03-01-23

SECTION 23 09 23
DIRECT-DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HVAC

GENERAL NOTES:
1. The AE shall research the local
practices not only with respect to
communication protocol and allowed
vendors, and integrators, but also
with respect to local practices with
regard to control sequences so that
the products and systems provided
under each project are generally
consistent with local practices at the
project facility.
2. Coordinate this section and the other
construction documents with the design
team before editing this section. See
Paragraphs 1.1.F through 1.1.H.
3. See Paragraph 1.1.I if any new
pneumatic and pneumatic/electric
systems must be used in this project.
4. The capability shall be provided to
allow the DDC system to communicate
with the EMS (Energy Management
System)// or // BAS (Building
Automation System)//or //BMS (Building
Management System)// or //Advanced
Utility Metering Systems//.

SPEC WRITER NOTES:

1. Delete between //------ // if not
applicable to project. Also delete any
other item or paragraph not applicable
in the Section and renumber the
paragraphs.
2. Engineer shall provide control
schematics, operating sequences, DDC
Control object lists, and Gateway
Interoperability Schedules on the
drawings.
3. Control schematics shall describe each
HVAC system. For example, schematics
shall be provided for the chilled
water system, the heating water
system, the condenser water system,
each air handling system, the lab
exhaust system, the general exhaust
system, etc.
4. Operating sequences shall be written
in the component style: it shall
include descriptions of how each
component behaves in each operating
mode.
5. The DDC control object list shall
include for each “point name” the
following columns: hardware point/
analog input, hardware point/analog

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output, hardware point/binary input,

hardware point/binary output, software
point/analog value, software point/
binary value, software point schedule,
trending (interval or differential
value or change of value), and if the
point should appear on a graphic.
6. The gateways’ interoperability
schedules shall include for each
device access through the gateway a
listing of all of the BIBBs required
through the gateway.
7. Provide the year of latest edition to
each publication listed in Article
1.10 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
General Contractor shall provide direct-digital control system(s) as
indicated on the project documents, point list, interoperability tables,
drawings and as described in these specifications. Include a complete and
working direct-digital control system. Include all engineering, programming,
configuration/setup hardware and software, controls and installation
materials, installation labor, commissioning and startup, training, final
project documentation and warranty. //A System Integrator and Direct Digital
Controls Contractor shall be two separate direct subcontractors of General
Contractor//.
1. The direct-digital control system(s) shall consist of high-speed,
peer-to-peer network of DDC controllers, a control system server,
all configuration and setup software and hardware devices, and an
Engineering Control Center. Provide a remote user using //a standard
HTML 5 web browser// to access the control system graphics and
change adjustable setpoints with the proper password.
2. All new building controllers shall be native BACnet. All new BACnet
workstations, controllers, devices and components shall be listed by
BACnet Testing Laboratories. All new BACnet workstations,
controllers, devices and components shall be accessible using a
HTML5 Web browser interface. Browsers shall not require the use of
an extension or add on software in order to access aforementioned
workstations, controllers, devices, and components.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Gateways, if used,
shall be of sufficient quantity,
capacity, and processing speed to allow
for extensive trending and controller-

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level adjustment of controlled devices in

VA healthcare and lab facilities.

a. If used, gateways shall be BTL listed.

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Design engineer shall
indicate on drawings interoperability
schedules for each gateway. The
interoperability schedules shall include
the following information: for each
device access through the gateway, list
all of the BACnet Interoperability
Building Blocks (BIBBs) required for
adequate interoperability. See ASHRAE
Standard 135, Annex K for a description
of available BIBBs.

b. If used, gateways shall provide all object properties and

read/write services shown on VA-approved interoperability
schedules.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Gateways are often used
to interface with the internal controls
of engineered equipment or systems such
as chillers, packaged rooftop air
conditioners, skid-mounted pressure
booster pump systems and similar.
Coordinate with the Design Team who shall
investigate those internal controls, and
make sure that those internal controls do
not control other pieces of equipment,
such as the start/stop of chilled water
pumps, condenser water pumps or cooling
towers. Deferring control of equipment
external to the equipment viewed through
the gateway imposes undue problems on
troubleshooting the HVAC systems’
controls.

3. The work administered by this Section of the technical

specifications shall include all labor, materials, special tools,
equipment, enclosures, power supplies, software, software licenses,
Project specific software configurations and database entries,
interfaces, wiring, tubing, installation, labeling, engineering,
calibration, documentation, submittals, testing, verification,
training services, permits and licenses, transportation, shipping,
handling, administration, supervision, management, insurance,
Warranty, specified services and any other items required for a
complete and fully functional Controls System.
4. The control systems shall be designed such that each mechanical
system shall operate under stand-alone mode. The A/E shall designate

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what each “mechanical systems” is composed of. The contractor

administered by this Section of the technical specifications shall
provide controllers for each mechanical system. In the event of a
network communication failure, or the loss of any other controller,
the control system shall continue to operate independently. Failure
of the ECC shall have no effect on the field controllers, including
those involved with global strategies.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Edit the number of
Engineering Control Center (ECC)
workstation locations and web-based users
in the paragraph below after discussing
with the VA facility. The VA typically
has only one ECC in each facility.

5. The control system shall accommodate // 1 // 2 // Engineering

Control Center(s) and the control system shall accommodate // 5 //
10 // 20 // web-based Users simultaneously, and the access to the
system should be limited only by operator password.
Some products are furnished but not installed by the contractor
administered by this Section of the technical specifications. The contractor
administered by this Section of the technical specifications shall formally
coordinate in writing and receive from other contractors formal
acknowledgements in writing prior to submission the installation of the
products. These products include but are not limited to the following:
1. Control valves.
2. Flow switches.
3. Flow meters.
4. Sensor wells and sockets in piping.
5. Terminal unit controllers.
Some products are installed but not furnished by the contractor
administered by this Section of the technical specifications. The contractor
administered by this Section of the technical specifications shall formally
coordinate in writing and receive from other contractors formal
acknowledgements in writing prior to submission the procurement of the
products. These products include but are not limited to the following:
1. //Refrigerant leak detection system.//
2. Factory-furnished accessory thermostats and sensors furnished with
unitary equipment.
Some products are not provided by, but are nevertheless integrated with
the work executed by, the contractor administered by this Section of the

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technical specifications. These products include but are not limited to the
following:
1. Fire alarm systems. If zoned fire alarm is required by the project-
specific requirements, this interface shall require multiple relays,
which are provided and installed by the fire alarm system
contractor, to be monitored.
2. //Advanced utility metering systems. These systems may take
information from the control system or its component meters and
sensors. //
3. //Boiler and/or chiller controls. These controls, if not native
BACnet, will require a BACnet Gateway.//
4. Terminal units’ velocity sensors
5. //Condenser water quality systems: condenser water high- and low-
parts hydrogen (pH) alarms.//
6. Unitary HVAC equipment (//rooftop air conditioning units, split
systems, packaged pumping stations//, // //) controls. These
include:
a. //Discharge temperature control.//
b. //Economizer control.//
c. //Flowrate control.//
d. //Setpoint reset.//
e. //Time of day indexing.//
f. //Status alarm.//
7. Steam trap monitoring system: Monitoring and alarms shall be
connected to the ECC via BACnet.
8. Variable frequency drives. These controls, if not native BACnet,
will require a BACnet Gateway.
9. The following systems have limited control (as individually noted
below) from the ECC:
SPECS WRITER NOTE: The following
paragraphs may also apply for a BAS
system if the existing facility has one.

a. //Constant temperature rooms: temperature out of acceptable range

and status alarms.//
b. //Process and food service coolers, refrigerators and freezers:
in patient nutrition kitchens, blood banks, mortuaries, and
pharmacies: high temperature, trending and status alarms.//

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c. //Medical gas systems (if not bottled at point of use): low

pressure and status alarms.//
d. //Medical and dental vacuum systems: high pressure and status
alarms.//
e. //Medical and dental compressed air systems: low pressure and
status alarms.//
f. //Emergency generators: status alarms.//
g. //Domestic water heating systems: low temperature, high
temperature and status alarms.//
h. //Pneumatic tube systems: status alarms.//
i. //Elevators: status alarms.//
j. //Building lighting systems: on/off and scene control.//
k. //Process conveyors: on/off control.//
l. //Stormwater removal pumps: status alarm.//
m. //Sanitary sewage pumps: status alarm.//
n. //Fume hoods and biological safety cabinets: status alarms//
o. //Isolation rooms: pressure outside of acceptable limit alarms.//
Responsibility Table:

Work/Item/System Furnish Install Low Line

Voltage Power
Wiring

Control system low voltage 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 N/A

and communication wiring
Terminal units 23 23 N/A 26
Controllers for terminal 23 09 23 23 23 09 23 16
units
LAN conduits and raceway 23 09 23 23 09 23 N/A N/A
Automatic dampers (not 23 09 23 23 N/A N/A
furnished with equipment)
Automatic damper actuators 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23
Manual valves 23 23 N/A N/A
Automatic valves 23 09 23 23 23 09 23 23 09 23
Pipe insertion devices and 23 23 N/A N/A
taps, flow and pressure
stations.
Thermowells 23 09 23 23 N/A N/A
Current Switches 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 N/A
Control Relays 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 N/A

23 09 23 - 6
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Work/Item/System Furnish Install Low Line

Voltage Power
Wiring

Power distribution system 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26

monitoring interfaces
Interface with 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
chiller/boiler controls
Chiller/boiler controls 23 23 23 09 23 26
interface with control
system
All control system nodes, 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
equipment, housings,
enclosures and panels.
Smoke detectors 28 31 00 28 31 00 28 31 00 28 31 00
Fire/Smoke Dampers 23 23 28 31 00 28 31 00
Smoke Dampers 23 23 28 31 00 28 31 00
Fire Dampers 23 23 N/A N/A
Chiller/starter interlock N/A N/A 26 26
wiring
Chiller Flow Switches 23 23 23 N/A
Boiler interlock wiring 23 23 23 26
Boiler Flow Switches 23 23 23 N/A
Water treatment system 23 23 23 26
VFDs 23 26 23 09 23 26
Refrigerant monitors 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
Laboratory Environmental 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
Controls
Fume hood controls 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
Medical gas panels 23 23 26 26
Laboratory Air Valves 23 23 23 09 23 N/A
Computer Room A/C Unit 23 23 26 26
field-mounted controls
Control system interface 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
with CRU A/C controls
CRU A/C unit controls 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
interface with control
system
Fire Alarm shutdown relay 28 28 28 26
interlock wiring

23 09 23 - 7
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Work/Item/System Furnish Install Low Line

Voltage Power
Wiring

Control system monitoring 28 28 23 09 23 28

of fire alarm smoke control
relay
Fire-fighter’s smoke 28 28 28 28
control station (FSCS
Fan Coil Unit controls (not 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
furnished with equipment)
Unit Heater controls (not 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
furnished with equipment)
Packaged RTU space-mounted 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
controls (not furnished
with equipment)
Packaged RTU unit-mounted 23 09 23 23 09 23 23 09 23 26
controls (not furnished
with equipment)
Cooling Tower Vibration 23 23 23 09 23 23 09 23
Switches
Cooling Tower Level Control 23 23 23 09 23 23 09 23
Devices
Cooling Tower makeup water 23 23 23 09 23 23 09 23
control devices
Starters, HOA switches 23 23 N/A 26
Steam Trap Monitoring in 23 21 11 23 21 11 26 26
Boiler Plant
Steam Trap Monitoring not 23 22 13 23 22 13 26 26
in Boiler Plant

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete the following

paragraph if not used or include if
working within an existing facility which
contains an existing legacy direct-
digital control system or various
systems. The systems integrator would be
the one required to possibly buy any
required licensing for the ECC to
accommodate any new points, but the
controls contractor would be responsible
for licenses residing in the B-BC’s or B-
AAC’s.

//This facility’s existing direct-digital control (DDC) system is

manufactured by // //, and its ECC is located at // //. The existing
system’s top-end communications is via // //. The existing system’s ECC and
controllers were installed in the year of // //. The contractor

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administered by this Section of the technical specifications shall observe

the capabilities, communication network, services, spare capacity of the
existing control system and its ECC prior to beginning work.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following four
paragraphs describe the varying levels of
interface/upgrade of existing control
systems. Choose one. The VA prefers that
all control systems be replaced with
native BACnet systems (paragraph one).
The subsequent paragraphs (paragraphs two
through four) are provided for use if the
VA determines that a complete upgrade of
the direct digital control system to
native BACnet is not technically feasible
or cannot be funded. Explicit written
approval by the VA must be granted before
using any of the subsequent paragraphs.

1. //Remove existing direct-digital control system ECC, communications

network and controllers. Replace with new BACnet ECC, network and
controllers compliant with this Section of the technical
specifications.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following paragraph
describes an upgrade of the existing
legacy direct-digital control system to a
BACnet system: the ECC is replaced, a new
Ethernet communications spine is
provided, and gateways are used to
communicate with the existing direct-
digital control system at the controller
level. This option provides fewer
features, dependent on the specific
existing direct-digital control system
and the required logic functions. (Also,
another option to consider instead of
using gateways would be to replace the
ECC and then add new B-BC’s for each
building that can serve as gateways to
the existing infrastructure as it is
likely that older systems may be
standalone or may not have utilized a
“building Controller” style
architecture).

2. //Provide a new BACnet ECC, communications network, and controllers.

Provide a programmable internetworking gateway allowing for real-
time communication between the existing direct-digital control
system and the new BACnet control system. Real-time communication
shall provide all object properties and read/write services shown on
VA-approved interoperability schedules. The contractor administered

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by this Section of the technical specifications shall provide all

necessary investigation and site-specific programming to execute the
interoperability schedules.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Choose one of the two
following sub-paragraphs. Investigate the
legacy control system and determine the
mission of the control system
improvements: if possible, the first sub-
paragraph is preferred.

a. //The combined system shall operate and function as one complete

system including one database of control point objects and global
control logic capabilities. Facility operators shall have
complete operations and control capability over all systems, new
and existing including; monitoring, trending, graphing,
scheduling, alarm management, global point sharing, global
strategy deployment, graphical operations interface and custom
reporting as specified.//
b. //The combined system shall operate and function as one complete
system including one database of control point objects and global
control logic capabilities. Facility operators shall have limited
operations and control capability over the legacy systems, as
described in the VA-approved interoperability schedules. //
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following paragraph
requires the existing direct-digital
control system to use an Ethernet
communications spline. It also has
limited application: many legacy control
systems may not be upgraded under this
paragraph’s architecture. If such is the
case, then use the paragraph above.

3. //Upgrade the existing direct-digital control system’s ECC to

include all properties and services required by an ASHRAE Standard
135 BACnet B-AWS Profile. The upgraded ECC shall continue to
communicate with the existing direct-digital control system’s
devices. The upgraded ECC shall communicate directly with the new
native-BACnet devices over the existing control system’s
communications network without the use of a gateway. Provide
programming converting the existing non-BACnet devices, objects and
services to ASHRAE Standard 135 BACnet-complaint BIBBs. The
contractor administered by this Section of the technical

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specifications shall provide all necessary investigation and site-

specific programming to execute the interoperability schedules.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Choose one of the two
following sub-paragraphs. Investigate the
legacy control system and determine the
mission of the control system
improvements: if possible, the first sub-
paragraph is preferred.

a. //The performance requirement for the combined system: the

combined system shall operate and function as one complete system
including one database of control point objects and global
control logic capabilities. Facility operators shall have
complete operations and control capability over all systems, new
and existing including; monitoring, trending, graphing,
scheduling, alarm management, global point sharing, global
strategy deployment, graphical operations interface and custom
reporting as specified.//
b. //The combined system shall operate and function as one complete
system including one database of control point objects and global
control logic capabilities. Facility operators shall have limited
operations and control capability over the legacy systems as
described in the VA-approved interoperability schedule. //
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following paragraph
requires the existing direct-digital
control system to use an Ethernet
communications spine. It also has limited
application: many legacy control systems
may not be upgraded under this
paragraph’s architecture. If such is the
case, then use the paragraph above.

4. //Leave existing direct-digital control system intact and in place.

