Free-issue controllers: how it works and what we need from you

Most BMS contractors buy their controllers on their own account, at their own price, from their own distributor. The panel builder fits them. That is free issue: you send us the controllers, we build them into the panel, test the panel, and send the lot back together. It works well when both sides know what the other needs, and this is what we need.

How it works

1. You send us the points list and we quote the panel with the controller as free issue. How to write a BMS points list.
2. You order the panel. We draw it in two working days, with the controller and its modules shown by model and terminal reference, and send the drawing for approval.
3. You send the controllers to Stoke-on-Trent, marked with the job and panel reference.
4. We fit them, wire them to the drawing, power the panel up and test every input and output to the terminals.
5. The panel ships with the controllers in it, tested, with the as-built drawing and the test certificate.

What to send

• The controller and every expansion module the drawing shows, in the maker's packaging.
• Terminal connectors and accessories that come with the controller. Some makers ship terminals separately; if the connector is missing the module cannot be wired.
• Any network or comms modules the panel needs: the Ethernet card, the MSTP adaptor, the modem.
• Firmware and configuration is yours. We do not load strategy, and the controller goes in the panel as it arrives, unless you ask us to fit a memory card or set an address.

Label the box with the job, the panel reference and your contact. A pallet of controllers for six panels with nothing on the boxes takes a morning to sort out.

When to send

When the drawing is approved, and before the panel is on the bench. For a standard Evometrix panel, that is about two weeks before you need it. Controllers that arrive late are the most common reason a panel misses its date, because the panel cannot be tested without them.

If the controllers are on long lead from the manufacturer, tell us and we will build and test the panel with a simulator, then fit and re-test when they arrive.

What we do with them

• Check what arrived against the drawing, and tell you the same day if anything is missing.
• Fit each unit to the DIN rail in its drawn position, with its label.
• Wire every input and output to its numbered terminal.
• Power up, check both 24V supplies at the controller, and check every point from the terminal to the module: switch each DI, drive each DO, inject each AI, measure each AO.
• Photograph the finished panel, and keep the test record against the serial number.

We do not load or edit strategy, and we do not commission the controller against the plant. That is the integrator's job, and the panel arrives ready for it.

Who is responsible for what

• The controller stays your product, under the manufacturer's warranty. If a unit is dead on arrival we tell you, and you deal with your distributor; we will fit the replacement when it comes.
• The panel and the wiring are ours, warranted as any other G&G panel.
• Damage in transit to you: our packing, our responsibility. Damage in transit to us: yours, so pack them well.
• Configuration and strategy: yours.

Or we supply the controller

If you would rather, we supply the controller with the panel. We hold accounts with the main manufacturers and it means one order, one delivery, one warranty. Ask when you send the points list; the quote will show both.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fit controllers into a Gateway panel?

Yes. The Evometrix Gateway is built for exactly that: DIN rail, both 24V supplies, surge protection, a network switch and labelled terminals, at £924 + VAT. Send the controller and we fit and test it, or fit it yourself on site.

Do you support all controller makes?

Trend, Distech, ISMA, Tridium and the other common building controls makes. If it mounts on DIN rail and has a datasheet, we can fit it.

What if the controller arrives with the wrong module count?

We check on arrival against the drawing and tell you the same day. The panel waits for the missing module unless you tell us to ship without it.

Can I send the controllers before the drawing is approved?

You can, and it does no harm, but approve the drawing quickly. We will not start wiring until the drawing is signed off.