30+ BMS Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Access control is a security measure that regulates who can view or use resources in a computing environment.

• Defines permissions for users and groups to access resources.

• Types include discretionary access control (DAC), mandatory access control (MAC), and role-based access control (RBAC).

• Example of DAC: File owners can set permissions for their files.

• Example of MAC: Government data access based on security clearance levels.

• Example of RBAC: Employees access systems based on th...read more

V.F.D stands for Variable Frequency Drive and it is used to control the speed of an electric motor.

• V.F.D is an electronic device that converts fixed frequency and voltage input to a variable frequency and voltage output.

• It is commonly used in industrial applications to control the speed of motors, pumps, fans, and other equipment.

• By adjusting the frequency and voltage, V.F.D allows for precise control of motor speed, resulting in energy savings and improved performance.

• For ex...read more

A fire alarm system is a network of devices that detect and alert people to the presence of fire.

• Fire alarm systems consist of smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual pull stations.

• When a detector senses smoke or heat, it sends a signal to the control panel.

• The control panel then activates the alarm and alerts the monitoring station or fire department.

• Commissioning involves testing the system to ensure it is functioning properly and meets local codes and standards.

IO summary and Alarm & setting list preparation involves documenting all input/output points and alarm settings for a BMS system.

• Gather all relevant information on input/output points, including location, type, and function.

• Document alarm settings for each point, including high/low limits, priority levels, and notification methods.

• Organize the information into a clear and concise summary for easy reference.

• Review and update the IO summary and Alarm & setting list regularly to...read more

BMS stands for Building Management System. It is installed to monitor and control various building systems.

• BMS is used to manage and optimize building systems such as HVAC, lighting, security, and fire safety.

• It collects data from sensors and other devices to monitor the performance of these systems.

• BMS can also automate certain tasks, such as adjusting temperature and lighting based on occupancy.

• It helps to reduce energy consumption and improve building efficiency.

• Examples o...read more

BMS uses BACnet protocol and the baud rate can vary depending on the system.

• BMS typically uses the BACnet protocol for communication

• The baud rate in BMS systems can vary depending on the specific system and requirements

• Common baud rates for BMS systems include 9600, 19200, and 38400

I have used BMS in previous sites to monitor and control various building systems.

• Used BMS to monitor and control HVAC systems for optimal energy efficiency

• Implemented BMS to monitor and regulate lighting systems for improved energy savings

• Utilized BMS to monitor and control security systems, including access control and surveillance

• Integrated BMS with fire alarm systems for quick response and evacuation procedures

• Used BMS to monitor and control power distribution systems for...read more

A smoke detector works by detecting smoke particles in the air and triggering an alarm to alert occupants of a potential fire.

• Smoke detectors use either ionization or photoelectric sensors to detect smoke particles.

• Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air, creating a small electrical current. When smoke enters the detector, it disrupts the current and triggers the alarm.

• Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light source and a light...read more

A fire alarm system is a network of devices that detect and alert people to the presence of fire or smoke in a building.

• Fire alarm systems are designed to provide early warning and help evacuate occupants in case of a fire emergency.

• They consist of various components such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire alarm control panels, and notification devices.

• When a fire is detected, the system activates alarms, strobe lights, and sometimes sprinkler systems to suppress the fi...read more

Building Management Systems (BMS) use various controls such as sensors, actuators, and controllers to monitor and manage building systems.

• Sensors are used to collect data on temperature, humidity, occupancy, and other variables.

• Actuators are used to adjust settings such as heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation based on sensor data.

• Controllers process the data from sensors and send commands to actuators to maintain optimal building conditions.

• Examples of controls used in...read more

Types of air compressors include reciprocating, rotary screw, centrifugal, and scroll compressors.

• Reciprocating compressors use a piston to compress air.

• Rotary screw compressors use two interlocking screws to compress air.

• Centrifugal compressors use a rotating impeller to accelerate air and then convert the kinetic energy into pressure.

• Scroll compressors use two spiral-shaped scrolls to compress air.

Building Management System (BMS) is a computer-based control system that manages and monitors a building's mechanical and electrical equipment.

• BMS helps in controlling and optimizing building systems like HVAC, lighting, security, and fire systems.

• It collects data from sensors and devices to make adjustments for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

• BMS can provide real-time monitoring, alarms, and remote access for building operators.

• Examples of BMS software include Honeywe...read more

To configure an automation server, start by determining the requirements, selecting appropriate hardware and software, setting up communication protocols, creating user accounts, and testing the system.

• Determine the requirements for the automation server based on the building's systems and needs

• Select appropriate hardware such as controllers, sensors, and actuators

• Choose suitable software for programming and monitoring the automation system

• Set up communication protocols like ...read more

BMS software is used for monitoring and controlling building systems like HVAC, lighting, and security for efficiency and comfort.

• Integrates various building systems for centralized control.