Provide a new ASHRAE Standard 135 BACnet-compliant ECC in the same
room as the existing system’s ECC, and provide a new standalone
BACnet-compliant control system serving the work in this project. No
interoperability is required.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following paragraph
addresses cases where the campus or
facility has standardized on a controls
system and has a long-term contract with
a service organization which is charged
with maintaining control system
standards. The Engineer shall coordinate
with the procurement requirements in this
paragraph with the special conditions

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section of the project’s specifications:

the paragraph places a demand on the
contractor on how to procure the Control
System Integrator. Delete the paragraph
if does not apply to this project.

//This campus has standardized on an existing standard ASHRAE Standard

135, BACnet/IP Control System supported by a preselected controls service
company. This entity is referred to as the “Control System Integrator” in
this Section of the technical specifications. The Control system integrator
is responsible for ECC system graphics and expansion. It also prescribes
control system-specific commissioning/ verification procedures to the
contractor administered by this Section of the technical specification. It
lastly provides limited assistance to the contractor administered by this
Section of the technical specification in its commissioning/verification
work.
1. The General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the
Control System Integrator in a contract separate from the contract
procuring the controls contractor administered by this Section of
the technical specifications.
2. The contractor administered by this Section of the technical
specifications shall coordinate all work with the Control System
Integrator. The contractor administered by this Section of the
technical specifications shall integrate the ASHRAE Standard 135,
BACnet/IP control network(s) with the Control System Integrator’s B-
AWS through an Ethernet connection provided by either the Control
System Integrator or VA.
3. The contractor administered by this Section of the technical
specifications shall provide a peer-to-peer networked, stand-alone,
distributed control system. This direct digital control (DDC) system
at least shall include one portable operator terminal - laptop, one
digital display unit, microprocessor-based controllers,
instrumentation, end control devices, wiring, piping, software, and
related systems. This contractor is responsible for all device
mounting and wiring.//
4. Responsibility Table:

Item/Task Section Control VA

23 09 23 system
contactor integrator
ECC expansion X

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ECC programming X
Devices, controllers, control panels X
and equipment
Point addressing: all hardware and X
software points including setpoint,
calculated point, data point(analog/
binary), and reset schedule point
Point mapping X
Network Programming X
ECC Graphics X
Controller programming and sequences X
Integrity of LAN communications X
Electrical wiring X
Operator system training X
LAN connections to devices X
LAN connections to ECC X
IP addresses X
Overall system verification (Cx) X
Controller and system verification X

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Unitary standalone

systems may be used in remote and non-
mission-critical spaces such as -entry
vestibules, mechanical plant space
heating, electrical rooms, bulk storage
buildings, etc. Terminal units attached
to an air handling unit or fan-coil units
served by an air handling unit shall be
DDC, served by the ECC.

Unitary standalone systems including Unit Heaters, Cabinet Unit

Heaters, Fan Coil Units, Base Board Heaters, thermal comfort ventilation
fans, and similar units for control of room environment conditions may be
equipped with integral controls furnished and installed by the equipment
manufacturer or field mounted. Refer to equipment specifications and as
indicated in project documents. Application of standalone unitary controls is
limited to at least those systems wherein remote monitoring, alarm and
startup are not necessary. Examples of such systems include:
1. Light-switch-operated toilet exhaust
2. Vestibule heater
3. Exterior stair heater
4. Attic heating and ventilation

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5. Mechanical or electrical room heating and ventilation.

SPEC WRITER NOTE: New pneumatic and
pneumatic/electric hybrid systems shall
not be used: pneumatic components may be
used only in highly limited
circumstances, wherein the cost of using
electronic or electric valve positioning
is prohibitively expensive. If used, it
must be explicitly limited and described
on the Engineer’s drawings.

The direct-digital control system shall start and stop equipment, move
(position) damper actuators and valve actuators, and vary speed of equipment
to execute the mission of the control system. Use electricity as the motive
force for all damper and valve actuators, unless use of pneumatics as motive
force is specifically granted in writing by the VA.
1.2 RELATED WORK
Section 01 81 13, SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS.
Section 13 21 29, Constant Temperature Rooms.
Section 23 09 11, Instrumentation and Control for Boiler Plant.
Section 23 21 13, Hydronic Piping.
Section 23 22 13, Steam and Condensate Heating Piping.
Section 23 31 00, HVAC Ducts and Casings.
Section 23 36 00, Air Terminal Units.
Section 23 38 13, Commercial-Kitchen Hoods.
Section 23 52 33, Water-Tube Boilers.
Section 23 52 39, Fire-Tube Boilers.
Section 23 64 00, Packaged Water Chillers.
Section 23 73 00, Indoor Central-Station Air-Handling Units.
Section 23 74 13, Packaged, Outdoor, Central-Station Air-Handling
Units.
Section 23 81 00, Decentralized Unitary HVAC Equipment.
Section 23 81 23, Computer-Room Air-Conditioners.
Section 23 81 43, Air-Source Unitary Heat Pumps.
Section 23 81 46, Water-Source Unitary Heat Pumps.
Section 23 84 00, Humidity Control Equipment.
Section 25 10 10, Advanced Utility Metering System.
Section 26 05 11, Requirements for Electrical Installations.
Section 26 05 21, Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables
(600 Volts and Below).
Section 26 05 26, Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems.

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Section 26 05 33, Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems.

Section 26 09 23, Lighting Controls.
Section 26 22 21, Specialty Transformers.
Section 26 27 26, Wiring Devices.
Section 26 29 11, Motor Starters.
Section 26 32 13, Engine Generators.
Section 27 15 00, Communications Horizontal Cabling
Section 28 31 00, Fire Detection and Alarm.
1.3 DEFINITION
Algorithm: A logical procedure for solving a recurrent mathematical
problem; A prescribed set of well-defined rules or processes for the solution
of a problem in a finite number of steps.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: ARCNET is an
alternative lower-level communication
medium used for application-specific
controllers such as those serving
terminal units. The VA does not prefer
its use in healthcare or lab facilities,
as the cost of providing Ethernet
communications approaches the cost of
providing ARCNET communications. The VA
encourages its use in business and
cemetery facilities.

Analog: A continuously varying signal value (e.g., temperature,

current, velocity etc.
BACnet: A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and
Control Networks -as defined by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135. This communications
protocol allows diverse building automation devices to communicate data and
services over a network.
BACnet/IP: Annex J of Standard 135. It defines and allows for using a
reserved UDP socket to transmit BACnet messages over IP networks. A BACnet/IP
network is a collection of one or more IP sub-networks that share the same
BACnet network number.
BACnet Internetwork: Two or more BACnet networks connected with
routers. The two networks may use different LAN technologies.
BACnet Network: One or more BACnet segments that have the same network
address and are interconnected by bridges at the physical and data link
layers.
BACnet Segment: One or more physical segments of BACnet devices on a
BACnet network, connected at the physical layer by repeaters.

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BACnet Broadcast Management Device (BBMD): A communications device

which broadcasts BACnet messages to all BACnet/IP devices and other BBMDs
connected to the same BACnet/IP network.
BACnet Interoperability Building Blocks (BIBBs): BACnet
Interoperability Building Blocks (BIBBs) are collections of one or more
BACnet services. These are prescribed in terms of an "A" and a "B" device.
Both of these devices are nodes on a BACnet internetwork.
BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL). The organization responsible for
testing products for compliance with the BACnet standard, operated under the
direction of BACnet International.
Baud: It is a signal change in a communication link. One signal change
can represent one or more bits of information depending on type of
transmission scheme. Simple peripheral communication is normally one bit per
Baud. (e.g., Baud rate = 78,000 Baud/sec is 78,000 bits/sec, if one signal
change = 1 bit).
Binary: A two-state system where a high signal level represents an "ON"
condition and an "OFF" condition is represented by a low signal level.
BMP or bmp: Suffix, computerized image file, used after the period in a
DOS-based computer file to show that the file is an image stored as a series
of pixels.
Bus Topology: A network topology that physically interconnects
workstations and network devices in parallel on a network segment.
Control Unit (CU): Generic term for any controlling unit, stand-alone,
microprocessor based, digital controller residing on secondary LAN or Primary
LAN, used for local controls or global controls
Deadband: A temperature range over which no heating or cooling is
supplied, i.e., 22-25 degrees C (72-78 degrees F), as opposed to a single
point change over or overlap).
Device: a control system component that contains a BACnet Device Object
and uses BACnet to communicate with other devices.
Device Object: Every BACnet device requires one Device Object, whose
properties represent the network visible properties of that device. Every
Device Object requires a unique Object Identifier number on the BACnet
internetwork. This number is often referred to as the device instance.
Device Profile: A specific group of services describing BACnet
capabilities of a device, as defined in ASHRAE Standard 135, Annex L.
Standard device profiles include BACnet Operator Workstations (B-OWS), BACnet
Building Controllers (B-BC), BACnet Advanced Application Controllers (B-AAC),

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BACnet Application Specific Controllers (B-ASC), BACnet Smart Actuator (B-

SA), and BACnet Smart Sensor (B-SS). Each device used in new construction is
required to have a PICS statement listing which service and BIBBs are
supported by the device.
Diagnostic Program: A software test program, which is used to detect
and report system or peripheral malfunctions and failures. Generally, this
system is performed at the initial startup of the system.
Direct Digital Control (DDC): Microprocessor based control including
Analog/Digital conversion and program logic. A control loop or subsystem in
which digital and analog information is received and processed by a
microprocessor, and digital control signals are generated based on control
algorithms and transmitted to field devices in order to achieve a set of
predefined conditions.
Distributed Control System: A system in which the processing of system
data is decentralized and control decisions can and are made at the subsystem
level. System operational programs and information are provided to the remote
subsystems and status is reported back to the Engineering Control Center.
Upon the loss of communication with the Engineering Control center, the
subsystems shall be capable of operating in a stand-alone mode using the last
best available data.
Download: The electronic transfer of programs and data files from a
central computer or operation workstation with secondary memory devices to
remote computers in a network (distributed) system.
DXF: An AutoCAD 2-D graphics file format. Many CAD systems import and
export the DXF format for graphics interchange.
Electrical Control: A control circuit that operates on line or low
voltage and uses a mechanical means, such as a temperature sensitive bimetal
or bellows, to perform control functions, such as actuating a switch or
positioning a potentiometer.
Electronic Control: A control circuit that operates on low voltage and
uses a solid-state components to amplify input signals and perform control
functions, such as operating a relay or providing an output signal to
position an actuator.
Engineering Control Center (ECC): The centralized control point for the
intelligent control network. The ECC comprises of personal computer and
connected devices to form a single workstation.

23 09 23 - 17
 03-01-23

Ethernet: A trademark for a system for exchanging messages between

computers on a local area network using coaxial, fiber optic, or twisted-pair
cables.
Firmware: Firmware is software programmed into read only memory (ROM)
chips. Software may not be changed without physically altering the chip.
Gateway: Communication hardware connecting two or more different
protocols. It translates one protocol into equivalent concepts for the other
protocol. In BACnet applications, a gateway has BACnet on one side and non-
BACnet (usually proprietary) protocols on the other side.
GIF: Abbreviation of Graphic interchange format.
Graphic Program (GP): Program used to produce images of air handler
systems, fans, chillers, pumps, and building spaces. These images can be
animated and/or color-coded to indicate operation of the equipment.
Graphic Sequence of Operation: It is a graphical representation of the
sequence of operation, showing all inputs and output logical blocks.
I/O Unit: The section of a digital control system through which
information is received and transmitted. I/O refers to analog input (AI,
digital input (DI), analog output (AO) and digital output (DO). Analog
signals are continuous and represent temperature, pressure, flow rate etc.,
whereas digital signals convert electronic signals to digital pulses
(values), represent motor status, filter status, on-off equipment etc.
I/P: a method for conveying and routing packets of information over LAN
paths. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) conveys information to “sockets” without
confirmation of receipt. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) establishes
"sessions", which have end-to-end confirmation and guaranteed sequence of
delivery.
JPEG: A standardized image compression mechanism stands for Joint
Photographic Experts Group, the original name of the committee that wrote the
standard.
Local Area Network (LAN): A communication bus that interconnects
operator workstation and digital controllers for peer-to-peer communications,
sharing resources and exchanging information.
Network Repeater: A device that receives data packet from one network
and rebroadcasts to another network. No routing information is added to the
protocol.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: MS/TP is a lower-level
communication medium used for application
-specific controllers such as those
serving terminal units. Do not use this

23 09 23 - 18
 03-01-23

in healthcare or lab facilities, as

extensive trending and control system
troubleshooting is required for the
critical care areas of these facilities.
The VA does not prefer its use in
business or cemetery facilities, but
rather prefers ARCNET as an alternative
communications medium.

MS/TP: Master-slave/token-passing (ISO/IEC 8802, Part 3).// // It uses

twisted-pair wiring for relatively low speed and low cost communication.
Native BACnet Device: A device that uses BACnet as its primary method
of communication with other BACnet devices without intermediary gateways. A
system that uses native BACnet devices at all levels is a native BACnet
system.
Network Number: A site-specific number assigned to each network segment
to identify for routing. This network number must be unique throughout the
BACnet internetwork.
Object: The concept of organizing BACnet information into standard
components with various associated properties. Examples include analog input
objects and binary output objects.
Object Identifier: An object property used to identify the object,
including object type and instance. Object Identifiers must be unique within
a device.
Object Properties: Attributes of an object. Examples include present
value and high limit properties of an analog input object. Properties are
defined in ASHRAE 135; some are optional and some are required. Objects are
controlled by reading from and writing to object properties.
Operating system (OS): Software, which controls the execution of
computer application programs.
PCX: File type for an image file. When photographs are scanned onto a
personal computer they can be saved as PCX files and viewed or changed by a
special application program as Photo Shop.
Peripheral: Different components that make the control system function
as one unit. Peripherals include monitor, printer, and I/O unit.
Peer-to-Peer: A networking architecture that treats all network
stations as equal partners- any device can initiate and respond to
communication with other devices.
PICS: Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement, describing the
BACnet capabilities of a device. All BACnet devices have published PICS.

23 09 23 - 19
 03-01-23

PID: Proportional, integral, and derivative control, used to control

modulating equipment to maintain a setpoint.
Repeater: A network component that connects two or more physical
segments at the physical layer.
Router: a component that joins together two or more networks using
different LAN technologies. Examples include joining a BACnet Ethernet LAN to
a BACnet MS/TP LAN.
Sensors: devices measuring state points or flows, which are then
transmitted back to the DDC system.
Thermostats : devices measuring temperatures, which are used in control
of standalone or unitary systems and equipment not attached to the DDC
system.
1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE
Criteria:
1. Single Source Responsibility of subcontractor: Either the DDC
Contractor or the System Integrator shall obtain hardware and
software supplied under this Section and delegate the responsibility
to a single source controls installation subcontractor. The
Integration subcontractor shall be responsible for the complete
design, installation, integration, and commissioning of the system.
The controls subcontractor shall be in the business of design,
installation and service of such building automation control systems
similar in size and complexity.
2. Equipment and Materials: Equipment and materials shall be cataloged
products of manufacturers regularly engaged in production and
installation of HVAC control systems. Products shall be
manufacturer’s latest standard design and have been tested and
proven in actual use.
3. The controls subcontractor shall provide a list of no less than five
similar projects which have building control systems as specified in
this Section. These projects must be on-line and functional such
that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representative could
observe the control systems in full operation.
4. The controls subcontractor shall have an in-place facility within
//50// // // //100// miles with technical staff, spare parts
inventory for the next five (5) years, and necessary test and
diagnostic equipment to support the control systems.

