The BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) Certification provides users with confidence that BACnet products have been independently tested in accordance with the industry-accepted test package. This helps to minimize costs and risks associated with system integration. BTL Certified products can be identified by the BTL Mark on the physical product or by searching for the product in the online BTL Listing of Tested Products database. To achieve BTL Certification, products must be successfully tested by a recognized, independent test organization and submitted for formal certification. The BACnet Testing Laboratories operates the certification program and establishes the testing requirements. BTL is administered by BACnet International.
The BTL Certification Program provides companies with a Certificate of Conformance, a BTL Listing, and the right to use the BTL Mark.
The BTL Mark is a mark of distinction and has come to represent a high level of quality and conformance based on rigorous independent testing. The BTL Certification Program provides suppliers with a way to highlight products that have successfully completed BTL Testing, while it provides users with assurance that these products have been independently tested in accordance with industry standard BACnet testing. The tests are designed to validate that the product correctly implements its specified set of BACnet features. The rigorous testing associated with obtaining the right to use the BTL Mark is a powerful methodology for finding and eliminating implementation errors before a product reaches the market.
Successful completion of the BTL Certification process results in the following:
- The supplier is authorized to apply the BTL Mark to the product and associated promotional material in accordance with the BTL Mark Usage Policy Document.
- The product is included in the BTL Listing of Tested Products Database, along with its PICS and relevant test report information.
- A BTL Certificate of Conformance for the product is created and included on the BTL Listing website.
Benefits of BTL Certification
User and Building Owner/Operator Benefits:
- Lower Integration Cost
BTL Certified products accelerate and lower the cost of system integration. As such, it is becoming commonplace for specifications to require BTL Certification to be eligible to bid on a project.
- Less Integration Risk
Reliance on BTL Certified products lowers the risk of integration problems and the project delays and cost-overruns. Also provides a solid foundation for future system enhancements and extensions.
- Assurance of Independent Testing
BTL Certification provides users with assurance that a product has passed the industry standard BACnet conformance tests conducted by a Recognized BACnet Testing Organization (RBTO). Only products that have been independently tested by an RBTO in accordance with the BTL requirements are eligible to be included in the BTL Listing of Tested Products Database.
- Interoperability Assurance in a Multi-Vendor Environment
The tests are designed to validate that the product correctly implements a specified set of BACnet features. The specific BACnet features tested in a product with a BTL Mark are detailed in the BTL listing associated with that product and ensure that the products integrate seamless.
Benefits for Manufacturers and Suppliers Benefits:
BTL Certification provides assurance to manufacturers, suppliers and distributors on product quality and performance, on costs and liability, as well as providing greater buyer confidence with a competitive advantage.
- Improved Product Quality & Performance
The BACnet specification is large and complex. Even the best development teams can misinterpret some detail of the protocol or introduce a subtle implementation error. The rigorous testing associated with obtaining the right to use the BTL Mark is a powerful methodology for ensuring such errors are found and eliminated before a product reaches the market.
- Reduced Costs & Liability
Resolving interoperability problems in a multi-vendor environment during BACnet system integration can be expensive and potentially discouraging for customers. In the event of an interoperability problem between a product with BTL Certification and one without it, a common assumption is the product without is at fault. Whether it is or not, the burden of finding and resolving the problem tends to weigh most heavily on the manufacturer that has not demonstrated compliance through the BTL Certification program. Earning the BTL Certification reduces the risk of BACnet implementation errors causing interoperability problems and minimizes the associated costs.
- Greater Buyer Confidence and Opportunity to Bid
BTL Certification provides buyers with assurance that a product has passed the industry standard BACnet conformance tests conducted by a recognized, independent testing organization. This increases buyer confidence in both the product and its manufacturer, which is especially important when a manufacturer is seeking new business.