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How Devices Are Tested
The BTL Working Group has developed a testing package which contains a set of testing procedures that
can be acquired and used by manufacturers to pre-test their products for BACnet® compliance before they
send their products to the BTL for official testing. This package may be obtained by the manufacturer
from the BTL when they officially apply for testing.
The BTL Lab uses this test package to verify compliance. The test package contains all
of the tests and requirements that are currently being tested at the lab. The package is applied to the
device via the checklist which is completed by the manufacturer and indicates the devices capabilities and
therefore specifies what tests should be run on the device. In addition to the testing package, the BTL
Lab may also use equipment and tools developed by other organizations during the testing process. Some
of the tools used are listed in the Pre-Testing Tools section.
If you have any questions the BTL can be reached:
btl-manager@bacnetinternational.org
Who may apply
The testing process is open to all manufacturers. The order the devices are tested is first come first serve
however BACnet International members will have priority in the testing order.
How do I get a device tested
The manufacturer initiates the testing process by completing a copy of the BTL Test Application form.
The manufacturer is also required to read and sign the BTL Standard Product Testing Agreement.
These forms along with the $1000 application fee should be sent to the BACnet International Office.
DO NOT SEND THE PRODUCT AT THIS TIME!
The BTL Manager will review the application and assign it a place in the testing queue. The BTL Manager
will reply to the manufacturer via email or snail mail if preferred, when the product has been assigned a
tentative testing date. A cost estimate for testing the device will also be provided to the manufacturer
at this time. In addition, the BTL Manager will send a copy of the current BTL Testing Package to the manufacturer
for their review. This package will contain the list of tests that the lab will use to test their device.
About three weeks before the estimated test date, the BTL Manager will contact the manufacturer to explain the
procedure for shipping the product to the Lab. After this, the manufacturer will ship
the product per instructions. If the manufacturer is not ready to ship their product, they may request a delayed
shipping time. If a delay is requested, the manufacturer looses their place in line and is re-assigned another test date.
When the product arrives at the Lab, the BTL Manager will contact the manufacturer and inform them of the expected test start date.
What to submit with the product
When the product is shipped to the lab, it should include any documentation necessary for the lab to be able to safely
configure and setup the product for testing. Other documents that must be sent to the lab either with the product shipment
or via the BTL Manager are the completed checklist, an EPICS for the product, as described in ASHRAE Standard 135.1, and any
IUT Testing Hints that might be useful for the lab.
If these documents are shipped with the product to the lab, a copy should also be sent to the BTL Manager to be filed with
the application and for reference if questions should come up at the lab.
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