23 09 23 - 20
 03-01-23

5. The controls subcontractor shall have minimum of three years of

experience in design and installation of building automation systems
similar in performance to those specified in this Section. //Provide
evidence of experience by submitting resumes of the project manager,
the local branch manager, project engineer, the application
engineering staff, and the electronic technicians who would be
involved with the supervision, the engineering, and the installation
of the control systems. Training and experience of these personnel
shall not be less than three years. Failure to disclose this
information will be a ground for disqualification of the supplier.//
6. Provide a competent and experienced Project Manager employed by the
Controls Contractor. The Project Manager shall be supported as
necessary by other Contractor employees in order to provide
professional engineering, technical and management service for the
work. The Project Manager shall attend scheduled Project Meetings as
required and shall be empowered to make technical, scheduling and
related decisions on behalf of the Controls Contractor.
Codes and Standards:
1. All work shall conform to the applicable Codes and Standards.
2. Electronic equipment shall conform to the requirements of FCC
Regulation, Part 15, Governing Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Interference, and be so labeled.
1.5 PERFORMANCE
The system shall conform to the following:
1. Graphic Display: The system shall display up to four (4) graphics on
a single screen with a minimum of twenty (20) dynamic points per
graphic. All current data shall be displayed within ten (10) seconds
of the request.
2. Graphic Refresh: The system shall update all dynamic points with
current data within eight (8) seconds. Data refresh shall be
automatic, without operator intervention.
3. Object Command: The maximum time between the command of a binary
object by the operator and the reaction by the device shall be
two(2) seconds. Analog objects shall start to adjust within two (2)
seconds.
4. Object Scan: All changes of state and change of analog values shall
be transmitted over the high-speed network such that any data used

23 09 23 - 21
 03-01-23

or displayed at a controller or work-station will be current, within

the prior six (6) seconds.
5. Alarm Response Time: The maximum time from when an object goes into
alarm to when it is annunciated at the workstation shall not exceed
(10) seconds.
6. Program Execution Frequency: Custom and standard applications shall
be capable of running as often as once every (5) seconds. The
Contractor shall be responsible for selecting execution times
consistent with the mechanical process under control.
7. Multiple Alarm Annunciations: All workstations on the network shall
receive alarms within five (5) seconds of each other.
8. Performance: Programmable Controllers shall be able to execute DDC
PID control loops at a selectable frequency from at least once every
one (1) second. The controller shall scan and update the process
value and output generated by this calculation at this same
frequency.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Edit the following
Table to suit Project.

9. Reporting Accuracy: Listed below are minimum acceptable reporting

end-to-end accuracies for all values reported by the specified
system:

Measured Variable Reported Accuracy

Space temperature ±0.5 degrees C (±1 degrees F)
Ducted air temperature ±0.5 degrees C [±1 degrees F]
Outdoor air temperature ±1.0 degrees C [±2 degrees F]
Dew Point ±1.5 degrees C [±3 degrees F]
Water temperature ±0.5 degrees C [±1 degrees F]
Relative humidity ±2 percent RH
Water flow ±1 percent of reading
Air flow (terminal) ±10 percent of reading
Air flow (measuring stations) ±5 percent of reading
Carbon Monoxide (CO) ±5 percent of reading
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ±50 ppm
Air pressure (ducts) ±25 Pa [±0.1 inch wg]
Air pressure (space) ±0.3 Pa [±0.001 inch wg]
Water pressure ±2 percent of full scale *Note 1
Electrical Power ±0.5 percent of reading

23 09 23 - 22
 03-01-23

Note 1: for both absolute and differential pressure

10. Control stability and accuracy: Control sequences shall maintain
measured variable at setpoint within the following tolerances:

Controlled Variable Control Accuracy Range of Medium

Air Pressure ±50 Pa (±0.2 inch wg) 0–1.5 kPa (0–6 inch wg)

Air Pressure ±3 Pa (±0.01 inch wg) -25 to 25 Pa

(-0.1 to 0.1 inch wg)
Airflow ±10 percent of full
scale
Space Temperature ±1.0ºC (±2.0 degrees F)
Duct Temperature ±1.5ºC (±3 degrees F)
Humidity ±5 percent RH MRI, SPS, PHARMACY
Fluid Pressure ±10 kPa (±1.5 psig) 0–1 MPa (1–150 psig)

Fluid Pressure ±250 Pa (±1.0 inch wg) 0–12.5 kPa

(0–50 inch wg)
differential
11. Extent of direct digital control: control design shall allow for
at least the points indicated on the points lists on the drawings.
1.6 WARRANTY
Labor and materials for control systems shall be warranted for a period
as specified under Warranty in FAR clause 52.246-21.
Control system failures during the warranty period shall be adjusted,
repaired, or replaced at no cost or reduction in service to the owner. The
system includes all computer equipment, transmission equipment, and all
sensors and control devices.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Discuss inclusion of
on-line support service in this
specification with VA to ensure system
security. Edit the following paragraph
accordingly.

The on-line support service shall allow the Controls supplier to dial
out over telephone lines to or connect via (through password-limited access)
VPN through the internet to monitor and control the facility’s building
automation system. This remote connection to the facility shall be within two
(2) hours of the time that the problem is reported. This coverage shall
include normal business hours, after business hours, weekend and holidays. If
the problem cannot be resolved with on-line support services, the Controls

23 09 23 - 23
 03-01-23

supplier shall dispatch the qualified personnel to the job site to resolve
the problem within //8// // // //24// hours after the problem is reported.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Where partial occupancy
is anticipated, this paragraph must be
modified to require commissioning of
those parts of the system which will be
required. Include training of operators
on the partial system and partial
acceptance by VA.

Controls subcontractor shall be responsible for temporary operations

and maintenance of the control systems during the construction period until
final commissioning, training of facility operators and acceptance of the
project by VA.
1.7 SUBMITTALS
Submit shop drawings in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP
DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES.
Information and material submitted under this section shall be marked
“SUBMITTED UNDER SECTION 23 09 23, DIRECT-DIGITAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HVAC”,
with applicable paragraph identification.
Manufacturer’s Literature and Data Including:
1. A wiring diagram for each type of input device and output device
including DDC controllers, modems, repeaters, etc. Diagram shall
show how the device is wired and powered, showing typical
connections at the digital controllers and each power supply, as
well as the device itself. Show for all field connected devices,
including but not limited to, control relays, motor starters,
electric or electronic actuators, and temperature pressure, flow and
humidity sensors and transmitters.
2. A diagram of each terminal strip, including digital controller
terminal strips, terminal strip location, termination numbers and
the associated point names.
3. Control dampers and control valves schedule, including the size and
pressure drop.
4. Control air-supply components, and computations for sizing
compressors, receivers and main air-piping, if pneumatic controls
are furnished.
5. Catalog cut sheets of all equipment used. This includes, but is not
limited to software (by manufacturer and by third parties), DDC
controllers, panels, peripherals, airflow measuring stations and
associated components, and auxiliary control devices such as

23 09 23 - 24
 03-01-23

sensors, actuators, and control dampers. When manufacturer’s cut

sheets apply to a product series rather than a specific product, the
data specifically applicable to the project shall be highlighted.
Each submitted piece of literature and drawings should clearly
reference the specification and/or drawings that it supposed to
represent.
6. Sequence of operations for each system and the associated control
diagrams. Equipment and control labels shall correspond to those
shown on the drawings.
7. Color prints of proposed graphics with a list of points for display.
8. Furnish a BACnet Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement
(PICS) for each BACnet-compliant device.
9. Schematic wiring diagrams for all control, communication and power
wiring. Provide a schematic drawing of the central system
installation. Label all cables and ports with computer
manufacturers’ model numbers and functions. Show all interface
wiring to the control system.
10. An instrumentation list for each controlled system. Each element of
the controlled system shall be listed in table format. The table
shall show element name, type of device, manufacturer, model number,
and product data sheet number.
11. Riser diagrams of wiring between central control unit (CCU) and all
control panels.
12. Plan drawings showing routing of LAN and locations of control
panels, controllers, routers, gateways, ECC, and larger controlled
devices.
13. Construction details for all installed conduit, cabling, raceway,
cabinets, and similar. Construction details of all penetrations and
their protection.
14. Quantities of submitted items may be reviewed but it is the
responsibility of the contractor administered by this Section of the
technical specifications to provide sufficient quantities for a
complete and working system.
Product Certificates: Compliance with Article, QUALITY ASSURANCE.
Validation Test Plan: Along with manufacturer’s literature, product
certificates, wiring and functional diagrams, and sequence of operations,
submit for review and approval a Validation Test Plan which is specific to
the work of this project and which references the specific controls component

23 09 23 - 25
 03-01-23

nomenclatures found in the control contractor’s wiring and functional

diagrams and the specific sequences of controls for this project and which
describes how the contractor will implement the controls system validation
and demonstration as specified in paragraph 3.2 SYSTEM VALIDATION AND
DEMONSTRATION found in this section.
Licenses: Provide licenses for all software residing on and used by the
Controls Systems, ECC, and portable OWS and transfer these licenses to the
Owner prior to completion.
As Built Control Drawings:
1. Furnish three (3) copies of as-built drawings for each control
system. The documents shall be submitted for approval prior to final
completion.
2. Furnish one (1) set of applicable control system prints for each
mechanical system for wall mounting. The documents shall be
submitted for approval prior to final completion.
3. Furnish one (1) CD-ROM in CAD DWG and/or .DXF format for the
drawings noted in subparagraphs above.
Operation and Maintenance (O/M) Manuals):
1. Submit in accordance with Article, INSTRUCTIONS, in Specification
Section 01 00 00, GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
2. Include the following documentation:
a. General description and specifications for all components,
including logging on/off, alarm handling, producing trend
reports, overriding computer control, and changing set points and
other variables.
b. Detailed illustrations of all the control systems specified for
ease of maintenance and repair/replacement procedures, and
complete calibration procedures.
c. One copy of the final version of all software provided including
operating systems, programming language, operator workstation
software, and graphics software.
d. Complete troubleshooting procedures and guidelines for all
systems.
e. Complete operating instructions for all systems.
f. Recommended preventive maintenance procedures for all system
components including a schedule of tasks for inspection, cleaning
and calibration. Provide a list of recommended spare parts needed
to minimize downtime.

23 09 23 - 26
 03-01-23

g. Training Manuals: Submit the course outline and training material

to the Owner for approval three (3) weeks prior to the training
to VA facility personnel. These persons will be responsible for
maintaining and the operation of the control systems, including
programming. The Owner reserves the right to modify any or all of
the course outline and training material.
h. Licenses, guaranty, and other pertaining documents for all
equipment and systems.
Submit Performance Report to COR prior to final inspection.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Discuss with COR a
possibility of allowing the Contractor to
video tape the instructions for future
use, and edit the following paragraph
accordingly.

1.8 INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions to VA operations personnel: Perform in accordance with
Article, INSTRUCTIONS, in Specification Section 01 00 00, GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS, and as noted below. // Contractor shall also video tape
instruction sessions noted below. //
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Modify instructions
time to suite project. Coordinate these
requirements with the VA.

1. First Phase: Formal instructions to the VA facilities personnel for

a total of // 16 // 32 // 48 // hours, given in multiple training
sessions (each no longer than four hours in length), conducted
sometime between the completed installation and prior to the
performance test period of the control system, at a time mutually
agreeable to the Contractor and the VA.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following paragraph
describes high-value training.

2. Second Phase: This phase of training shall comprise of on the job

training during startup, checkout period, and performance test
period. VA facilities personnel will work with the Contractor’s
installation and test personnel on a daily basis during startup and
checkout period. During the performance test period, controls
subcontractor will provide // 8 // 16 // 32 // 48 // hours of
instructions, given in multiple training sessions (each no longer
than four hours in length), to the VA facilities personnel.

23 09 23 - 27
 03-01-23

3. The O/M Manuals shall contain approved submittals as outlined in

Article 1.7, SUBMITTALS. The Controls subcontractor will review the
manual contents with VA facilities personnel during second phase of
training.
4. Training shall be given by direct employees of THE CONTROLS system
subcontractor.
1.9 PROJECT CONDITIONS (ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF OPERATION)
The ECC and peripheral devices and system support equipment shall be
designed to operate in ambient condition of 20 to 35 degrees C (65 to 90
degrees F) at a relative humidity of 20 to 80 percent non-condensing.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: confirm these ambient
conditions and modify as required.

The Controllers used outdoors shall be mounted in NEMA 4 waterproof

enclosures, and shall be rated for operation at –40 to 65 degrees C (-40 to
150 degrees F).
All electronic equipment shall operate properly with power fluctuations
of plus 10 percent to minus 15 percent of nominal supply voltage.
Sensors and controlling devices shall be designed to operate in the
environment, which they are sensing or controlling.
1.10 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
SPEC WRITER NOTES:
1. Make material requirements agree with
requirements specified in the
referenced Applicable Publications.
Verify and update the publication list
to that which applies to the project,
unless the reference applies to all
mechanical systems. Publications that
apply to all mechanical systems may
not be specifically referenced in the
body of the specification, but, shall
form a part of this specification.
2. Insert the year of approved latest
edition of the publications between
the brackets // // and delete the
brackets if applicable to this
project.

The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the

extent referenced. The publications are referenced in the text by the basic
designation only. Where conflicts occur these specifications and the VHA
standards will govern.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE):

23 09 23 - 28
 03-01-23

135-//2020//............BACnet A Data Communication Protocol for

Building Automation and Control Networks
147-//2019//............Reducing the Release of Halogenated
Refrigerants from Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Equipment and Systems
Federal Communication Commission (FCC):
Rules and Regulations Title 47 Chapter 1-2014 Part 15: Radio Frequency
Devices
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE):
802.3-//2018//..........Standard for Ethernet
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
70-//2020//.............National Electric Code
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate with Design
Team and/or COR and edit as per project
specific requirements. If this project is
a renovation or a new addition to the
existing DDC system, specified control
system shall be compatible with and
capable of communicating with the
existing VAMC system without the use of a
gateway.

2.1 MATERIALS
Use new products that the manufacturer is currently manufacturing and
that have been installed in a minimum of 25 installations. Spare parts shall
be available for at least five years after completion of this contract.
2.2 CONTROLS SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate with Design
Team and/or COR and edit as per project
specific requirements.

General
1. The Controls Systems shall consist of multiple Nodes and associated
equipment connected by industry standard digital and communication
network arrangements.
2. The ECC, building controllers and principal communications network
equipment shall be standard products of recognized major
manufacturers available through normal PC and computer vendor
channels – not "Clones" assembled by a third-party subcontractor.
3. The networks shall, at minimum, comprise, as necessary, the
following:
a. A fixed ECC and a portable operator’s terminal.

23 09 23 - 29
 03-01-23

b. Network computer processing, data storage and BACnet-compliant

communication equipment including Servers and digital data
processors.
c. BACnet-compliant routers, bridges, switches, hubs, modems,
gateways, interfaces and similar communication equipment.
d. Active processing BACnet-compliant building controllers connected
to other BACnet-compliant controllers together with their power
supplies and associated equipment.
e. Addressable elements, sensors, transducers and end devices.
f. Third-party equipment interfaces and gateways as described and
required by the Contract Documents.
g. Other components required for a complete and working Control
Systems as specified.
The Specifications for the individual elements and component subsystems
shall be minimum requirements and shall be augmented as necessary by the
Contractor to achieve both compliance with all applicable codes, standards,
and to meet all requirements of the Contract Documents.
Network Architecture
1. The Controls communication network shall utilize BACnet
communications protocol operating over a standard Ethernet LAN and
operate at a minimum speed of 100 Mb/sec.
2. The networks shall utilize only copper and optical fiber
communication media as appropriate and shall comply with applicable
codes, ordinances and regulations.// They may also utilize digital
wireless technologies as appropriate to the application and if
approved by the VA.//
3. All necessary telephone lines, ISDN lines and internet Service
Provider services and connections will be provided by the VA.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Edit as per project
specific requirements. Delete if not
needed on this project.

Third Party Interfaces:

1. The contractor administered by this Section of the technical
specifications shall include necessary hardware, equipment, software
and programming to allow data communications between the controls
systems and building systems supplied by other trades.
2. Other manufacturers and contractors supplying other associated
systems and equipment shall provide their necessary hardware,

23 09 23 - 30
 03-01-23

software and startup at their cost and shall cooperate fully with
the contractor administered by this Section of the technical
specifications in a timely manner and at their cost to ensure
complete functional integration.
Servers:
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Revise following two
paragraphs if DDC Contractor and
Integrators are not hired by the General
or Mechanical Contractor.

1. Provide data storage server(s) to archive historical data including

trends, alarm and event histories and transaction logs.
2. Equip these server(s) with the same software tool set that is
located in the BACnet building controllers for system configuration
and custom logic definition and color graphic configuration.
3. Access to all information on the data storage server(s) shall be
through the same browser functionality used to access individual
nodes. When logged onto a server the operator will be able to also
interact with any other controller on the control system as required
for the functional operation of the controls systems. The contractor
administered by this Section of the technical specifications shall
provide all necessary digital processor programmable data storage
server(s).
4. These server(s) shall be utilized for controls systems application
configuration, for archiving, reporting and trending of data, for
operator transaction archiving and reporting, for network
information management, for alarm annunciation, for operator
interface tasks, for controls application management and similar.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Revise or delete the
following paragraph after discussing the
head end software use with the Design
Team and/or COR.

