HVAC Excellence Competency & Task List for Building Automation Certification

Students should have prior knowledge of:

Basic computer operations
Proper use of hand tools
Electrical Principles
Basic wiring techniques
Reading schematic diagrams
Intepreting a systems operational sequence from a schematic diagram
Converting schematic diagrams to Ladder diagrams
NEC usage
Ampacity calculations
Psychrometer principles
Identifying what property each line on a psychrometric chart represents
The ability to plot any two basic points on the psychrometric chart and evaluate the data
Define standard air volume, velocity and static pressure

Students must have knowledge of and be able to demonstrate proficiency in DDC Fundamentals:

Defining the following: range, setpoint, dead band, bias, trending, scheduling, digital, analog, input, output, variable, logic, actuator, positioner, Ethernet, fieldbus
Reading and interpreting commercial building prints- lighting, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and HVACR.
Reading and interpreting commercial building schedules located on prints
Defining and describing the function of a DDC system
Describing the functions and advantages of a Building Automation System
Explaining how DDC systems are used to improve the Energy Management of a building.
Explaining proportional control theory.
Explaining Derivative control theory.
Listing the major NEC articles related to Low-voltage systems/networks.
Creating flow charts to illustrate the operational sequence of- VAV, AHU, cooling towers, rooftop units, etc.
Creating and maintain documentation related to a BAS install – to include hardware components and address schematics

Students must have knowledge of and be able to demonstrate proficiency in Building Automation Networks:

Listing the Layers 1-7 of the OSI Model
Explaining TCP/IP protocols
Defining and describing the following network topologies: bus, ring, star
Describing Ethernet applications and operations
Explaining RS-485 network standards.
Explaining RS-232 network standards.
Comparing different bus architecture used in the BAS industry
Contrasting open networks to closed networks.
Listing and contrasting the most common BAS open network protocols: Modbus, LonWorks, BACnet, OPC
Defining and describing “points” in a DDC control system.
Creating network diagrams using MS Visio or related software.
Fabricating of an Ethernet patch-cable
Demonstrating common cabling practices used in the BAS industry, per NEC requirements.
Wiring/networking a unit controller to a room operator, per NEC requirements.
Describing the function and application of a Java Application Control Engine (JACE) controller.
Describing the function and application of a field controller.
Describing the function and application of a room operator.
Describing the function and of a PLC used in refrigeration applications.
Installing controllers, per NEC requirements.
Configuring a room operator/controller.
Adding virtual points to network database.
Adding network addresses to network database.

Students must have knowledge of and be able to demonstrate proficiency in Building Automation Controllers:

Describing the function and application of a Java Application Control Engine (JACE) controller.
Describing the function and application of a field controller.
Describing the function and application of a room operator.
Describing the function and of a PLC used in refrigeration applications.
Installing controllers, per NEC requirements.
Configuring a room operator/controller.
Adding virtual points to network database.
Adding network addresses to network database.

Students must have knowledge of and be able to demonstrate proficiency in Digital Logic and Programming:

Comparing the following expressions of logic – relay logic, truth tables, ladder logic, Boolean algebra, logic gates.
Defining and describing the following digital numbering systems- decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal.
Contrasting analog and digital communication
Defining microprocessor control systems.
Identifying different types of data points: numeric, Boolean, enumerated, string.
Converting between the different expressions of logic (e.g., relay logic to Truth Tables)
Developing flow charts for simple programs using MS Visio or related software.
Connecting a laptop/workstation to a field controller
Using a laptop to configure a field controller
Programming controllers using; line-programming, icon-based programming, or block programming.

Students must have knowledge of and be able to demonstrate proficiency in Sensor Installation and Applications:

Identifying the types of sensors that measure- temperature, humidity, pressure, velocity, level, proximity, co2, motion, photoelectric diode.
Describing the proper application of sensors that measure – temperature, humidity, pressure, velocity, level, proximity, co2, motion, photoelectric diode
Wiring sensors to unit controllers, per NEC requirements.
Addressing points for various input sensors types
Configuring inputs to unit controllers.

Students must have knowledge of and be able to demonstrate proficiency in Actuator Installation and Applications:

Identifying the types of the following output components- control valve, regulators, dampers, variable-speed drive, solid-state relay, TRIAC.
Describing the proper application of the following output components – control valve, regulators, dampers, variable-speed drive, solid-state relay, TRIAC.
Wiring actuators to unit controllers, per NEC requirements.
Addressing points for various output devices
Configuring outputs to unit controllers
Configuring a VFD to operate with a BAS network.

Students should have knowledge of and be able to describe and demonstrate the following safety requirements:

Knowledge of the following test instruments and or tools is required: