topology running at 9600 to 76,800 bps.
BACnet over ARCNET
A BACnet network type which uses an ARCNET (attached resource computer network) carrier. ARCNET is an industry standard that can utilize several speeds and wiring standards. The most common configuration used by BACnet controllers is an EIA485 twisted pair topology running at 156,000 bps.
Ballast
Electrical or electronic component required for fluorescent (and HID) lamps. Ballasts provide enough voltage to start the lamp and then limit the current for continuing operation.
Base
The end of the lamp that inserts into a lamp socket. The end or ends of a lamp that makes electrical and mounting connections.
A standard reference case used as a basis for comparison. Establishing a clearly defined baseline is important and defining a repeatable baseline is essential if the work is to be compared to results of other work.
Examples: a simulation model of a ASHRAE 90.1 compliant building, a control building ( a building held constant), measurement of energy consumption prior to application of an energy conservation measure.
See also Benchmarking.
(reference: US DOE and Flanders,L. 2000 in Conference on Sustainable Development of Coastal Zones and Instruments for its Evaluation, Germany, 23-26,2000.)
The act of comparing a performance metric to a benchmark or baseline. Consistant and repeatable benchmarking requires clearly defined performance metrics and protocols for developing the reference case to serve at the baseline.
Examples: Energy Star for Buildings, LEED energy credits
(reference: US DOE and Flanders,L. 2000 in Conference on Sustainable Development of Coastal Zones and Instruments for its Evaluation, Germany, 23-26,2000.)
Bound Glass
Glass elements held together by metal strips, typically brass or copper; includes Leaded Glass, which has a heavier look.
Brushed Finish
Satin or lightly textured finish, usually on metal, produced by brushing with a wire wheel or buffing with a fine abrasive.
BTL Listed
BACnet Testing Laboratory (BTL) was established by BACnet International to support compliance testing and interoperability testing activities.
General Activities of the BTL
The general activities of the BTL are to publish an Implementation Guidelines document for users of BACnet® with the help of the working group, to organize and run the annual Interoperability Workshop, and to test products for certification.
Building Automation System
A Building Automation System (BAS) is an example of a Distributed control system. Building automation describes the functionality provided by the control system. The control system is a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices, designed to monitor and control the mechanical and lighting systems in a building.
BAS core functionality keeps the building climate within a specified range, provides lighting based on an occupancy schedule, and monitors system performance and device failures and provides email and/or text notifications to building engineering staff. The BAS functionality reduces building energy and maintenance costs when compared to a non-controlled building. A building controlled by a BAS is often referred to as an intelligent building system.
Building Codes
Building codes are a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and structures. The main purpose of the building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.
Building codes are generally intended to be applied by architects and engineers, but are also used for various purposes by safety inspectors,, commercial developers, contractors and subcontractors, manufacturers of building products and materials, insurance companies, facility managers, tenants, etc...
Building Controller (BC)
A fully programmable control module which is capable of storing trends and schedules, serving as a router to devices on a subnet, and initiating read and write requests to other controllers. Typically this controller is located on the Ethernet/IP backbone of the BAS. In many vendors' architectures a Building Controller will serve as a master controller, storing schedules and trends for controllers on a subnet underneath the Building Controller.
Building Intelligence Group LLC
Building Intelligence Group LLC is an independent consulting company dedicated to assisting building owners, facility managers, system integrators and suppliers, make the industry transition to Intelligent Building Systems.
Bulb
The everyday term for an incandescent lamp. Also refers to the outer glass envelope of the lamp.
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