5. //These server(s) shall utilize IT industry standard data base

platforms which utilize a database declarative language designed for
managing data in relational database management systems (RDBMS) such
as SQL.//
2.3 COMMUNICATION
Control products, communication media, connectors, repeaters, hubs, and
routers shall comprise a BACnet internetwork. Controller and operator
interface communication shall conform to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135, BACnet.

23 09 23 - 31
 03-01-23

1. The Data link / physical layer protocol between the ECC and all B-
BC’s (for communication) acceptable to the VA throughout its
facilities is Ethernet (ISO 8802-3) and BACnet/IP.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: ARCNET is an
alternative lower-level communication
medium used for application-specific
controllers such as those serving
terminal units. The VA does not prefer
its use in healthcare or lab facilities,
as the cost of providing Ethernet
communications approaches the cost of
providing ARCNET communications. The VA
encourages its use in business and
cemetery facilities. Coordinate use of
ARCNET with the Design Team and/or COR.

2. //The ARCNET data link / physical protocol may be used in new BACnet
sub-networks in VA non-healthcare and non-lab (i.e., business and
cemetery) facilities.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: MS/TP is a lower-level
communication medium used for application
-specific controllers such as those
serving terminal units. Do not use this
in healthcare or lab facilities, as
extensive trending and control system
troubleshooting is required for the
critical care areas of these facilities.
The VA does not prefer its use in
business or cemetery facilities, but
rather prefers ARCNET as an alternative
communications medium. A diagram should
be included in the spec to show how a
real BACnet network architecture looks.
I.e. BACnet/IP for communication between
ECC and all bB-BC’s, MS/TP for all
subnets.

3. //The MS/TP data link / physical layer protocol is prohibited to the

VA in any new BACnet network or sub-network in its healthcare or lab
facilities.//
//Each controller shall have a communication port for connection to an
operator interface.//
//Project drawings indicate remote buildings or sites to be connected
by a nominal 56,000 baud modem over voice-grade telephone lines. In each
remote location a modem and field device connection shall allow communication
with each controller on the internetwork as specified in Paragraph D.//
//Internetwork operator interface and value passing shall be
transparent to internetwork architecture.

23 09 23 - 32
 03-01-23

1. An operator interface connected to a controller shall allow the

operator to interface with each internetwork controller as if
directly connected. Controller information such as data, status,
reports, system software, and custom programs shall be viewable and
editable from each internet controller.
2. Inputs, outputs, and control variables used to integrate control
strategies across multiple controllers shall be readable by each
controller on the internetwork. Program and test all cross-
controller links required to execute specified control system
operation. An authorized operator shall be able to edit cross-
controller links by typing a standard object address.//
//System shall be expandable to at least twice the required input and
output objects with additional controllers, associated devices, and wiring.
Expansion shall not require operator interface hardware additions or software
revisions.//
//ECCs and Controllers with real-time clocks shall use the BACnet Time
Synchronization service. The system shall automatically synchronize system
clocks daily from an operator-designated device via the internetwork. The
system shall automatically adjust for daylight savings and standard time as
applicable.//
2.4 ENGINEERING CONTROL CENTER (ECC)
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Designer must ensure
that furniture of adequate size, to
accommodate equipment associated with
ECC, be specified in the appropriate
project specification section.

The ECC shall reside on a high-speed network with controllers as shown

on system drawings. The ECC and each standard browser connected to server
shall be able to access all system information.
ECC and controllers shall communicate using BACnet protocol. ECC and
control network backbone shall communicate using ISO 8802-3 (Ethernet) Data
Link/Physical layer protocol and BACnet/IP addressing as specified in
ASHRAE/ANSI 135, BACnet Annex J.
Hardware: ECC shall conform to the BACnet Advanced Workstation (B-AWS)
Profile and shall be BTL-Listed as a B-AWS device.
1. ECC shall be based on commercially available server grade hardware.
Computers based on desktop architectures shall not be permitted. ECC
shall have remote management capabilities.
2. Processor(s):

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a. Processors shall be either Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC chips sets

designed specifically for server use. Desktop processors will not
be allowed.
b. Minimum core count shall be 16 cores. Each Core shall be capable
of executing 2 threads simultaneously.
c. Minimum base clock speed shall be 3.0 GHz
3. Memory:
a. Engineering Control Center shall be equipped with a minimum of
32G of DDR4 Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory. After
installation of required 32G of RAM, the motherboard must still
have a minimum of 2 DIMM slots open for expansion. Motherboard
shall be capable of minimum of 64GB of ECC memory.
b. Minimum speed shall be 2133MHz for memory
4. Storage:
a. ECC shall be equipped with a RAID capable drive controller
capable of handling at least 8 internal, hot swappable drives.
b. All installed drives shall be “Enterprise Class” drives designed
specifically for server use.
c. Minimum configuration shall consist of 6 drives in 2 separate
RAID arrays:
1) The operating system shall be stored on a RAID 1 array
compromising of 2 drives with each drive having a minimum
capacity of 1TB each.
2) The B-AWS software and all its related databases shall be
stored in RAID 5 array consisting of 4 drives with each drive
have a minimum of 4TB capacity for a minimum storage capacity
of 12TB’s.
3) An alternative configuration for the 2 RAID arrays described
above is 8 drives arrayed in a RAID 10 configuration. In this
case the OS RAID array would consist of 4 drives of 1TB
minimum each, and the B-AWS RAID array consisting of 4 drives
of 16TB minimum each. This configuration would provide faster
write times and much quicker rebuild times in the event of a
drive failure.
d. ECC will include an 16X DVD R/W drive
5. Case:
a. Case shall have space for a minimum of 8 hot swap 3.5 inch hard
drives and one internal optical drive

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b. Real-time clock:
1) Accuracy: Plus or minus 1 minute per month.
2) Time Keeping Format: 24-hour time format including seconds,
minutes, hours, date, day, and month; automatic reset by
software.
3) Clock shall function for one year without power.
4) Provide automatic time correction once every 24 hours by
synchronizing clock with the Time Service Department of the
U.S. Naval Observatory.
c. Serial ports: Four USB ports and two RS-232-F serial ports for
general use, with additional ports as required. Data transmission
rates shall be selectable under program control.
d. Parallel port: Enhanced.
e. Sound card: For playback and recording of digital WAV sound files
associated with audible warning and alarm functions.
f. Color monitor: PC compatible, not less than 22 inches, LCD type,
with a minimum resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels, non-interlaced,
and a maximum dot pitch of 0.28 mm.
g. Keyboard: Minimum of 64 characters, standard ASCII character set
based on ANSI INCITS 154.
h. Mouse: Standard, compatible with installed software.
i. Removable disk storage: Include the following, each with
appropriate controller:
1) Minimum 1 TB removable hard disk, maximum average access
time of 10 ms.
j. Network interface card (NIC): integrated 10-100-1000 Base-TX
Ethernet NIC with an RJ45 connector or a 100Base-FX Ethernet NIC
with an SC/ST connector.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Provide the cable modem
and the Optical modem even if the
infrastructure isn’t yet provided to the
facility or provide a NIC card with
minimum 10GB capability.

6. //Cable modem: 42.88 MBit/s, DOCSIS 2.0 Certified, also backwards

compatible with DOCSIS 1.1/1.0 standards. Provide Ethernet or USB
connectivity.//
7. //Optical modem: full duplex link, for use on 10 GBase-R single-mode
and multi-mode fiber with a XENPAK module.//

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8. //Auto-dial modem: 56,600 bps, full duplex for asynchronous

communications. With error detection, auto answer/autodial, and
call-in-progress detection. Modem shall comply with requirements in
ITU-T v.34, ITU-T v.42, ITU-T v.42 Appendix VI for error correction,
and ITU-T v.42 BIS for data compression standards; and shall be
suitable for operating on unconditioned voice-grade telephone lines
complying with 47 CFR 68.//
9. //Audible Alarm: Manufacturer's standard.//
10. Printers:
a. Provide a dedicated, minimum resolution 600 dpi, color laser
printer, connected to the ECC through a USB interface.
1) If a network printer is used instead of this dedicated
printer, it shall have a 100Base-T interface with an RJ45
connection and shall have a firmware print spooler compatible
with the Operating System print spooler.
2) RAM: 512 MB, minimum.
3) Printing Speed: Minimum twenty-six pages per minute (color);
minimum 30 pages per minute (black/white).
4) Paper Handling: Automatic sheet feeder with 250-sheet x 8.5
inch x 11 inch paper cassette and with automatic feed.
b. Provide a dedicated black/white tractor-feed dot matrix printer
for status/alarm message printing, minimum 10 characters per
inch, minimum 160 characters per second, connected to the ECC
through a USB interface.
1) Paper: One box of 2000 sheets of 8-1/2 x 11 inch multi-fold
type printer paper
11. //RS-232 ASCII Interface
a. ASCII interface shall allow RS-232 connections to be made between
a meter or circuit monitor operating as the host PC and any
equipment that will accept RS-232 ASCII command strings, such as
local display panels, dial-up modems, and alarm transmitters.
1) Pager System Interface: Alarms shall be able to activate a
pager system with customized message for each input alarm.
b. Alarm System Interface: RS-232 output shall be capable of
transmitting alarms from other monitoring and alarm systems to
workstation software.
c. RS-232 output shall be capable of connection to a pager interface
that can be used to call a paging system or service and send a

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signal to a portable pager. System shall allow an individual

alphanumeric message per alarm input to be sent to paging system.
This interface shall support both numeric and alphanumeric
pagers.
d. Cables: provide Plenum-Type, RS-232 Cable: Paired, 2 pairs,
No. 22 AWG, stranded (7x30) tinned copper conductors, plastic
insulation, and individual aluminum foil-polyester tape shielded
pairs with 100 percent shield coverage; plastic jacket. Pairs are
cabled on common axis with No. 24 AWG, stranded (7x32) tinned
copper drain wire.
1) NFPA 70, Type CMP.
2) Flame Resistance: NFPA 262, Flame Test.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Provide the cable modem
and the Optical modem even if the
infrastructure isn’t yet provided to the
facility or provide a NIC card with
minimum 10GB capability. If the ECC is
installed (and it really should be) in
the facilities server room that it is be
tied into the server room UPS and that it
be interfaced to the server room UPS to
notify that battery power is low and to
perform an orderly shutdown. Otherwise,
if not installed in server room to
provide a dedicated UPS as described
here. Note that typically the alarm
printer would not be connected directly
to the ECC but rather it would be a
network printer located remotely. Also, 6
hours is a very big UPS, in reality we
probably only need 30 minutes as the UPS
only needs to carry over until the backup
generator starts. If the generator fails
to start or stops unexpectedly, the
system should shut down and B-BC’s will
continue on as normal.

12. Self-contained uninterruptible power supply (UPS):

a. Size: Provide a minimum of //six hours// of operation of ECC
equipment, //including two hours of alarm printer operation.//
b. Batteries: Sealed, valve regulated, recombinant, lead calcium.
c. Accessories:
1) Transient voltage suppression.
2) Input-harmonics reduction.
3) Rectifier/charger.
4) Battery disconnect device.

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5) Static bypass transfer switch.

6) Internal maintenance bypass/isolation switch.
7) External maintenance bypass/isolation switch.
8) Output isolation transformer.
9) Remote UPS monitoring.
10) Battery monitoring.
11) Remote battery monitoring.
ECC Software:
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate with the
Design Team and/or COR and edit software
to the newest version of Microsoft server
software.

1. Provide for automatic system database save and restore on the ECC’s
hard disk a copy of the current database of each Controller. This
database shall be updated whenever a change is made in any system
panel. In the event of a database loss in a building management
panel, the ECC shall automatically restore the database for that
panel. This capability may be disabled by the operator.
2. Provide for manual database save and restore. An operator with
proper clearance shall be able to save the database from any system
panel. The operator also shall be able to clear a panel database and
manually initiate a download of a specified database to any panel in
the system.
3. Provide a method of configuring the system. This shall allow for
future system changes or additions by users with proper clearance.
4. Operating System. Furnish a concurrent multi-tasking operating
system. The operating system also shall support the use of other
common software applications. Acceptable operating systems are
Windows Server //2019//, Linux, and UNIX.
5. System Graphics. The operator workstation software shall be
graphically oriented. The system shall allow display of up to 10
graphic screens at once for comparison and monitoring of system
status. Provide a method for the operator to easily move between
graphic displays and change the size and location of graphic
displays on the screen. The system graphics shall be able to be
modified while on-line. An operator with the proper password level
shall be able to add, delete, or change dynamic objects on a
graphic. Dynamic objects shall include analog and binary values,
dynamic text, static text, and animation files. Graphics shall have

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the ability to show animation by shifting image files based on the

status of the object.
6. Custom Graphics. Custom graphic files shall be created with the use
of a graphics generation package furnished with the system. The
graphics generation package shall be a graphically based system that
uses the mouse to create and modify graphics that are saved in
industry standard formats such as PCX, TIFF, and GEM. The graphics
generation package also shall provide the capability of capturing or
converting graphics from other programs such as Designer or AutoCAD.
7. Graphics Library. Furnish a complete library of standard HVAC
equipment graphics such as chillers, boilers, air handlers,
terminals, fan coils, and unit ventilators. This library also shall
include standard symbols for other equipment including fans, pumps,
coils, valves, piping, dampers, and ductwork. The library shall be
furnished in a file format compatible with the graphics generation
package program.
8. The Controls Systems Operator Interfaces shall be user friendly,
readily understood and shall make maximum use of colors, graphics,
icons, embedded images, animation, text based information and data
visualization techniques to enhance and simplify the use and
understanding of the displays by authorized users at the ECC. The
operating system shall be Windows 10 latest version, or better, and
shall support the third party software.
9. Provide graphical user software, which shall minimize the use of
keyboard through the use of the mouse and "point and click" approach
to menu selection.
10. The software shall provide a multi-tasking type environment that
will allow the user to run several applications simultaneously. The
mouse or Alt-Tab keys shall be used to quickly select and switch
between multiple applications. The operator shall be able
automatically export data to and work in Microsoft Word, Excel, and
other Windows based software programs, while concurrently on-line
system alarms and monitoring information.
11. On-Line Help. Provide a context-sensitive, on-line help system to
assist the operator in operating and editing the system. On-line
help shall be available for all applications and shall provide the
relevant data for that particular screen. Additional help
information shall be available through the use of hypertext.

