Installation of Control System (Integrated Automation System)

This article is about general and technical requirements for Installation of Control System used in Integrated Automation System or Building Automation System.

Installation of Control System (Integrated Automation System)

• PREPARATION

  • Examine areas and conditions under which control systems are to be installed. Do not proceed with work until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected in manner acceptable to Owner.

• INSTALLATION OF CONTROL SYSTEMS <Modify as required to match project design>

  1. Installation shall meet or exceed all applicable federal, state and local requirements, referenced standards and conform to codes and ordinances of authorities having jurisdiction.
  2. Installation shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s published recommendations.
  3. General: Install systems and materials in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, roughing-in drawings and details shown on drawings.  Install electrical components and use electrical products complying with requirements of the latest edition of the National Electrical Code and all local codes.
  4. <Main Control Air Piping: All main air piping between the compressors and the control panels shall be copper, run per ASTM B88.
  5. Branch Control Air Piping: Accessible tubing is defined as that tubing run in mechanical equipment rooms; inside mechanical equipment enclosures, such as heating and cooling units, instrument panels; across roofs, in pipe chases, etc.  Inaccessible tubing is defined as that tubing run in concrete slabs; furred walls; or ceilings with no access.
     • Provide copper tubing with maximum unsupported length of three (3) feet for accessible tubing run exposed to view. Terminal single-line connections less than 18 inches length may be copper tubing, or polyethylene tubing run. Tubing exposed to ambient conditions must be properly protected from sunlight and protected from damage.
     • Provide copper tubing for inaccessible tubing, other than in concrete pour. In a concrete pour polyethylene tubing may be used, install in rigid conduit or vinyl-jacketed polyethylene tubing.  Install in galvanized rigid steel conduit at all exterior locations.  Install in PVC Schedule 40 conduit if encased in concrete.
     • Polyethylene tubing may be used in control panels provided it is run in a neat and orderly fashion, bundled where applicable, properly supported and installed in a neat and workman like manner. Fasten flexible connections bridging cabinets and doors, neatly along hinge side, and protect against abrasion.
     • Pressure test control air piping at 30 psi (207 kPa) for 24 hours. Test fails if more than 2 psi loss occurs.
     • Number-code or color-code tubing, except local individual room control tubing, for future identification and servicing of control system. Code shall be as indicated on approved installation drawings.>
  6. Control Valves: Install so that actuators, wiring, and tubing connections are accessible for maintenance.  Where possible, install with valve stem axis vertical, with operator side up.  Where vertical stem position is not possible or would result in poor access, valves may be installed with stem horizontal.  Do not install valves with stem below horizontal, or down.
  7. Averaging Temperature Sensors: Cover no more than three square feet per linear foot of sensor length except where indicated. Generally, where flow is sufficiently homogeneous/adequately mixed at sensing location, consult Engineer for requirements.
  8. Airflow Measuring Stations: Install per manufacturer’s recommendations in an unobstructed straight length of duct (except those installations specifically designed for installation in fan inlet). For installations in fan inlets, provide on both inlets of double inlet fans and provide inlet cone adapter as recommended by AFM station manufacturer.
  9. Fluid Flow Sensors: Install per manufacturer’s recommendations in an unobstructed straight length of pipe.
  10. Relative Humidity Sensors: Provide element guard as recommended by manufacturer for high velocity installations. For high limit sensors, position remote enough to allow full moisture absorption into the air stream before reaching the sensor.
  11. Water Differential Pressure Transmitters: Provide valve bypass arrangement to protect against over pressure damaging the transmitter.
  12. Steam Differential Pressure Transmitters: Install as shown on the Drawings per manufacturer’s instructions.
  13. Pipe Surface Mount Temperature Sensors: Install with thermally conductive paste at pipe contact point.  Where sensor is to be installed on an insulated pipe Contractor shall neatly cut insulation install sensor, repair or replace insulation and vapor barrier and adequately seal vapor barrier.
  14. Flow Switches: Where possible, install in a straight run of pipe at least 15 diameters in length to minimize false indications.
  15. Current Switches for Motor Status Monitoring: Adjust so that setpoint is below minimum operating current and above motor no load current.
  16. Supply Duct Pressure Transmitters:
      • General: Install pressure tips with at least four (4) ‘round equivalent’ duct diameters of straight duct with no takeoffs upstream.  Install static pressure tips securely fastened with tip facing upstream in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions.  Locate the transmitter at an accessible location to facilitate calibration.
      • VAV System ‘Down-Duct’ Transmitters: Locate pressure tips approximately 2/3 of the hydraulic distance to the most remote terminal in the air system or as directed by the engineer and/or owner’s representative. Refer to IAS and mechanical drawings for more detail.
  17. Cutting and Patching Insulation: Repair insulation to maintain integrity of insulation and vapor barrier jacket.  Use hydraulic insulating cement to fill voids and finish with material matching or compatible with adjacent jacket material.