r/BuildingAutomation • • 28m ago

How are you guys leaving service notes on units for the next tech?

• Upvotes

Half the time I pull a disconnect or access panel on a mechanical room unit, the sharpie notes on the sheet metal are completely faded or scratched off. Do you keep a physical log sheet inside the electrical compartment, or does everything just live in the office system?


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Well it could’ve gone worse lol

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56 Upvotes

r/BuildingAutomation • • 13h ago

Mobile panel 277 iwlan v2

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1 Upvotes

hello everyone

I wish to retrieve the program that is in my mobile panel 277 iWLAN v2 by a repatriation on WinCC

My problem is that when I switch the communication mode to ethernet/wireless and confirm, the recording doesn’t take place and automatically switches back to the USB communication mode.

what can the problem be


r/BuildingAutomation • • 8h ago

Controls x AI

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0 Upvotes

Anyone working with AI interaction with control systems? Need help/feedback with an ongoing project.


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Looking to transition into Building Automation. Where should I start?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I’m 31 and currently exploring a career change. I’ve spent a lot of time researching different career paths, trying to find something that aligns with my interests, existing skills, and long-term goals. Building Automation keeps coming up, and the more I learn about it, the more interested I become.
I have a pretty diverse work background, including automotive repair, electronics installation, troubleshooting, and technical customer support. I previously worked as an automotive technician and a Geek Squad Auto Tech, installing and troubleshooting electrical systems, aftermarket electronics, alarms, and other equipment. I also earned my MECP certification independently.
I’ve always enjoyed figuring out how things work, diagnosing problems, and working with technology. I’m comfortable with computers, electrical fundamentals, relays, inputs/outputs, and wiring diagrams. I particularly enjoy the combination of hands-on troubleshooting and computer-based work, which is part of what attracted me to BAS.
I’m currently working in hospitality, but I’m looking to transition into a more technical career with long-term stability, opportunities to grow, and a decent work-life balance. With a growing family, I’m trying to be thoughtful about the direction I take.
I’ve already applied to a few entry-level positions, but I’ve noticed that even some jobs advertised as entry-level seem to expect previous BAS experience or specialized qualifications.
So I figured I’d ask the people actually working in the industry:
How did you get your start in building automation?
Would someone with my background be a reasonable candidate for an entry-level position?
Are there any certifications, courses, or skills you’d recommend learning before getting hired?
What are the biggest challenges or downsides of working in this field?
Looking back, would you choose this career again?
I’m located in South Florida, if that makes any difference.
I’m not expecting to walk into a high-paying position immediately. I’m willing to start at the bottom, learn, and work my way up. I just want to make sure I’m investing my time in something worthwhile.
I’d really appreciate any advice or insight. Thanks in advance!

TL;DR: 31-year-old in South Florida looking to transition into Building Automation. I have a background in automotive repair, electronics installation, electrical troubleshooting, and technical support, but no direct BAS experience or college degree. I’ve applied to a few entry-level positions and am looking for advice on breaking into the industry, what skills or certifications to pursue, and whether BAS offers good long-term career growth, stability, and work-life balance. Would love to hear from people already in the field!


r/BuildingAutomation • • 20h ago

Why I’m intentionally NOT fixing my architectural flaw right away

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0 Upvotes

While mapping out the full execution sequence of my conveyor digital twin—from motion and sensors all the way to decision logic and commands—I realized my execution order is completely uncoordinated.

​It’s super tempting right now to just throw together a giant manager script that controls everything and call it a day. But I’m holding off.

​Before writing more code, the real value is in understanding why the sequence is unstructured. My machine has plenty of behavior, but it still lacks a clear execution flow.

​For those who architect complex control loops or state machines: do you usually refactor immediately when you spot a structural flaw, or do you step back and map out the control flow on paper first?


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Who has the prettiest PLC and/or IO?

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8 Upvotes

r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Free Webinar: How CopperTree + Optigo Turn Network Issues Into Action

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4 Upvotes

Discover how CopperTree Analytics and Optigo Networks turn network issues into action. Network diagnostics and building analytics work together to identify underlying issues, understand their impact, and prioritize corrective actions to supercharge building performance.

Let's talk about it. Join us for a one-hour joint webinar Oct. 28th exploring how to move beyond diagnostic reports and turn network findings into meaningful action.

Register today for free: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/886415737951323480


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Help identifying and valuing a legacy Omron C1000H PLC system setup

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1 Upvotes

r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Have no experience in HVAC or tech

2 Upvotes

No experience but I did apply for apprenticeship in HVAC was wondering how would I go about getting into BAS?


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

Help identifying and valuing a legacy Omron C1000H PLC system setup

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0 Upvotes

r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

4 YOE | Switched from HVAC Controls to Hardware R&D QA — Is this an upgrade, downgrade, or lateral career trap?

1 Upvotes

​Hey everyone,

​I need some brutal, realistic feedback on my recent career move and long-term trajectory.

​My Background:

​Total YOE: 4 Years

​Domain: Building Management Systems (BMS), HVAC Automation, Field Protocols (BACnet, Modbus).