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12. User access shall be protected by a flexible and Owner re-definable

software-based password access protection. Password protection shall
be multi-level and partition able to accommodate the varied access
requirements of the different user groups to which individual users
may be assigned. Provide the means to define unique access
privileges for each individual authorized user. Provide the means to
on-line manage password access control under the control of a
project specific Master Password. Provide an audit trail of all user
activity on the Controls Systems including all actions and changes.
13. The system shall be completely field-programmable from the common
operator’s keyboard thus allowing hard disk storage of all data
automatically. All programs for the CUs shall be able to be
downloaded from the hard disk. The software shall provide the
following functionality as a minimum:
a. Point database editing, storage and downloading of controller
databases.
b. Scheduling and override of building environmental control
systems.
c. Collection and analysis of historical data.
d. Alarm reporting, routing, messaging, and acknowledgement.
e. Definition and construction of dynamic color graphic displays.
f. Real-time graphical viewing and control of environment.
g. Scheduling trend reports.
h. Program editing.
i. Operating activity log and system security.
j. Transfer data to third party software.
14. Provide functionality such that using the least number of steps to
initiate the desired event may perform any of the following
simultaneously:
a. Dynamic color graphics and graphic control.
b. Alarm management.
c. Event scheduling.
d. Dynamic trend definition and presentation.
e. Program and database editing.
f. Each operator shall be required to log on to the system with a
username and password to view, edit or delete the data. System
security shall be selectable for each operator, and the password
shall be able to restrict the operator’s access for viewing and

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changing the system programs. Each operator shall automatically

be logged off the system if no keyboard or mouse activity is
detected for a selected time.
15. Graphic Displays:
a. The workstation shall allow the operator to access various system
schematics and floor plans via a graphical penetration scheme,
menu selection, or text-based commands. Graphic software shall
permit the importing of AutoCAD or scanned pictures in the
industry standard format (such as PCX, BMP, GIF, and JPEG) for
use in the system.
b. System Graphics shall be project specific and schematically
correct for each system. (i.e.: coils, fans, dampers located per
equipment supplied with project.) Standard system graphics that
do not match equipment or system configurations are prohibited.
Operator shall have capability to manually operate the entire
system from each graphic screen at the ECC. Each system graphic
shall include a button/tab to a display of the applicable
sequence of operation.
c. Dynamic temperature values, humidity values, flow rates, and
status indication shall be shown in their locations and shall
automatically update to represent current conditions without
operator intervention and without pre-defined screen refresh
values.
d. Color shall be used to indicate status and change in status of
the equipment. The state colors shall be user definable.
e. A clipart library of HVAC equipment, such as chillers, boilers,
air handling units, fans, terminal units, pumps, coils, standard
ductwork, piping, valves and laboratory symbols shall be provided
in the system. The operator shall have the ability to add custom
symbols to the clipart library.
f. A dynamic display of the site-specific architecture showing
status of the controllers, the ECC and network shall be provided.
g. The windowing environment of the workstation shall allow the user
to simultaneously view several applications at a time to analyze
total building operation or to allow the display of graphic
associated with an alarm to be viewed without interrupting work
in progress. The graphic system software shall also have the
capability to split screen, half portion of the screen with

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graphical representation and the other half with sequence of

operation of the same HVAC system.
16. Trend reports shall be generated on demand or pre-defined schedule
and directed to monitor display, printers or disk. As a minimum, the
system shall allow the operator to easily obtain the following types
of reports:
a. A general list of all selected points in the network.
b. List of all points in the alarm.
c. List of all points in the override status.
d. List of all disabled points.
e. List of all points currently locked out.
f. List of user accounts and password access levels.
g. List of weekly schedules.
h. List of holiday programming.
i. List of limits and dead bands.
j. Custom reports.
k. System diagnostic reports, including, list of digital controllers
on the network.
l. List of programs.
17. ASHRAE Standard 147 Report: Provide a daily report that shows the
operating condition of each chiller as recommended by ASHRAE
Standard 147. At a minimum, this report shall include:
a. Chilled water (or other secondary coolant) inlet and outlet
temperature
b. Chilled water (or other secondary coolant) flow
c. Chilled water (or other secondary coolant) inlet and outlet
pressures
d. Evaporator refrigerant pressure and temperature
e. Condenser refrigerant pressure and liquid temperature
f. Condenser water inlet and outlet temperatures
g. Condenser water flow
h. Refrigerant levels
i. Oil pressure and temperature
j. Oil level
k. Compressor refrigerant discharge temperature
l. Compressor refrigerant suction temperature
m. Addition of refrigerant
n. Addition of oil

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o. Vibration levels or observation that vibration is not excessive

p. Motor amperes per phase
q. Motor volts per phase
r. PPM refrigerant monitor level
s. Purge exhaust time or discharge count
t. Ambient temperature (dry-bulb and wet-bulb)
u. Date and time logged
18. Electrical, Gas, and Weather Reports
a. Electrical Meter Report: Provide a monthly report showing the
daily electrical consumption and peak electrical demand with time
and date stamp for each building meter.
b. Provide an annual (12-month) summary report showing the monthly
electrical consumption and peak demand with time and date stamp
for each meter.
c. Gas Meter Report: Provide a monthly report showing the daily
natural gas consumption for each meter. Provide an annual (12-
month) report that shows the monthly consumption for each meter.
d. Weather Data Report: Provide a monthly report showing the daily
minimum, maximum, and average outdoor air temperature, as well as
the number of heating and cooling degree-days for each day.
Provide an annual (12-month) report showing the minimum, maximum,
and average outdoor air temperature for the month, as well as the
number of heating and cooling degree-days for the month.
19. Scheduling and Override:
a. Provide override access through menu selection from the graphical
interface and through a function key.
b. Provide a calendar type format for time-of-day scheduling and
overrides of building control systems. Schedules reside in the
ECC. The digital controllers shall ensure equipment time
scheduling when the ECC is off-line. The ECC shall not be
required to execute time scheduling. Provide the following
spreadsheet graphics as a minimum:
1) Weekly schedules.
2) Zone schedules, minimum of 100 zones.
3) Scheduling up to 365 days in advance.
4) Scheduled reports to print at workstation.
20. Collection and Analysis of Historical Data:

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a. Provide trending capabilities that will allow the operator to

monitor and store records of system activity over an extended
period. Points may be trended automatically on time-based
intervals or change of value, both of which shall be user
definable. The trend interval could be five (5) minutes to 120
hours. Trend data may be stored on hard disk for future
diagnostic and reporting. Additionally trend data may be archived
to network drives or removable disk media for off-site retrieval.
b. Reports may be customized to include individual points or
predefined groups of at least six points. Provide additional
functionality to allow pre-defined groups of up to 250 trended
points to be easily accessible by other industry standard word
processing and spreadsheet packages. The reports shall be time
and date stamped and shall contain a report title and the name of
the facility.
c. System shall have the set up to generate spreadsheet reports to
track energy usage and cost based on weekly or monthly interval,
equipment run times, equipment efficiency, and/or building
environmental conditions.
d. Provide additional functionality that will allow the operator to
view real time trend data on trend graph displays. A minimum of
20 points may be graphed regardless of whether they have been
predefined for trending. In addition, the user may pause the
graph and take snapshots of the screens to be stored on the
workstation disk for future reference and trend analysis. Exact
point values may be viewed, and the graph may be printed.
Operator shall be able to command points directly on the trend
plot by double clicking on the point.
21. Alarm Management:
a. Alarm routing shall allow the operator to send alarm notification
to selected printers or operator workstation based on time of
day, alarm severity, or point type.
b. Alarm notification shall be provided via two alarm icons, to
distinguish between routine, maintenance type alarms and critical
alarms. The critical alarms shall display on the screen at the
time of its occurrence, while others shall display by clicking on
their icon.

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c. Alarm display shall list the alarms with highest priority at the
top of the display. The alarm display shall provide selector
buttons for display of the associated point graphic and message
in English language. The operator shall be able to sort out the
alarms.
d. Alarm messages shall be customized for each point to display
detailed instructions to the operator regarding actions to take
in the event of an alarm.
e. An operator with proper security level access may acknowledge and
clear the alarm. All that have not been cleared shall be archived
at workstation disk.
22. Remote Communications: The system shall have the ability to dial out
in the event of an alarm. Receivers shall include operator
workstations, e-mail addresses, and alpha-numeric pagers. The alarm
message shall include the name of the calling location, the device
that generated the alarm, and the alarm message itself.
23. System Configuration:
a. Network control strategies shall not be restricted to a single
digital controller but shall be able to include data from all
other network devices to allow the development of global control
strategies.
b. Provide automatic backup and restore of all digital controller
databases on the workstation hard disk. In addition to all backup
data, all databases shall be performed while the workstation is
on-line without disturbing other system operations.
2.5 PORTABLE OPERATOR’S TERMINAL (POT)
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Discuss the laptop
requirements with VA and edit the
specifications as necessary.

Provide a portable operator’s terminal (POT) that shall be capable of

accessing all system data. POT may be connected to any point on the system
network or may be connected directly to any controller for programming,
setup, and troubleshooting. POT shall communicate using BACnet protocol. POT
may be connected to any point on the system network or it may be connected
directly to controllers using the BACnet PTP (Point-To-Point) Data Link/
Physical layer protocol. The terminal shall use the Read (Initiate) and Write
(Execute) BACnet Services. POT shall be an IBM-compatible notebook-style PC
including all software and hardware required.

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Hardware: POT shall conform to the BACnet Advanced Workstation (B-AWS)

Profile and shall be BTL-Listed as a B-AWS device.
1. POT shall be commercial standard with supporting 32- or 64-bit
hardware (as limited by the direct-digital control system software)
and software enterprise server. Internet Explorer v6.0 SP1 or
higher, Windows Script Hosting version 5.6 or higher, Windows
Message Queuing, Windows Internet Information Services (IIS) v5.0 or
higher, minimum 2.8 GHz processor, minimum 500 GB 7200 rpm SATA hard
drive with 16 MB cache, minimum 2GB DDR3 SDRAM (minimum 1333 Mhz)
memory, 512 MB video card, minimum 16 inch (diagonal) screen, 10-
100-1000 Base-TX Ethernet NIC with an RJ45 connector or a 100Base-FX
Ethernet NIC with an SC/ST connector, 56,600 bps modem, an ASCII RS-
232 interface, and a 16 speed high density DVD-RW+/- optical drive.
Software: POT shall include software equal to the software on the ECC.
2.6 BACnet PROTOCOL ANALYZER
For ease of troubleshooting and maintenance, provide a BACnet protocol
analyzer. Provide its associated fittings, cables and appurtenances, for
connection to the communications network. The BACnet protocol analyzer shall
be able to, at a minimum: capture and store to a file all data traffic on all
network levels; measure bandwidth usage; filter out (ignore) selected
traffic.
2.7 NETWORK AND DEVICE NAMING CONVENTION
Network Numbers
1. BACnet network numbers shall be based on a "facility code, network"
concept. The "facility code" is the VAMC’s or VA campus’ assigned
numeric value assigned to a specific facility or building. The
"network" typically corresponds to a "floor" or other logical
configuration within the building. BACnet allows 65535 network
numbers per BACnet internet work.
2. The network numbers are thus formed as follows: "Net #" = "FFFNN"
where:
a. FFF = Facility code (see below)
b. NN = 00-99 This allows up to 100 networks per facility or
building
Device Instances
1. BACnet allows 4194305 unique device instances per BACnet internet
work. Using Agency's unique device instances are formed as follows:
"Dev #" = "FFFNNDD" where

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a. FFF and N are as above and

b. DD = 00-99, this allows up to 100 devices per network.
2. Note Special cases, where the network architecture of limiting
device numbering to DD causes excessive subnet works. The device
number can be expanded to DDD and the network number N can become a
single digit. In NO case shall the network number N and the device
number D exceed 4 digits.
3. Facility code assignments:
4. 000-400 Building/facility number
5. Note that some facilities have a facility code with an alphabetic
suffix to denote wings, related structures, etc. The suffix will be
ignored. Network numbers for facility codes greater than 400 will be
assigned in the range 000-399.
Device Names
1. Name the control devices based on facility name, location within a
facility, the system or systems that the device monitors and/or
controls, or the area served. The intent of the device naming is to
be easily recognized. Names can be up to 254 characters in length,
without embedded spaces. Provide the shortest descriptive, but
unambiguous, name. For example, in building #123 prefix the number
with a “B” followed by the building number, if there is only one
chilled water pump "CHWP-1", a valid name would be "B123.CHWP.
1.STARTSTOP". If there are two pumps designated "CHWP-1", one in a
basement mechanical room (Room 0001) and one in a penthouse
mechanical room (Room PH01), the names could be "B123.R0001.CHWP.1.
STARTSTOP" or "B123.RPH01.CHWP.1.STARTSTOP". In the case of unitary
controllers, for example a VAV box controller, a name might be
"B123.R101.VAV". These names should be used for the value of the
"Object_Name" property of the BACnet Device objects of the
controllers involved so that the BACnet name and the EMCS name are
the same.
2.8 BACnet DEVICES
All BACnet Devices – controllers, gateways, routers, actuators,
Operator Displays, and sensors shall conform to BACnet Device Profiles and
shall be BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) -Listed as conforming to those
Device Profiles. Protocol Implementation Conformance Statements (PICSs),
describing the BACnet capabilities of the Devices shall be published and
available for the Devices through links in the BTL website.

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1. BACnet Building Controllers, shall conform to the BACnet B-BC Device

Profile, and shall be BTL-Listed as conforming to the B-BC Device
Profile. The Device’s PICS shall be submitted.
2. BACnet Advanced Application Controllers shall conform to the BACnet
B-AAC Device Profile and shall be BTL-Listed as conforming to the B-
AAC Device Profile. The Device’s PICS shall be submitted.
3. BACnet Application Specific Controllers shall conform to the BACnet
B-ASC Device Profile and shall be BTL-Listed as conforming to the B-
ASC Device Profile. The Device’s PICS shall be submitted.
4. BACnet Smart Actuators shall conform to the BACnet B-SA Device
Profile and shall be BTL-Listed as conforming to the B-SA Device
Profile. The Device’s PICS shall be submitted.
5. BACnet Smart Sensors shall conform to the BACnet B-SS Device Profile
and shall be BTL-Listed as conforming to the B-SS Device Profile.
The Device’s PICS shall be submitted.
6. BACnet routers and gateways shall conform to the BACnet B-OTH Device
Profile, and shall be BTL-Listed as conforming to the B-OTH Device
Profile. The Device’s PICS shall be submitted.
2.9 CONTROLLERS
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate with Design
Team and/or COR before editing this
Article 2.9. B-BCs are what the VA has
historically called NACs. B-AACs and B-
BCs differ in the size of their storage
and processing capability. Use at least
one B-BC for each project, more if needed
to achieve the scope and the performance
required. Use B-AACs at air handling
units, portions of plants, and the like.

General. Provide an adequate number of BTL listed B-BC building

controllers, BTL listed B-AAC, BTL listed B-ASC, BTL listed B-SA, and BTL
listed B-SS’s to achieve the performance specified in the Part 1 Article on
“System Performance.” Each of these controllers shall meet the following
requirements.
1. Communication.
a. Each B-BC controller shall reside on a BACnet network using the
ISO 8802-3 (Ethernet) Data Link/Physical layer protocol for its
communications.
b. Each B-BC controller shall provide a service communication port
using BACnet Data Link/Physical layer protocol for connection to
a portable operator’s terminal. If this port is not available

23 09 23 - 48
 03-01-23

built into the controller, contractor is to install a 4 port

unmanaged switch inside the B-BC control cabinet.
2. Keypad. A local keypad and display shall be provided for each
controller. The keypad shall be provided for interrogating and
editing data. Provide a system security password to prevent
unauthorized use of the keypad and display.
3. Serviceability. Provide diagnostic LEDs for power, communication,
and processor. All wiring connections shall be made to field-
removable, modular terminal strips or to a termination card
connected by a ribbon cable.
4. Memory. The controller shall maintain all BIOS and programming
information in the event of a power loss for at least 72 hours.
5. The controller shall be able to operate at 90 percent to 110 percent
of nominal voltage rating and shall perform an orderly shutdown less
than 80 percent nominal voltage. Controller operation shall be
protected against electrical noise of 5 to 120 Hz and from keyed
radios up to 5 watt at 1 meter (3 feet).
6. Transformer. Power supply for the ASC must be rated at a minimum of
125 percent of B-ASC power consumption and shall be of the fused or
current limiting type.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: B-ASCs are
microprocessor-based controllers which,
by firmware or hardware, are dedicated to
control a specific piece of equipment.
They are not fully user-programmable but
are customized for operation within the
confines of the equipment they are
designed to serve. Use B-ASCs at terminal
units, for example.

Provide BTL-Listed B-ASC application specific controllers for each

piece of equipment for which they are constructed. Application specific
controllers shall communicate with other BACnet devices on the internetwork
using the BACnet Read (Execute) Property service.
1. Each B-ASC shall be capable of stand-alone operation and shall
continue to provide control functions without being connected to the
network.
2. Each B-ASC will contain sufficient I/O capacity to control the
target system.
3. Communication.

