BMS (Building Management Systems)

[BigSi]

I’ve been asked to complete somebody else’s BMS install in a school (run & connect cables only). Now I must admit, that this isn’t something that I normally dabble in, but am quite interested in the subject. I’m just after some hints and tips on the subject or anything that might help. Is there a course that offers BMS training, or is it something that is picked up along the way?

Any info would be much appreciated.:hurray:

 

[mydigitalhome]

Have a look at Trend controls superb kit and really helpful tech team.

 

[Mr.Si]

Is this the same as KNX stuff? (Automation etc)

 

[BigSi]

Is this the same as KNX stuff? (Automation etc)

Not sure. The system contains pumps, sensors, fan controls, gas shut-off valves, water flow sensors, etc.

 

[Marvo]

I hate to throw cold water on anyone keen to improve themselves and to learn more but I would caution that Building Management Systems aren't the kind of thing you would dabble in, there's a lot of complex issues and these systems are about the safety of the bulding occupants as much as their comfort.

The bigger systems are normally installed as a joint project between the fire system installers, the HVAC system installers, the gas system installers, the electricians and the comms installers. The BMS installers usually project manage to some degree and pull the other trades together.

Just installing cabling would be fairly straight forward but I would leave the test and commissioning proceedures to someone with appropriate experience. Being a safety system you might not be insured to carry out much more that just cabling.

As far as getting more experience goes I'm not sure where you would start. All the BMS's we work on are designed by consultants and specialist agencies. Knowlege of fire systems, gas alarm systems and building pressurisation techniques would be a must from a logistics point of view and electrical control systems and data comms (ascibus &modbus) systems from a hardware angle.

 

[Engineer54]

I’ve been asked to complete somebody else’s BMS install in a school (run & connect cables only). Now I must admit, that this isn’t something that I normally dabble in, but am quite interested in the subject. I’m just after some hints and tips on the subject or anything that might help. Is there a course that offers BMS training, or is it something that is picked up along the way?

Any info would be much appreciated.:hurray:

Every BMS manufacturer has it's own system and protocol and it's own training programme. Some will work in a totally different mode to others... It is almost impossible to get two BMS based systems to work with each other, not because they can't (but can sometimes be the case) but because the manufacturers will not give each other there protocol's.

I had this nightmare on a project a good few years back, on a 30,000 point BMS system (a crap one at that) and a pukka CPU based fire alarm system...

 

[mogga]

Iv done a bit of BMS cabling ect for different syatems but exactly that Cable conect up as per drawings System set commisioned by tecky geek with laptop Loads of cursing n swearing later due to anomilies with different bit of kit F.A H.V.A.C ECT ECT a nice working controlable system

nicest "Domestic" I did even had his swimming pool n heating conected so he could ring it if he was coming home early so he didnt shiver to much the BMS there was mainly HVAC orientaited but controled blinds vents in conservetry ect
Every system is different

 

[BigSi]

I hate to throw cold water on anyone keen to improve themselves and to learn more but I would caution that Building Management Systems aren't the kind of thing you would dabble in, there's a lot of complex issues and these systems are about the safety of the bulding occupants as much as their comfort.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there is a LOT to take into account when designing, installing and commissioning BMS systems. All I’m doing is running cables & connecting from pre-installed equipment (zone valves, temp sensors, pumps), to a BMS panel as per pre-issued drawings.

The system will be inspected, tested, and commissioned by a specialist company. All I was really after was a little bit more information so I could better understand the ‘BMS’ scene as it were.
This job has sort of been ‘dumped’ on me to try and sort out.

The commissioning company don’t run the cables so at the moment there is some confusion as to who is supposed to install the containment and run the cables!

 

[Engineer54]

Don’t get me wrong, I know there is a LOT to take into account when designing, installing and commissioning BMS systems. All I’m doing is running cables & connecting from pre-installed equipment (zone valves, temp sensors, pumps), to a BMS panel as per pre-issued drawings.

The system will be inspected, tested, and commissioned by a specialist company. All I was really after was a little bit more information so I could better understand the ‘BMS’ scene as it were.
This job has sort of been ‘dumped’ on me to try and sort out.

The commissioning company don’t run the cables so at the moment there is some confusion as to who is supposed to install the containment and run the cables!

BMS suppliers rarely if ever do any of the cable installation, they are normally just supply, connect, an commission contracts, but will normally provide an on site project supervisor full or part time. What make of BMS system is it, you are installing?? Is this a full on monitor and control system, or just a basic monitoring/logging system??

Surely, there is more than just one BMS panel that your installing/connecting point and/or LAN cables cables too?? Does this BMS system include a fire alarm module, security module, apart from the usual building services/mechanical/electrical systems ?? God, ....i hope it's not a Johnson Controls ''Metasys'' system, if they still have the Gaul to make and sell that system still!!!