What Is BACnet?
One-line history (no more):
In 1987 ASHRAE gathered engineers from across the industry and over eight years built a common open language for all building systems — in 1995 BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) was released, ending the era where each manufacturer had their own private protocol that locked building owners forever.
BACnet is like the MTC city bus network — multiple routes, multiple stops, any device can talk to any other device directly without a master managing every conversation. Intelligent, scalable, designed for buildings.
BACnet IP — runs on standard Ethernet. Faster. For supervisory level and large plants.
BACnet MS/TP — runs on RS-485 twisted pair. For field level within a floor.
EnSmart controllers are fully BACnet native and PICS prepared.
Related Topics
- What is BMS integration? — how a BMS connects with VFDs, energy meters, BACnet/Modbus devices and other building systems
- How to design a BMS system step by step — the complete BMS design methodology covering site survey, IO list, controller selection, sequence of operations
- What is a Building Management System (BMS)? — fundamentals of BMS controls and architecture for HVAC, lighting, energy and access
- What is BMS commissioning? — the disciplined commissioning process that turns a BMS install into a working building brain
- Browse all Commissioning & Integration topics — more from this section of the EnSmart BMS Library