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a. //Each controller shall reside on a BACnet network using the ISO

8802-3 (Ethernet) Data Link/Physical layer protocol for its
communications. Each building controller also shall perform
BACnet routing if connected to a network of custom application
and application specific controllers.//
b. Each controller shall have a BACnet Data Link/Physical layer
compatible connection for a laptop computer or a portable
operator’s tool. This connection shall be extended to a space
temperature sensor port where shown.
4. Serviceability. Provide diagnostic LEDs for power, communication,
and processor. All wiring connections shall be made to field-
removable, modular terminal strips or to a termination card
connected by a ribbon cable.
5. Memory. The application specific controller shall use nonvolatile
memory and maintain all BIOS and programming information in the
event of a power loss.
6. Immunity to power and noise. Controllers shall be able to operate at
90 percent to 110 percent of nominal voltage rating and shall
perform an orderly shutdown below 80 percent. Operation shall be
protected against electrical noise of 5-120 Hz and from keyed radios
up to 5 watts at 1 meter (3 feet).
Direct Digital Controller Software
1. The software programs specified in this section shall be
commercially available, concurrent, multi-tasking operating system
and support the use of software application that operates under
//DOS// //Linux//or Microsoft Windows.
2. All points shall be identified by up to 30-character point name and
16-character point descriptor. The same names shall be used at the
ECC.
3. All control functions shall execute within the stand-alone control
units. All new controllers installed will also include all software
and/or hardware required to program, commission, or alter the
sequence of operation of said controller(s). Controllers requiring
software or hardware that is not commercially available will not be
allowed. Installation of software and/or hardware for controller
configuration will be the responsibility of the DDC contractor. COR
will direct to install said hardware and/or software on either the
B-AWS or portable operator terminal. The VA shall be able to

23 09 23 - 50
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customize control strategies and sequences of operations defining

the appropriate control loop algorithms and choosing the optimum
loop parameters without requiring the services of a DDC contractor.
4. All controllers shall be capable of being programmed to utilize
stored default values for assured fail-safe operation of critical
processes. Default values shall be invoked upon sensor failure or,
if the primary value is normally provided by the central or another
CU, or by loss of bus communication. Individual application software
packages shall be structured to assume a fail-safe condition upon
loss of input sensors. Loss of an input sensor shall result in
output of a sensor-failed message at the ECC. Each ACU and RCU shall
have capability for local readouts of all functions. The UCUs shall
be read remotely.
5. All DDC control loops shall be able to utilize any of the following
control modes:
a. Two position (on-off, slow-fast) control.
b. Proportional control.
c. Proportional plus integral (PI) control.
d. Proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) control. All PID
programs shall automatically invoke integral wind up prevention
routines whenever the controlled unit is off, under manual
control of an automation system or time-initiated program.
e. Automatic tuning of control loops.
6. System Security: Operator access shall be secured using individual
password and operator’s name. Passwords shall restrict the operator
to the level of object, applications, and system functions assigned
to him. A minimum of three (3)or a maximum of six (6) levels of
security for operator access shall be provided.
7. Application Software: The controllers shall provide the following
programs as a minimum for the purpose of optimizing energy
consumption while maintaining comfortable environment for occupants.
All application software shall reside and run in the system digital
controllers. Editing of the application shall occur at the ECC or
via a portable operator’s terminal, when it is necessary, to access
directly the programmable unit.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Edit out the following
programs that are not applicable to the
project. Add new programs to the list, if
required.

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a. //Power Demand Limiting (PDL): Power demand limiting program

shall monitor the building power consumption and limit the
consumption of electricity to prevent peak demand charges. PDL
shall continuously track the electricity consumption from a pulse
input generated at the kilowatt-hour/demand electric meter. PDL
shall sample the meter data to continuously forecast the electric
demand likely to be used during successive time intervals. If the
forecast demand indicates that electricity usage will likely to
exceed a user preset maximum allowable level, then PDL shall
automatically shed electrical loads. Once the demand load has
met, loads that have been shed shall be restored and returned to
normal mode. Control system shall be capable of demand limiting
by resetting the HVAC system set points to reduce load while
maintaining indoor air quality.//
b. Economizer: An economizer program shall be provided for VAV
systems. This program shall control the position of air handler
relief, return, and outdoor dampers. If the // outdoor air dry
bulb temperature falls // outdoor air dry bulb temperature and
humidity fall // below changeover set point the energy control
center will modulate the dampers to provide 100 percent outdoor
air. The operator shall be able to override the economizer cycle
and return to minimum outdoor air operation at any time.
c. Night Setback/Morning Warm up Control: The system shall provide
the ability to automatically adjust set points for this mode of
operation.
d. Optimum Start/Stop (OSS): Optimum start/stop program shall
automatically be coordinated with event scheduling. The OSS
program shall start HVAC equipment at the latest possible time
that will allow the equipment to achieve the desired zone
condition by the time of occupancy, and it shall also shut down
HVAC equipment at the earliest possible time before the end of
the occupancy period and still maintain desired comfort
conditions. The OSS program shall consider both outside weather
conditions and inside zone conditions. The program shall
automatically assign longer lead times for weekend and holiday
shutdowns. The program shall poll all zones served by the
associated AHU and shall select the warmest and coolest zones.

23 09 23 - 52
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These shall be used in the start time calculation. It shall be

possible to assign occupancy start times on a per air handler
unit basis. The program shall meet the local code requirements
for minimum outdoor air while the building is occupied.
Modification of assigned occupancy start/stop times shall be
possible via the ECC.
e. Event Scheduling: Provide a comprehensive menu driven program to
automatically start and stop designated points or a group of
points according to a stored time. This program shall provide the
capability to individually command a point or group of points.
When points are assigned to one common load group it shall be
possible to assign variable time advances/delays between each
successive start or stop within that group. Scheduling shall be
calendar based and advance schedules may be defined up to one
year in advance. Advance schedule shall override the day-to-day
schedule. The operator shall be able to define the following
information:
1) Time, day.
2) Commands such as on, off, auto.
3) Time delays between successive commands.
4) Manual overriding of each schedule.
5) Allow operator intervention.
f. Alarm Reporting: The operator shall be able to determine the
action to be taken in the event of an alarm. Alarms shall be
routed to the ECC based on time and events. An alarm shall be
able to start programs, login the event, print and display the
messages. The system shall allow the operator to prioritize the
alarms to minimize nuisance reporting and to speed operator’s
response to critical alarms. A minimum of six (6) priority levels
of alarms shall be provided for each point.
g. Remote Communications: The system shall have the ability to dial
out in the event of an alarm to the ECC and alpha-numeric pagers.
The alarm message shall include the name of the calling location,
the device that generated the alarm, and the alarm message
itself. The operator shall be able to remotely access and operate
the system using dial up communications. Remote access shall
allow the operator to function the same as local access.

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h. Maintenance Management (PM): The program shall monitor equipment

status and generate maintenance messages based upon the operators
defined equipment run time, starts, and/or calendar date limits.
A preventative maintenance alarm shall be printed indicating
maintenance requirements based on pre-defined run time. Each
preventive message shall include point description, limit
criteria and preventative maintenance instruction assigned to
that limit. A minimum of 480-character PM shall be provided for
each component of units such as air handling units.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Tailor Chilled Water
Plant operation to suit Project. Define
whether the chiller will include a
software gateway or interface with the
I/O points and a hard-wired chiller
interface are provided under this
section.

i. Chilled water Plant Operation: This program shall have the

ability to sequence the multiple chillers to minimize energy
consumption. The program shall provide sequence of operation as
described on the drawings and include the following as a minimum:
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Discuss with VAMC
personnel about their preference to start
chillers manually or automatically. Edit
the following accordingly based on the
discussion.

1) Automatic start/stop of chillers and auxiliaries in accordance

with the sequence of operation shown on the drawings, while
incorporating requirements and restraints, such as starting
frequency of the equipment imposed by equipment manufacturers.
2) Secondary chilled water pumps and controls.
3) Generate chilled water plant load profiles for different
seasons for use in forecasting efficient operating schedule.
4) Cooling Tower Operation Program: The objective of cooling
tower control is to optimize chiller/tower energy use within
the equipment restraints and minimum condenser water
temperature limit recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
Maintain chilled water plant performance records and print
reports at intervals selected by the operator. It shall be
possible for the operator to change the set points and the
operating schedule.

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5) The chilled water plant program shall display the following as

a minimum:
a) Secondary chilled flow rate.
b) Secondary chilled water supply and return temperature.
c) Condenser water supply and return temperature.
d) Outdoor air dry bulb temperature.
e) Outdoor air wet bulb temperature.
f) Ton-hours of chilled water per day/month/year.
g) On-off status for each chiller.
h) Chilled water flow rate.
i) Chilled water supply and return temperature.
j) Operating set points-temperature and pressure.
k) Kilowatts and power factor.
l) Current limit set point.
m) Date and time.
n) Operating or alarm status.
o) Operating hours.
2.10 SPECIAL CONTROLLERS
Laboratory rooms and the fume hoods in those rooms shall be controlled
to allow for a variable flow of conditioned air into the room, general
exhaust from the room, and exhaust through the fume hood while maintaining a
safe face velocity at the hood sash opening and proper space pressurization.
Fume Hood Exhaust Air Controller: The air flow through the open face of
the hood, regardless of sash position, shall be controlled at a face velocity
between 30 to 36 meter per minute (100 fpm and 120 fpm). A velocity sensor
controller located in a sampling tube in the side wall of the hood shall
control a damper in the hood discharge to maintain the face velocity.
Room Differential Pressure Controller: The differential pressure in
laboratory rooms, operating rooms, in the SPS area, Chemo compounding rooms,
and isolation rooms shall be maintained by controlling the quantity of air
exhausted from or supplied to the room. A sensor-controller shall measure and
control the velocity of air flowing into or out of the room through a
sampling tube installed in the wall separating the room from the adjacent
space and display the value on its monitor. The sensor-controller shall meet
the following as a minimum:
1. Operating range: -0.25 to +0.25 inches of water column
2. Resolution: 5 percent of reading
3. Accuracy: +/- 10 percent of reading +/- 0.005 inches of water column

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4. Analog output: 4-20 ma or 0-10 VDC

5. Operating temperature range: 32 degrees F - 120 degrees F
2.11 SENSORS (AIR, WATER AND STEAM)
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Designer shall identify
the normal position of control valves and
control dampers; normally open (NO) or
normally close (NC). Coordinate the
sensor locations and output signals with
Design Team and/or COR.

Sensors’ measurements shall be read back to the DDC system, and shall
be visible by the ECC.
Temperature and Humidity Sensors shall be electronic, vibration and
corrosion resistant for wall, immersion, and/or duct mounting. Provide all
remote sensors as required for the systems.
1. Temperature Sensors: thermistor type for terminal units and
Resistance Temperature Device (RTD) with an integral 4-20 mA or 0-10
VDC transmitter type for all other sensors.
a. Duct sensors shall be rigid or averaging type as shown on
drawings. Averaging sensor shall be a minimum of 1 linear foot of
sensing element for each square feet of cooling/heating coil face
area.
b. Immersion sensors shall be provided with a separable well made of
stainless steel, bronze or monel material. Pressure rating of
well is to be consistent with the system pressure in which it is
to be installed. Temperature well shall be filled with a thermal
compound compatible with installed sensor.
c. All space sensors shall be equipped with in-space User set-point
adjustment, override switch, numerical temperature display on
sensor cover, and BACnet communication port. Match room
thermostats. Provide a tooled-access cover.
1) Public space sensor: setpoint adjustment shall be only through
the ECC or through the DDC system’s diagnostic device/laptop.
Do not provide in-space User set-point adjustment. Provide an
opaque keyed-entry cover if needed to restrict in-space User
set-point adjustment.
2) Psychiatric patient room sensor: sensor shall be //flush with
wall// or //on the return duct//, shall not include an
override switch, numerical temperature display on sensor
cover, shall not include a communication port and shall not

23 09 23 - 56
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allow in-space User set-point adjustment. Setpoint adjustment

shall be only through the ECC or through the DDC system’s
diagnostic device/laptop. Provide a stainless-steel cover
plate with an insulated back and security screws.
d. Outdoor air temperature sensors shall have watertight inlet
fittings and be shielded from direct sunlight.
e. Room security sensors shall have stainless steel cover plate with
insulated back and security screws.
f. Wire: Twisted, shielded-pair cable.
g. Output Signal: 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC.
2. Humidity Sensors: Bulk polymer sensing element type.
a. Duct and room sensors shall have a sensing range of 20 to 80
percent with accuracy of ± 2 to  5 percent RH, including
hysteresis, linearity, and repeatability.
b. Outdoor humidity sensors shall be furnished with element guard
and mounting plate and have a sensing range of 0 to 100 percent
RH.
c. Continuous Output Signal: 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC.
Static Pressure Sensors: Non-directional, temperature compensated.
1. 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC output signal.
2. 0 to 5 inches wg for duct static pressure range.
3. 0 to 0.25 inch wg for Building static pressure range.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate with the
Design Team and/or COR and/or steam
related spec sections. Select appropriate
water flow sensor/transmitter depending
upon application.

//Vortex Water flow sensors:

1. Type: Insertion vortex type with retractable probe assembly and 2
inch full port gate valve.
a. Pipe size: up to 24 inches.
b. Retractor: ASME threaded, non-rising stem type with hand wheel.
c. Mounting connection: 2 inch 150 PSI flange.
d. Sensor assembly: Design for expected water flow and pipe size.
e. Seal: Teflon (PTFE).
2. Controller:
a. Integral to unit.
b. Locally display flow rate and total.

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 03-01-23

c. Output flow signal to BAS/EMS/BES/BMCS: Digital pulse or BACnet

type.
3. Performance:
a. Turndown: 20:1
b. Response time: Adjustable from 1 to 100 seconds.
c. Power: //24 volt AC// or //-- VDC//
4. Install flow meters according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Where recommended by manufacturer because of mounting conditions,
provide flow rectifier. //
//Turbine Water Flow Sensors: shall be insertion turbine type with
turbine element, retractor and preamplifier/transmitter mounted on a two-inch
full port isolation valve; assembly easily removed or installed as a single
unit under line pressure through the isolation valve without interference
with process flow; calibrated scale shall allow precise positioning of the
flow element to the required insertion depth within plus or minus minute 1 mm
(0.05 inch); wetted parts shall be constructed of stainless steel. Operating
power shall be nominal //24 VDC// or //24 Volt AC//. Local instantaneous flow
indicator shall be LED type in NEMA 4 enclosure with 3-1/2 digital display,
for wall or panel mounting.
1. Performance characteristics:
a. Ambient conditions: -40 degrees C to 60 degrees C (-40 degrees F
to 140 degrees F), 5 to 100 percent humidity.
b. Operating conditions: 850 kPa (125 psig), 0 degree C to 120
degrees C (30 degrees F to 250 degrees F), 0.15 to 12 meters per
second (0.5 to 40 feet per second) velocity.
c. Nominal range (turn down ratio): 10 to 1.
d. Preamplifier mounted on meter shall provide 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC,
a divided pulse output or switch closure signal for units of
volume or mass per a time base. Signal transmission distance
shall be a minimum of 1,800 meters (6,000 feet). // Preamplifier
for bi-directional flow measurement shall provide a directional
contact closure from a relay mounted in the preamplifier //.
e. Pressure Loss: Maximum 1 percent of the line pressure in line
sizes above 100 mm (4 inches).
f. Ambient temperature effects, less than 0.005 percent calibrated
span per degrees C (degrees F) temperature change.
g. RFI effect - flow meter shall not be affected by RFI.

23 09 23 - 58
 03-01-23

h. Power supply effect less than 0.02 percent of span for a

variation of plus or minus 10 percent power supply.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Steam flow meters are
required for steam to laundry, absorption
chillers and in main branches to
different buildings. Discuss this
requirement with the VAMC, Design Team or
COR and edit the following paragraph
accordingly.

