A proposed standard that would test the compatibility of systems and equipment with BACnet® has been released for a public review by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Proposed ASHRAE Standard 135.1P, “Method of Test For Conformance to BACnet,” defines the steps to test whether a product or application conforms to the BACnet standard and correctly provides the features claimed by the supplier. TO achieve this, the proposed standard contains tests for each BACnet message type, function, and networking technology, according to Steven Bushby, chair of the BACnet committee.

Once finalized, 135.1P is expected to form the basis for BACnet testing, certification, and product listing programs, he said. The first such program in North America is being developed by the BACnet Manufacturers Association whose member firms have formed the BACnet Testing Laboratory (BTL) to carry out the tests and administer a BACnet product listing program. The BTL is currently reviewing the proposed standard and conducting preliminary testing of BACnet products.

Bushby said he expects to receive the results of the BTL review during the public review period as well a those from a parallel, but coordinated, program under development b the BACnet Interest Group – Europe.

Public review of the proposed standard began on December 1, 2000 and will end on January 30, 2001. For more information, visit the website at www.ashrae.org.