BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network) is the global data communications standard for building automation and control networks. It provides a vendor-independent networking solution to enable interoperability among equipment and control devices for a wide range of building automation applications. BACnet enables interoperability by defining communications messages, formats and rules for exchanging data, commands, and status information. BACnet provides the data communications infrastructure for intelligent buildings and is implemented in hundreds of thousands of buildings around the world.
Building automation designers use BACnet for connecting multiple devices and systems to implement sophisticated energy management, occupant comfort, and building security applications. They also use BACnet to integrate information and control for multiple building systems into a single graphical user interface. The use of BACnet in building automation simplifies operations, reduces training, streamlines maintenance, offers flexibility, and allows for backward compatible extensions and cross-functional add-ons.
The BACnet standard was developed and is continuously maintained by the BACnet Committee, more formally known as SSPC 135 (a Standing Standards Project Committee) of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). BACnet is an ISO standard (EN ISO 16484-5), a European standard (DIN EN ISO 16484-5:2017-12) and a national standard in many countries.
Key BACnet Benefits
- Worldwide standardized data communication for building automation
- Independent of specific technologies and suppliers
- Comprehensive solution for building control and automation networks
- Compatibility with IT infrastructure and highly scalable solutions
- Validation at independent testing laboratories and product certification
- Continuously being maintained and upgraded while preserving current investments
Typical BACnet Applications
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Lighting control
- Elevator monitoring
- Access control
- Security and fire alarm systems monitoring and integration
- Energy management and energy services
- Operations data (XML)
For an overview of BACnet, see the free, two-hour online course called “BACnet Basics” in The BACnet Institute.
BACnet Organizations
The BACnet global community is supported by a network of not-for-profit organizations providing technical information, education and product certification services. Some of the most active groups are:
The BACnet Committee (SSPC 135)
The BACnet Committee is more formally known as SSPC 135 (a Standing Standards Project Committee) of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). It developed and continuously maintains the BACnet standard.
BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL)
BACnet Testing Laboratories oversees the operation of the global BACnet product certification program.
It establishes test requirements, issues product certifications, and maintains a global database of all BACnet tested products
The BACnet Institute (TBI)
The BACnet Institute is an online portal for BACnet-focused learning and knowledge sharing. It includes several introductory BACnet online courses as well as a curated library of articles, presentations, white papers and other BACnet information. It also includes a community forum for learning and experience sharing.
BACnet International
BACnet International promotes the successful adoption of BACnet through educational, promotional and interoperability testing activities. It administers and oversees the operation of the BTL and TBI.
BACnet Interest Group-Europe (BIG-EU)
BIG-EU is dedicated to the development and adoption of BACnet, enabling open data exchange and interoperability of building automation components. It is focused on the European community with outreach to nearby countries and communities.
BACnet Interest Group-China & Asia (BIG-CA)
BIG-CA is dedicated to the development and adoption of BACnet to facilitate open data exchange and interoperability of building automation components in the China-Asia region.
BACnet Interest Group France
BIG-France is dedicated to serving the needs of the French building automation community for open building automation solutions based on BACnet and other international and national standards.
INBAC Association (India)
INBAC is dedicated to serving the needs of the building automation community in India for open building automation solutions based on BACnet and other international and national standards.
Other BACnet Interest Communities
Most countries have a community of BACnet users and suppliers. In some cases, the community is informally organized. For information on specific countries or communities, contact us.