Steam Flow Sensor/Transmitter:

1. Sensor: Vortex shedder incorporating wing type sensor and
amplification technology for high signal-to-noise ratio, carbon
steel body with 316 stainless steel working parts, 24 VDC power,
NEMA 4 enclosure.
a. Ambient conditions, -40 degrees C to 80 degrees C (-40 degrees F
to 175 degrees F).
b. Process conditions, 900 kPa (125 psig) saturated steam.
c. Turn down ratio, 20 to 1.
d. Output signal, 4-20 ma or 0-10 VDC DC.
e. Processor/Transmitter, NEMA 4 enclosure with keypad program
selector and six digit LCD output display of instantaneous flow
rate or totalized flow, solid state switch closure signal shall
be provided to the nearest DDC panel for totalization.
1) Ambient conditions, -20 degrees C to 50 degrees C (0 degrees F
to 120 degrees F), 0 to 95 percent non-condensing RH.
2) Power supply, 120 VAC, 60 hertz or 24 VDC.
3) Internal battery, provided for 24-month retention of RAM
contents when all other power sources are removed.
f. Sensor on all steam lines shall be protected by pigtail siphons
installed between the sensor and the line, and shall have an
isolation valve installed between the sensor and pressure source.
Flow switches:
1. Shall be either paddle or differential pressure type.
a. Paddle-type switches (liquid service only) shall be UL Listed,
SPDT snap-acting, adjustable sensitivity with NEMA 4 enclosure.
b. Differential pressure type switches (air or water service) shall
be UL listed, SPDT snap acting, NEMA 4 enclosure, with scale
range and differential suitable for specified application.
Current Switches: Current operated switches shall be self powered,
solid state with adjustable trip current as well as status, power, and relay

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 03-01-23

command status LED indication. The switches shall be selected to match the
current of the application and output requirements of the DDC systems.
Water Overflow Indicators:
1. Float Switches: Float switch manufactured to close a normally open
electrical contact when water level rises at the bottom of a drain
pan or sump. All parts that come in contact with water shall be
plastic, brass, or stainless steel. Select switch configuration for
reliable operation in the specific location it is to be used
(primary drain pan, primary humidifier drain pan, secondary pan,
pump sump etc.) Contact rating 4A at 24 VAC maximum and 100 mA at 5
VDC minimum. For installation the switch shall be clamped to the
side of the fan or sump. Switches that required drilling through
the side of the pan or sump shall be prohibited.
2. Water Sensors: 24 VAC powered solid state single pole – double throw
contacts that closes upon the sensor’s detection of water at the
bottom of pan, sump, floor etc. Sensor designed to be placed at the
bottom of the pan, floor etc. where it will detect moisture. Sensor
design shall incorporate water sensor array inside a hydrophilic pad
designed to absorb and alarm with only a small amount of water.
Contact rating 4A at 24 VAC maximum and 100 mA at 5 VDC minimum.
2.12 CONTROL CABLES
General:
1. Ground cable shields, drain conductors, and equipment to eliminate
shock hazard and to minimize ground loops, common-mode returns,
noise pickup, cross talk, and other impairments. Comply with
Sections 27 05 26 and 26 05 26.
2. Cable conductors to provide protection against induction in
circuits. Crosstalk attenuation within the System shall be in excess
of -80 dB throughout the frequency ranges specified.
3. Minimize the radiation of RF noise generated by the System equipment
so as not to interfere with any audio, video, data, computer main
distribution frame (MDF), telephone customer service unit (CSU), and
electronic private branch exchange (EPBX) equipment the System may
service.
4. The as-installed drawings shall identify each cable as labeled, used
cable, and bad cable pairs.
5. Label system’s cables on each end. Test and certify cables in
writing to the VA before conducting proof-of-performance testing.

23 09 23 - 60
 03-01-23

Minimum cable test requirements are for impedance compliance,

inductance, capacitance, signal level compliance, opens, shorts,
cross talk, noise, and distortion, and split pairs on all cables in
the frequency ranges used. Make available all cable installation and
test records at demonstration to the VA. All changes (used pair,
failed pair, etc.) shall be posted in these records as the change
occurs.
6. Power wiring shall not be run in conduit with communications trunk
wiring or signal or control wiring operating at 100 volts or less.
Analogue control cabling shall be not less than No. 18 AWG solid or
stranded, with thermoplastic insulated conductors as specified in Section 26
05 21.
Copper digital communication cable between the ECC and the B-BC and B-
AAC controllers shall be 100BASE-TX Ethernet, Category 5e or 6, not less than
minimum 24 American Wire Gauge (AWG) solid, Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) or
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), with thermoplastic insulated conductors,
enclosed in a thermoplastic outer jacket, as specified in Section 27 15 00.
1. Other types of media commonly used within IEEE Std 802.3 LANs (e.g.,
10Base-T and 10Base-2) shall be used only in cases to interconnect
with existing media.
All MS/TP communications cables for devices utilizing the EIA-485
standard must be listed for use on EIA-485 networks by the manufacturer of
the cable. This requirement overrides any cable recommendation by the
controller manufacturer. The use of EIA-485 communication cables shall not
affect the warranty from the installing DDC contractor. Cables shall have the
following characteristic:
1. Nominal Impedance: 100-130 Ohms
2. Twisted/shielded construction of 1, 1.5, or 2 pairs depending on
controller requirements.
3. Be plenum rated when required
4. Cables designated for use by the cable manufacturer for use in PA or
Speaker systems shall not be allowed, regardless of recommendations
by the controller manufacturer.
Optical digital communication fiber, if used, shall be Multimode or
Single mode fiber, 62.5/125 micron for multimode or 10/125 micron for single
mode micron with SC or ST connectors as specified in TIA-568-C.1.
Terminations, patch panels, and other hardware shall be compatible with the
specified fiber and shall be as specified in Section 27 15 00. Fiber-optic

23 09 23 - 61
 03-01-23

cable shall be suitable for use with the 100Base-FX or the 100Base-SX
standard (as applicable) as defined in IEEE Std 802.3.
2.13 THERMOSTATS AND HUMIDISTATS
Room thermostats controlling unitary standalone heating and cooling
devices not connected to the DDC system shall have three modes of operation
(heating - null or dead band - cooling). Thermostats for patient bedrooms
shall have capability of being adjusted to eliminate null or dead band. Wall
mounted thermostats shall have // polished or brushed aluminum // satin
chrome // manufacturer's recommendation // finish, setpoint range and
temperature display and external adjustment:
1. Electronic Thermostats: Solid-state, microprocessor based, //BACnet
enabled // programmable to daily, weekend, and holiday schedules.
a. Public Space Thermostat: Public space thermostat shall have a
thermistor sensor and shall not have a visible means of set point
adjustment. Adjustment shall be via the digital controller to
which it is connected.
b. Patient Room Thermostats: thermistor with in-space User set point
adjustment and an on-casing room temperature numerical
temperature display.
c. Psychiatric Patient Room Sensors: Electronic duct sensor as noted
under Article 2.4.
d. Battery replacement without program loss.
Strap-on aquastat shall be enclosed in a dirt-and-moisture proof
housing with adjustable temperature switching point and minimum single pole,
double throw switch. Variable setpoint and variable differential ranges
selected for the application. //Manual // Automatic // reset.
Freezestats shall have a minimum of 300 mm (one linear foot) of sensing
element for each 0.093 square meter (one square foot) of coil area. A
freezing condition at any increment of 300 mm (one foot) anywhere along the
sensing element shall be sufficient to operate the thermostatic element.
Freezestats shall be manually-reset.
Room Humidistats: Provide fully proportioning humidistat with
adjustable throttling range for accuracy of settings and conservation. The
humidistat shall have set point scales shown in percent of relative humidity
located on the instrument. Systems showing moist/dry or high/low are
prohibited.
Low Signal Selector High Limit Duct Humidistat: Duct mounted high
limit humidistat mounted downstream of the humidifier steam injection grid to

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 03-01-23

protect the ductwork and other components from moisture in the event of
humidifier loop problems. Typically set at 70 percent to 80 percent RH the
device provides proportional signal back to steam control equipment as duct
humidity approaches high limit setpoint thus providing more accurate control.
Duct mounted device with polymer sensor:
1. Output 4 to 20 milliamp or 0-10 VDC.
2. Setpoint range 60 percent RH to 95 percent RH.
3. Proportional Band range 5 percent to 30 percent.
4. Auxiliary contacts for alarms.
5. Accuracy 2 percent RH and drift less than 0.5 percent per year.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate the need for
special controllers with the Design Team
and/or COR.

2.14 FINAL CONTROL ELEMENTS AND OPERATORS

Fail Safe Operation: Control valves and dampers shall provide "fail
safe" operation in either the normally open or normally closed position as
required for freeze, moisture, and smoke or fire protection.
Spring Ranges: Range as required for system sequencing and to provide
tight shut-off.
Power Operated Control Dampers (other than VAV Boxes): Factory
fabricated, balanced type dampers. All modulating dampers shall be opposed
blade type and gasketed. Blades for two-position, duct-mounted dampers shall
be parallel, airfoil (streamlined) type for minimum noise generation and
pressure drop.
1. Leakage: // Except as specified in subparagraph 2 below, // maximum
leakage in closed position shall not exceed 7 L/S (15 CFMs)
differential pressure for outside air and exhaust dampers and 200
L/S/ square meter (40 CFM/square feet) at 50 mm (2 inches)
differential pressure for other dampers.
2. Frame shall be galvanized steel channel with seals as required to
meet leakage criteria.
3. Blades shall be galvanized steel or aluminum, 200 mm (8 inch)
maximum width, with edges sealed as required.
4. Bearing shall be nylon, bronze sleeve or ball type.
5. Hardware shall be zinc-plated steel. Connected rods and linkage
shall be non-slip. Working parts of joints shall be brass, bronze,
nylon or stainless steel.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: New pneumatic operators
shall not be used, unless the cost of

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using electronic or electric actuation is

prohibitively expensive. Engineer shall
gain VA approval of all uses of pneumatic
operators on an individual basis, before
specifying.

6. Maximum air velocity and pressure drop through free area of the
dampers:
a. Smoke damper in air handling unit: 305 meter per minute (1000
fpm).
b. Duct mounted damper: 600 meter per minute (2000 fpm).
c. Maximum static pressure loss: 50 Pascal (0.20 inches water
gauge).
Smoke Dampers and Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers: Dampers and operators
are specified in Section 23 31 00, HVAC DUCTS AND CASINGS. Control of these
dampers is specified under this Section.
Control Valves:
1. Valves shall be rated for a minimum of 150 percent of system
operating pressure at the valve location but not less than 900 kPa
(125 psig).
2. Valves 50 mm (2 inches) and smaller shall be bronze body with
threaded or flare connections.
3. Valves 60 mm (2 1/2 inches) and greater shall be bronze or iron body
with flanged connections.
4. Brass or bronze seats except for valves controlling media greater
than 100 degrees C (210 degrees F), which shall have stainless steel
seats.
5. Flow characteristics:
a. Three way modulating valves shall be globe pattern. Position
versus flow relation shall be linear relation for steam or equal
percentage for water flow control.
b. Two-way modulating valves shall be globe pattern. Position versus
flow relation shall be linear for steam and equal percentage for
water flow control.
c. Two-way 2-position valves shall be ball, gate or butterfly type.
6. Maximum pressure drop:
a. Two position steam control: 20 percent of inlet gauge pressure.
b. Modulating Steam Control: 80 percent of inlet gauge pressure
(acoustic velocity limitation).

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c. Modulating water flow control, greater of 3 meters (10 feet) of

water or the pressure drop through the apparatus.
7. Two position water valves shall be line size.
Damper and Valve Operators and Relays:
SPEC WRITER NOTE: New pneumatic operators
shall not be used, unless the cost of
using electronic or electric actuation is
prohibitively expensive. Coordinate with
Design Team and have COR’s approval of
all uses of pneumatic operators on an
individual basis, before specifying.

1. //Pneumatic operators, spring return type with non-ferrous metal

bellows or diaphragm of neoprene or other elastomer. Bellows or
diaphragm shall be of right size so that a change in operating
pressure of not more than two (2) percent of the total motor
operating pressure range will be required to start the valve or
damper moving. Provide positive positioning or sequencing relays
with adjustable operating range and starting point for operators
sequenced with other operators to permit adjustment of control
sequences, except for control valves in confined spaces in terminal
units, which may use springs with range selected to provide
necessary sequencing. Metal parts shall be aluminum, mill finish
galvanized steel, or zinc plated steel or stainless steel.//
2. Electric operator shall provide full modulating control of dampers
and valves. For dampers a linkage and pushrod shall be furnished for
mounting the actuator on the damper frame internally in the duct,
externally in the duct, externally on the duct wall, or shall be
furnished with a direct-coupled design. Metal parts shall be
aluminum, mill finish galvanized steel, or zinc plated steel or
stainless steel. Provide actuator heads which allow for electrical
conduit attachment. The motor(s) shall have sufficient closure
torque to allow for complete closure of valve or damper under
pressure. Provide multiple motors as required to achieve sufficient
close-off torque.
a. Minimum valve close-off pressure shall be equal to the system
pump’s dead-head pressure, minimum 50 psig for valves smaller
than 4 inches.
3. Electronic damper operators: Metal parts shall be aluminum, mill
finish galvanized steel, or zinc plated steel or stainless steel.
Provide actuator heads which allow for electrical conduit

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attachment. The motors shall have sufficient closure torque to allow

for complete closure of valve or damper under pressure. Provide
multiple motors as required to achieve sufficient close-off torque.
a. VAV Box actuator shall be mounted on the damper axle or shall be
of the air valve design, and shall provide complete modulating
control of the damper. The motor shall have a closure torque of
35-inch pounds minimum with full torque applied at close off to
attain minimum leakage.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Coordinate and evaluate
the existing control air system with
Design Team. Delete the new compressor
and associated piping if existing control
air system is sufficient. Also, delete
the all pneumatic related work from the
spec sections in its entirety if all
electric/electronic controls are used.

4. See and coordinate drawings for required control operation.

2.15 AIR FLOW CONTROL
Airflow and static pressure shall be controlled via digital controllers
with inputs from airflow control measuring stations and static pressure
inputs as specified. Controller outputs shall be analog or pulse width
modulating output signals. The controllers shall include the capability to
control via simple proportional (P) control, proportional plus integral (PI),
proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID), and on-off. The airflow
control programs shall be factory-tested programs that are documented in the
literature of the control manufacturer.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Specify either
pneumatic if the existing system has
pneumatic system or electronic thermal
type air flow measuring station.

// Air Flow Measuring Station -- Electronic Thermal Type:

1. Air Flow Sensor Probe:
a. Each air flow sensor shall contain two individual thermal sensing
elements. One element shall determine the velocity of the air
stream while the other element shall compensate for changes in
temperature. Each thermal flow sensor and its associated control
circuit and signal conditioning circuit shall be factory
calibrated and be interchangeable to allow replacement of a
sensor without recalibration of the entire flow station. The
sensor in the array shall be located at the center of equal area
segment of the duct //or fan inlet//and the number of sensors

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shall be adequate to accommodate the expected velocity profile

and variation in flow and temperature. The airflow station shall
be of the insertion type in which sensor support structures are
inserted from the outside of the ducts to make up the complete
electronic velocity array.
b. Thermal flow sensor shall be constructed of hermetically sealed
thermistors or nickel chromium or reference grade platinum wire,
wound over an epoxy, stainless steel or ceramic mandrel and
coated with a material suitable for the conditions to be
encountered. Each dual sensor shall be mounted in an extruded
aluminum alloy strut.
2. Air Flow Sensor Grid Array:
a. Each sensor grid shall consist of a lattice network of
temperature sensors and linear integral controllers (ICs)
situated inside an aluminum casing suitable for mounting in a
duct //or fan inlet//. Each sensor shall be mounted within a
strut facing downstream of the airflow and located so that it is
protected on the upstream side. All wiring shall be encased (out
of the air stream) to protect against mechanical damage.
b. The casing shall be made of welded aluminum of sufficient
strength to prevent structural bending and bowing. Steel or iron
composite shall not be acceptable in the casing material.
c. Pressure drop through the flow station shall not exceed 4 Pascal
(0.015 inch WG) at 1,000 meter per minute (3,000 FPM).
3. Electronics Panel:
a. Electronics Panel shall consist of a surface mounted enclosure
complete with solid-state microprocessor and software.
b. Electronics Panel shall be A/C powered // 120 VAC // 24 VAC //
and shall have the capability to transmit signals of 4-20 ma or
0-10 VDC type or PWM type for use in control of the HVAC Systems.
The electronic panel shall have the capability to accept user
defined scaling parameters for all output signals.
c. Electronics Panel shall have the capability to digitally display
airflow in // CFM // LPS // and temperature in // degrees F //
degrees C //. The displays shall be provided as an integral part
of the electronics panel. The electronic panel shall have the
capability to totalize the output flow in CFM for two or more
systems, as required. A single output signal shall be provided

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which will equal the sum of the systems totalized. Output signals
shall be provided for temperature and airflow. Provide remote
mounted air flow or temperature displays where indicated on the
plans.
d. Electronics Panel shall have the following:
1) Minimum of 12-bit A/D conversion.
2) Field adjustable digital primary output offset and gain.
3) Airflow analog output scaling of 100 to 10,000 FPM.
4) Temperature analog output scaling from -45 degrees C to 70
degrees C (-50 degrees F to 160 degrees F).
5) Analog output resolution (full scale output) of 0.025 percent.
e. All readings shall be in // I.P. // S.I. // units.
4. Thermal flow sensors and its electronics shall be installed as per
manufacturer’s instructions. The required probe sensor density shall
be as follows:

