Building Services Controls Course

[Rockstar94]

Hi guys,

Prob going over old ground here but does anyone recommend a good controls course, I can fault find on a panel but its more knowing why, for example certain plant needs interlocking, sequences for startups etc. I know this prob sounds daft but any help would be great.

 

[tino1888]

Best advice is to study the drawings (if any) or trace out the cables with visuals.. Sometimes it takes hours to trace what is a simple circuit..
Thru experience and many a change over you become a bit more quicker at solving problems regarding interlocks and relay switches..

Drawings always help..!!

 

[Rockstar94]

Yep sadly like you said rarely are they there! Was thinking a building services course may help as like I said its not the the wiring and electrical side it's more the reasons they are linked a certain way and why we need certain controls sequenced

 

[tino1888]

The usual plant what needs interlocking (safety features) on a school heating installation is the gas flow proving, air flow proving, pressurisation unit.. These must be provided so that if any didn't prove then the heating wouldn't go on..

Also fire alarm interlocks so the gas supply is isolated on an alarm.

I really learned a lot thru various tradesman as my main apprenticeship was electrical.

 

[tino1888]

No sure if there is any college course as such..

Prob a university degree covers safety aspects..

Our designer in house designs our drawings but he's never been qualified to do it. Just learned thru experience and through specifications from clients.

 

[tino1888]

What kind of installs to you work on?

 

[Rockstar94]

Yeah my route was electrical too but mostly install. As in supplying the panel and that's it! Our controls engineer is leaving and I'm being looked at to fill the gap as well as being the new QS

 

[Rockstar94]

It's not install I work on now. It's building services maintenance. our client requires biannual controls services and obviously remedial work from those services. However I've never had to get too in depth until now as my main responsiblity was install and compliance

 

[tino1888]

It's reflectively simple as long as you know the basics. I've been working for 13 years mostly install and fault finding.. Changeovers in weekends etc.. That tests you to the max that.. Still learning everyday tbh

 

[Rockstar94]

Yeah it's just all on me now with no backup, that's prob the main worry!

 

[tino1888]

Most interlocks are fire/gas , boiler/system pressure..

Really to make sure it doesn't add to an already dangerous situation under a fault.

Frost stats/sensors are to stop AHU coils etc.. Freezing and bursting ..

 

[tino1888]

Where u based?

I'd imagine you could get sum decent info online regarding a lot of it now.

What I tend to do is kid on I know what I'm doin, google it, find out then rectify the problem.

That way ill always remember.!!

 

[Rockstar94]

Based in London. Yep a lot of google will probably be involved. Trouble is when your in a basement plant room with no signal!!

 

[tino1888]

That is a hassle.. there's no heating and the fm division is standing behind you!! Panic..!!

I've had sum nightmares recently, belling out old bell wire for controls in an v.old school. Murder.!!

Went well in the end..

A lot of bms controls in these commercial/industrial premises are in dire need of upgrading aswell

 

[tino1888]

Here is a recent one that needed changed to a new trend controller..