FAQ
+ Why should I have my products certified or have a conformity test carried out?
In many cases, product certification is a prerequisite for participation in tenders. Government tenders in particular are increasingly focusing on guaranteeing interoperability through the use of certified components. In order to have a device certified, the successful completion of a conformity test is a prerequisite.
+ What documents do I need for my BACnet exam?
In order to carry out a test, we require a PICS, an ePICS and the completed BTL checklist. Templates for these documents can be downloaded from the BACnet Test Laboratories website: https://btl.org/testing-documentation/
+ What are the costs for a BACnet test?
The costs depend on the functional scope of the device that we take into our laboratory for testing. We will be happy to provide you with a specific quote. Please send us the documents already mentioned above:
PICS, ePICS and checklist.
+ I have seen that MBS also offers AMEV testing. What does this mean?
The AMEV - Working Group for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in Administration - has defined requirements that go beyond the BACnet standard for devices that are to be used in administration. After successfully completing a conformity test, we can also test your device for compliance with the AMEV guidelines.
This is not done in our laboratory, as the AMEV regulations are not DIN or comparable standards. We are only allowed to test in the laboratory in accordance with such standards. The conditions under which we test are, of course, identical, so that a reliable result is available at the end.
+ What do I need to consider when preparing for the BACnet exam?
The preparation of a BACnet conformity test is an important point with which you can save costs: The better the preparation, the less likely it is that your device will have to undergo a retest after the fault has been rectified.
It is important to ensure that all test specifications drawn up by BACnet International are observed.
You can find the important test plan for this at: http://www.bacnetlabs.org/test_documentation
+ Are there pre-testing tools?
There are several pretesting tools to consider:
- Wireshark: This is a protocol analyzer available as freeware, which is also BACnet-capable
- BACeye: The BACnet Explorer from MBS GmbH, which can be used as a BACnet client
- VTS: Visual Test Shell: This allows you to compile BACnet frames at low level and then send them to your device. The program is quite complicated to use, as automation is only rudimentary
- BTF: The BACnet Test Framework from MBS GmbH. This enables a largely automated test of BACnet devices. All test sequences are stored in the form of scripts and it is also possible to create and integrate your own scripts.
+ What is tested in detail during the BACnet test?
During the tests, the communication in BACnet that a device is capable of is tested in full. We do not consider anything that does not relate to communication in BACnet. For example, it is not relevant to us whether a control loop in a DDC is functional or not. The only thing that matters to us is whether the assigned object works correctly in BACnet.
+ How do I get an appointment for BACnet testing and is it possible to have my device tested at short notice?
We would be happy to advise you on the current possibilities. Talk to us, we are here for you!
+ Is there an application form for BACnet testing?
No, there is no form. Instead, please send us as much information as possible about your device as described above.
+ How long does the BACnet test of my devices take?
Testing a BACnet device takes between a few days and many weeks. The duration depends solely on the scope of the tests that we have to carry out. To illustrate: when testing a B-BC - i.e. a BACnet Building Controller - approx. 1600 tests with between 5 and 50 test steps each are carried out, evaluated and logged.
+ What happens if errors occur during the BACnet test?
In this case, we will inform you immediately and provide you with all the information you need to rectify the error. In general, this means the log of the commutation and the reference to the corresponding chapter in the test plan.
+ Is it possible to cancel or interrupt the BACnet test?
We can always arrange an interruption. Please simply inform us of your wishes. In the event of cancellation, we would only charge for the work we have already done up to the time of notification.
+ Can I attend my BACnet test on site?
Yes, you can. In view of the fact that a test may take several weeks, this is not necessarily advisable. However, handing over the devices to our laboratory is definitely a support that we are happy to provide.
+ I have received a positive test report. What are the next steps?
Once the tests have been successfully completed, a single application to BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) is sufficient to obtain a certificate of conformity, an entry in the BTL listing and the right to use the BTL trademark.