Probe Sensor Density

Area Qty. Sensors
(square feet)
<=1 2
>1 to <4 4
4 to <8 6
8 to <12 8
12 to <16 12
>=16 16
a. Complete installation shall not exhibit more than ± 2.0 percent
error in airflow measurement output for variations in the angle
of flow of up to 10 percent in any direction from its calibrated
orientation. Repeatability of readings shall be within ± 0.25
percent.
Static Pressure Measuring Station: shall consist of one or more static
pressure sensors and transmitters along with relays or auxiliary devices as
required for a complete functional system. The span of the transmitter shall
not exceed two times the design static pressure at the point of measurement.
The output of the transmitter shall be true representation of the input
pressure with plus or minus 25 Pascal (0.1 inch) W.G. of the
//design//required// input pressure:
1. Static pressure sensors shall have the same requirements as Airflow
Measuring Devices except that total pressure sensors are optional,

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and only multiple static pressure sensors positioned on an equal

area basis connected to a network of headers are required.
2. For systems with multiple major or main trunk supply ducts, furnish
a static pressure transmitter for each trunk duct. The transmitter
signal representing the lowest static pressure shall be selected and
this shall be the input signal to the controller.
3. The controller shall receive the static pressure transmitter signal
and Control Unit (CU) shall provide a control output signal to the
supply fan capacity control device. The control mode shall be
proportional plus integral (PI) (automatic reset) and where required
shall also include derivative mode.
4. In systems with multiple static pressure transmitters, provide a
switch located near the fan discharge to prevent excessive pressure
during abnormal operating conditions. High-limit switches shall be
manually reset.
Constant Volume Control Systems shall consist of an air flow measuring
station along with such relays and auxiliary devices as required to produce a
complete functional system. The transmitter shall receive its air flow signal
or //static// //differential// pressure signal from the flow measuring
station and shall have a span not exceeding three times the design flow rate.
The CU shall receive the transmitter signal and shall provide an output to
the fan volume control device to maintain a constant flow rate. The CU shall
provide proportional plus integral (PI) (automatic reset) control mode and
where required also inverse derivative mode. Overall system accuracy shall be
plus or minus the equivalent of 2 Pascal (0.008 inch) velocity pressure as
measured by the flow station.
Airflow Synchronization:
1. Systems shall consist of an air flow measuring station for each main
supply and return duct, the CU and such relays, as required to
provide a complete functional system that will maintain a constant
flow rate difference between supply and return air to an accuracy of
±10 percent. In systems where there is no suitable location for a
flow measuring station that will sense total supply or return flow,
provide multiple flow stations with a differential pressure
transmitter for each station. Signals from the multiple transmitters
shall be added through the CU such that the resultant signal is a
true representation of total flow.

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2. The total flow signals from supply and return air shall be the input
signals to the CU. This CU shall track the return air fan capacity
in proportion to the supply air flow under all conditions.
2.16 SAFETY
Provide hard-wired interlocked connections for such all safety devices,
such as freeze stats, smoke detectors, smoke dampers, and refrigerant leak
detection devices. All safety devises shall be provided with additional dry
contacts and shall be connected to the DDC system for monitoring and
sequencing.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION
General:
1. Examine project plans for control devices and equipment locations;
and report any discrepancies, conflicts, or omissions to COR for
resolution before proceeding for installation.
2. Install equipment, piping, wiring /conduit parallel to or at right
angles to building lines.
3. Install all equipment and piping in readily accessible locations. Do
not run tubing and conduit concealed under insulation or inside
ducts.
4. Mount control devices, tubing and conduit located on ducts and
apparatus with external insulation on standoff support to avoid
interference with insulation.
5. Provide sufficient slack and flexible connections to allow for
vibration of piping and equipment.
6. Run tubing and wire connecting devices on or in control cabinets
parallel with the sides of the cabinet neatly racked to permit
tracing.
7. Install equipment level and plumb.
Electrical Wiring Installation:
1. All wiring and cabling shall be installed in conduits. Install
conduits and wiring in accordance with Specification Section 26 05
33, RACEWAY AND BOXES FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. Conduits carrying
control wiring and cabling shall be dedicated to the control wiring
and cabling: these conduits shall not carry power wiring. Provide
plastic end sleeves at all conduit terminations to protect wiring
from burrs.

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2. Install analog signal and communication cables in conduit and in

accordance with Specification Division 27 – COMMINICATIONS. Install
digital communication cables in conduit and in accordance with
Specification Section 27 15 00, COMMINICATIONS STRUCTURED CABLING.
3. Install conduit and wiring between operator workstation(s), digital
controllers, electrical panels, indicating devices, instrumentation,
miscellaneous alarm points, thermostats, and relays as shown on the
drawings or as required under this section.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Include language in
Electrical Specs and Drawings to provide
power to all HVAC control devices
requiring 120-volt power.

4. Install all electrical work required for a fully functional system

and not shown on electrical plans or required by electrical
specifications. Where low voltage (less than 50 volt) power is
required, provide suitable Class B transformers.
5. Install all system components in accordance with local Building Code
and National Electric Code.
a. Splices: Splices in shielded and coaxial cables shall consist of
terminations and the use of shielded cable couplers. Terminations
shall be in accessible locations. Cables shall be harnessed with
cable ties.
b. Equipment: Fit all equipment contained in cabinets or panels with
service loops, each loop being at least 300 mm (12 inches) long.
Equipment for fiber optics system shall be rack mounted, as
applicable, in ventilated, self-supporting, code gauge steel
enclosure. Cables shall be supported for minimum sag.
c. Cable Runs: Keep cable runs as short as possible. Allow extra
length for connecting to the terminal board. Do not bend flexible
coaxial cables in a radius less than ten times the cable outside
diameter.
d. Use vinyl tape, sleeves, or grommets to protect cables from
vibration at points where they pass around sharp corners, through
walls, panel cabinets, etc.
6. Conceal cables, except in mechanical rooms and areas where other
conduits and piping are exposed.
7. Permanently label or code each point of all field terminal strips to
show the instrument or item served. Color-coded cable with cable
diagrams may be used to accomplish cable identification.

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8. Grounding: ground electrical systems per manufacturer’s written

requirements for proper and safe operation.
Install Sensors and Controls:
1. Temperature Sensors:
a. Install all sensors and instrumentation according to
manufacturer’s written instructions. Temperature sensor locations
shall be readily accessible, permitting quick replacement and
servicing of them without special skills and tools.
b. Calibrate sensors to accuracy specified, if not factory
calibrated.
c. Use of sensors shall be limited to its duty, e.g., duct sensor
shall not be used in lieu of room sensor.
d. Install room sensors permanently supported on wall frame. They
shall be mounted at 1.5 meter (5.0 feet) above the finished floor
unless otherwise noted on the plans or drawings.
e. Mount sensors rigidly and adequately for the environment within
which the sensor operates. Separate extended-bulb sensors form
contact with metal casings and coils using insulated standoffs.
f. Sensors used in mixing plenum, and hot and cold decks shall be of
the averaging of type. Averaging sensors shall be installed in a
serpentine manner horizontally across duct. Each bend shall be
supported with a capillary clip.
g. All pipe mounted temperature sensors shall be installed in wells.
h. All wires attached to sensors shall be air sealed in their
conduits or in the wall to stop air transmitted from other areas
affecting sensor reading.
i. Permanently mark terminal blocks for identification. Protect all
circuits to avoid interruption of service due to short-circuiting
or other conditions. Line-protect all wiring that comes from
external sources to the site from lightning and static
electricity.
2. Pressure Sensors:
a. Install duct static pressure sensor tips facing directly
downstream of airflow.
b. Install high-pressure side of the differential switch between the
pump discharge and the check valve.
c. Install snubbers and isolation valves on steam pressure sensing
devices.

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3. Actuators:
a. Mount and link damper and valve actuators according to
manufacturer’s written instructions.
b. Check operation of damper/actuator combination to confirm that
actuator modulates damper smoothly throughout stroke to both open
and closed position.
c. Check operation of valve/actuator combination to confirm that
actuator modulates valve smoothly in both open and closed
position.
4. Flow Switches:
a. Install flow switch according to manufacturer’s written
instructions.
b. Mount flow switch a minimum of //5// // // //10// pipe diameters
up stream and //5// // // //10// pipe diameters downstream or
600 mm (2 feet) whichever is greater, from fittings and other
obstructions.
c. Assure correct flow direction and alignment.
d. Mount in horizontal piping-flow switch on top of the pipe.
Installation of network:
1. Ethernet:
a. The network shall employ Ethernet LAN architecture, as defined by
IEEE 802.3. The Network Interface shall be fully Internet
Protocol (IP) compliant allowing connection to currently
installed IEEE 802.3, Compliant Ethernet Networks.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Edit the below
paragraph based on communication system
types specified in Part 2 of this Section
of the specifications.

b. The network shall directly support connectivity to a variety of

cabling types. As a minimum provide the following connectivity:
100 Base TX (Category 5e cabling) for the communications between
the ECC and the B-BC and the B-AAC controllers.
2. Third party interfaces: Contractor shall integrate real-time data
from building systems by other trades and databases originating from
other manufacturers as specified and required to make the system
work as one system.
Installation of digital controllers and programming:
1. Provide a separate digital control panel for each major piece of
equipment, such as air handling unit, chiller, pumping unit etc.

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Points used for control loop reset such as outdoor air, outdoor
humidity, or space temperature could be located on any of the remote
control units.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: it is entirely possible
to use a B-ASC as a controller for an AHU
(for instance a JCI PCG), which have
absolutely no provisions for storing
trends (histories). You have to go “up
the food chain” to an B-AAC or a B-BC in
order to provide trend storage. In short
you have to ensure the “system” installed
has enough memory for storing histories
and alarms of all the networked
controllers underneath it. The control
sequences are stored in non-volatile RAM
on the individual controllers. Also, this
was covered in previous sections so it is
probably redundant.

2. Provide sufficient internal memory for the specified control

sequences and trend logging. There shall be a minimum of 25 percent
of available memory free for future use.
3. System point names shall be human readable, permitting easy operator
interface without the use of a written point index.
4. //Provide software programming for the applications intended for the
systems specified, and adhere to the strategy algorithms provided.//
5. Provide graphics for each piece of equipment and floor plan in the
building. This includes each chiller, cooling tower, air handling
unit, fan, terminal unit, boiler, pumping unit etc. These graphics
shall show all points dynamically as specified in the point list.
3.2 SYSTEM VALIDATION AND DEMONSTRATION
As part of final system acceptance, a system demonstration is required
(see below). Prior to start of this demonstration, the contractor is to
perform a complete validation of all aspects of the controls and
instrumentation system. //When formal commissioning is included in the
project the system validation/test shall be part of the commissioning and
shall be witnessed by the CxA.//
Validation
1. Prepare and submit for approval a validation test plan including
test procedures for the performance verification tests. Test Plan
shall be submitted for review with the control system submittal as
indicated in paragraph 1.7 Submittals. Test Plan address all
specified functions of the ECC and all specified sequences of

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operation. Explain in detail actions and expected results used to

demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this specification.
Explain the method for simulating the necessary conditions of
operation used to demonstrate performance of the system. Test plan
shall include a test check list to be used by the Installer’s agent
to check and initial that each test has been successfully completed.
Deliver test plan documentation for the performance verification
tests to the owner’s representative 30 days prior to start of
performance verification tests. Provide draft copy of operation and
maintenance manual with performance verification test.
2. After approval of the validation test plan, installer shall carry
out all tests and procedures therein. Installer shall completely
check out, calibrate, and test all connected hardware and software
to ensure that system performs in accordance with approved
specifications and sequences of operation submitted. Installer shall
complete and submit Test Check List.
Demonstration
1. System operation and calibration to be demonstrated by the installer
in the presence of the Architect, CxA or COR on random samples of
equipment as dictated by the COR. Should random sampling indicate
improper work, the owner reserves the right to subsequently witness
complete calibration of the system at no addition cost to the VA.
2. Make accessible, personnel to provide necessary adjustments and
corrections to systems as directed by balancing agency.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following
demonstrations are for a DDC system with
some pneumatic functions. Edit as
necessary to conform to project
requirements.

3. The following witnessed demonstrations of field control equipment

shall be included:
a. Observe HVAC systems in shut down condition. Check dampers and
valves for normal position.
b. Test application software for its ability to communicate with
digital controllers, operator workstation, and uploading and
downloading of control programs.
c. Demonstrate the software ability to edit the control program off-
line.

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d. Demonstrate reporting of alarm conditions for each alarm and

ensure that these alarms are received at the assigned location,
including operator workstations.
e. Demonstrate ability of software program to function for the
intended applications-trend reports, change in status etc.
f. Demonstrate via graphed trends to show the sequence of operation
is executed in correct manner, and that the HVAC systems operate
properly through the complete sequence of operation, e.g.,
seasonal change, occupied/unoccupied mode, and warm-up condition.
g. Demonstrate hardware interlocks and safeties functions, and that
the control systems perform the correct sequence of operation
after power loss and resumption of power loss.
h. Prepare and deliver to the VA graphed trends of all control loops
to demonstrate that each control loop is stable and the set
points are maintained.
i. Demonstrate that each control loop responds to set point
adjustment and stabilizes within one //(1)// // // //(5)//
minute(s). Control loop trend data shall be instantaneous and the
time between data points shall not be greater than one (1)
minute.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: The following
demonstration is for the Operator’s
Terminal functions of a large-scale
“Building Automation System”. Edit as
necessary for smaller systems. The
systems integrator shall check to make
sure it is in matrix in that section.
(Lots of these items would in theory be
additions to the head end unit and would
in theory already have been demonstrated
and accepted by the COR - for instance,
showing that graphs work - separate these
items between the cases of adding a brand
new ECC/B-AWS and merely the addition of
an new system to an existing ECC/B-AWS).

4. //Witnessed demonstration of ECC functions shall consist of:

a. Running each specified report.
b. Display and demonstrate each data entry to show site specific
customizing capability. Demonstrate parameter changes.
c. Step through penetration tree, display all graphics, demonstrate
dynamic update, and direct access to graphics.
d. Execute digital and analog commands in graphic mode.

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e. Demonstrate DDC loop precision and stability via trend logs of

inputs and outputs (6 loops minimum).
f. Demonstrate Energy Management System (EMS) performance via trend
logs and command trace.
g. Demonstrate scan, update, and alarm responsiveness.
h. Demonstrate spreadsheet/curve plot software, and its integration
with database.
i. Demonstrate on-line user guide, and help function and mail
facility.
j. Demonstrate digital system configuration graphics with
interactive upline and downline load, and demonstrate specified
diagnostics.
k. Demonstrate multitasking by showing dynamic curve plot, and
graphic construction operating simultaneously via split screen.
l. Demonstrate class programming with point options of beep
duration, beep rate, alarm archiving, and color banding.//
3.3 STARTUP AND TESTING
Perform tests as recommended by product manufacturer and listed
standards and under actual or simulated operating conditions and prove full
compliance with design and specified requirements. Tests of the various items
of equipment shall be performed simultaneously with the system of which each
item is an integral part.
When any defects are detected, correct defects and repeat test at no
additional cost or time to the Government.
//The CxA will observe startup and contractor testing of selected
equipment. Coordinate the startup and contractor testing schedules with the
COR and CxA. Provide a minimum notice of 10 working days prior to startup and
testing.
3.4 //COMMISSIONING
Provide commissioning documentation in accordance with the requirements
of Section 23 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF HVAC SYSTEMS.
Components provided under this section of the specification will be
tested as part of a larger system.//
3.5 DEMONSTRATION AND TRAINING
Provide services of manufacturer’s technical representative for //4//
// // hours //s// to instruct each VA personnel responsible in the
operation and maintenance of the system.

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//Submit training plans and instructor qualifications in accordance

with the requirements of Section 23 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF HVAC SYSTEMS.//
3.6 //CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT
General: Comply with Contractor’s Waste Management Plan and Section 01
74 19, CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT.
To the greatest extent possible, separate reusable and recyclable
products from contaminated waste and debris in accordance with the
Contractor’s Waste Management Plan. Place recyclable and reusable products in
designated containers and protect from moisture and contamination.//
----- END -----

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