• Examples include Tridium's Niagara, Johnson Controls Metasys, and Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure.

• Provides real-time data analytics for energy management.

• Enhances occupant comfort through automated climate control.

• Facilitates remote monitoring and management via mobile applications.

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a system of video cameras used for surveillance and security purposes.

• CCTV is a video surveillance system used for monitoring and recording activities in a specific area.

• It consists of cameras, monitors, and recording devices.

• CCTV is commonly used for security purposes in public places like banks, airports, and shopping malls.

• It can also be used for traffic monitoring, wildlife observation, and industrial processes.

• CCTV footage...read more

A refrigeration cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that removes heat from a low-temperature space and transfers it to a high-temperature space.

• The refrigeration cycle consists of four main components: compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.

• The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, increasing its temperature and pressure.

• The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas then flows into the condenser, where it releases heat and condenses into a liquid.

• The liq...read more

The refrigerant used in air conditioning systems is a substance that undergoes phase changes to absorb and release heat.

• Refrigerants are chemicals that have low boiling points and can easily change from a gas to a liquid and back again.

• They are used in air conditioning systems to transfer heat from the indoor environment to the outdoor environment.

• Common refrigerants used in AC systems include R-410A, R-22, and R-134a.

• These refrigerants have different properties and environme...read more

EBI stands for Enterprise Building Integrator, a building automation system used for controlling and monitoring building systems.

• EBI is a software platform developed by Honeywell.

• It integrates various building systems such as HVAC, lighting, security, and fire safety.

• EBI provides real-time monitoring, control, and automation of building systems.

• It helps in reducing energy consumption and improving building efficiency.

• EBI can be customized to meet the specific needs of a build...read more

A device to measure humidity is called a hygrometer.

• Hygrometers are used to measure the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air.

• They are commonly used in weather stations, greenhouses, and HVAC systems.

• There are different types of hygrometers, including mechanical, electrical, and digital.

• Mechanical hygrometers use a hair or fiber that expands or contracts with humidity changes.

• Electrical hygrometers measure changes in electrical resistance or capacitance.

• Digital hygrome...read more

A controller is a device that manages the operation of a system or process by receiving input signals and generating output signals.

• Controllers use feedback loops to adjust the output signals based on the input signals.

• There are various types of controllers such as PID, ON/OFF, and fuzzy logic controllers.

• Controllers can be programmed to perform specific tasks and can be used in various applications such as HVAC systems, manufacturing processes, and robotics.

• The working of a ...read more

A chiller operates by removing heat from a liquid through a refrigeration cycle and then transferring that heat to the air outside.

• Chiller absorbs heat from a liquid coolant, typically water or a mixture of water and glycol.

• The absorbed heat is transferred to the refrigerant in the evaporator, causing it to evaporate and absorb more heat.

• The refrigerant is then compressed, raising its temperature and pressure, before being condensed in the condenser and releasing heat to the ...read more

An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for use in electrical systems.

• Converts DC power to AC power

• Used in solar power systems to convert DC power from solar panels to AC power for use in homes

• Commonly used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to provide backup power during outages

BMS system stands for Building Management System, which is a computer-based control system that manages and monitors a building's mechanical and electrical equipment.

• BMS system controls and monitors HVAC systems, lighting, security, fire alarms, and other building systems.

• It helps optimize energy usage, improve occupant comfort, and ensure efficient operation of building equipment.

• BMS systems can be programmed to automatically adjust settings based on occupancy, time of day, ...read more

Building Management System (BMS) is a facility that allows centralized control and monitoring of various building systems.

• BMS enables efficient management of HVAC systems, lighting, security, and other building systems.

• It provides real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, optimizing energy efficiency.

• BMS helps in identifying and resolving issues quickly, improving maintenance and reducing downtime.

• It allows remote access and control, enabling facility managers t...read more

BACnet is a communication protocol used in building automation and control systems.

• BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control Networks.

• It is used to connect and control various devices in a building such as HVAC systems, lighting, and security systems.

• BACnet allows for interoperability between different manufacturers' devices, making it easier to integrate new components into an existing system.

• It uses a client-server architecture with devices like sensors and actuator...read more

PLC is a programmable logic controller used for industrial automation, while DDC is a direct digital control system used for building automation.

• PLC is typically used in industrial settings to control machinery and processes.

• DDC is commonly used in building automation systems to control HVAC, lighting, and other building systems.

• PLC programming is usually ladder logic or function block diagram, while DDC programming is often done using graphical programming languages like FBD...read more

A DDC controller, or Direct Digital Control controller, is a device used in building management systems to monitor and control various building systems.

• DDC controllers use digital communication to control HVAC systems, lighting, security, and other building systems.

• They can be programmed to automatically adjust settings based on sensors and pre-set parameters.

• DDC controllers help improve energy efficiency and overall building performance.

• Examples of DDC controller brands incl...read more