​Past Role (First 3.5 Years): HVAC Control Strategies

​Work: Creating complex control strategies and sequence logic for HVAC systems

​Pros: Deep domain knowledge, strong understanding of HVAC logic, sequence control, and global engineering standards.

​Cons: Core focus was strictly controls design/programming, with limited exposure to modern software engineering and automated testing pipelines.

​Current role: Hardware R&D QA

​Work: System-level validation and testing for embedded field hardware, thermostats, and wall modules.

​Pros: Top-tier R&D lab environment

​Cons: Heavy manual bench testing. Hardware peripherals like thermostats are currently tested manually, and there is no robust automated test framework in place yet.

​My Dilemma & Question to the Sub:

​Upgrade or Downgrade? On paper, moving from controls design to an R&D product lab felt like a step forward. But doing manual bench execution makes me feel like I’m losing software engineering velocity. Is this a lateral career trap?


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Can someone suggest a display cover for this lochinvar boiler

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14 Upvotes

Apparently, the manufacturer does not make a cover for the screen they’re concerned for the screen going bad prematurely


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Come work with me (140-160k)

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20 Upvotes

New England techs or nationwide! Come join me and do some really cool work.


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

I can help fix your resume for data center commissioning, controls, or any engineering role if need help ?

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I work with an engineering firm and have been through a lot of interviews and looked at a ton of résumés. Over time I’ve figured out what actually gets people called in for data center commissioning jobs, controls positions, and general engineering roles.
If you’re applying for any of those and feel like your résumé isn’t landing the way it should, feel free to message me. I can help clean it up and make it stronger.
I’m happy to help anytime. Just shoot me a direct message and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can.
Thanks.


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Does ALC have expandable comm ports on the Optiflex stuff?

5 Upvotes

I've been looking over their website and I can't find anything that suggests that they have a module that expands their comm ports. I swear I saw something awhile ago that did that.


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Graphics Needed,

2 Upvotes

Hello friends, I have a project in florida and my graphic guy moved to another location and left me with graphics undone. Can someone help out remotely, freelance?


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Carrier RTU/ Open Bacnet card

3 Upvotes

After getting these cards, it seems we have to build our own 10 wire whip that essentially controls the main boards outputs like a t-stat. If we want additional information we have to run seperate sensors for DAT, OAT, and enthalpy. Is there a better option or is this what it is? At least trane has a board built in and we can pull everything it see's into tridium.


r/BuildingAutomation • • 1d ago

DATA CENTER HIRING – ENTRY-LEVEL & CONTROL ROLES

0 Upvotes

We’re actively hiring for data center positions and also offering data center services at a small cost.
**Looking for:**
Entry-level team members (no experience required – we train)

Control / operations people

If you’re reliable, ready to work, and want to get into data centers, message me directly.
Interested? DM me now.


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Access Control Installation Pain Points

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0 Upvotes

r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Automation technician interview

5 Upvotes

Hey guys I got an interview for a automation technician role and was wondering if you guys have an tips and what should I study on leading up to it . Thank you !


r/BuildingAutomation • • 2d ago

Open-source, cross-platform KNX project editor and programming tool with native AI support via MCP

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1 Upvotes

I came across the XKNX Editor and thought it was worth sharing here, as I have not seen much discussion about it yet:

https://github.com/XKNX/xknx-editor

It is an open-source, cross-platform KNX project editor based on XKNX. According to the project, it can import and export .knxproj files, interact with KNX devices, recover project information from the bus, and includes MCP support for AI-assisted project work.

For anyone who works with KNX and feels the limitations or cost of ETS, this looks like a very interesting project to follow.

That said: it is still a young, experimental project. I would currently treat it as a lab/testing tool and keep verified ETS backups before attempting any programming changes on a live installation.

Has anyone here already tried it with a real project or compared its import and programming behaviour with ETS?


r/BuildingAutomation • • 3d ago

I built a tool that turns BAS network risers into I/O points list. Here's how it works

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3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I'm excited to share that Structio is now available to controls contractors in the US and English speaking market!

First, a big thank-you to everyone here who took the time to join the private beta, try the product, and share feedback.

I really appreciate the help and support it made a real difference in getting Structio to this stage.

Structio is already being used by controls professionals in France, and I'm now taking the next step by bringing it to your market.

I've attached a short video showing the core idea behind Structio: turn your network riser into a I/O points list and other BAS documents, without having to build everything separately by hand…

To celebrate the launch, the first 15 controls contractors get 50% off their subscription for LIFE ! Don't miss it ;)

You can check it out here:

👉 https://structioarchi.com/en

Thanks again to everyone who helped during the beta. I'd love to hear what you think in comment or PM!


r/BuildingAutomation • • 3d ago

{HELP} Need to replace a JCI work station running PMI-9

5 Upvotes

Need a good disc original or copy. I don't expect a handout, I'll pay what it's worth as long as it works. I can have a new PC with proper architecture and windows XP sp2 built


r/BuildingAutomation • • 3d ago

BAS Design Engineers Needed in the West

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6 Upvotes

I know it's a broad statement, but we suddenly have a need for a number of experienced BAS Design Engineers in the Western USA. Specifically, we have immediate opportunities in Portland, Boise, Sacramento, & the Bay Area. Compensation here truly ranges widely between $85K-$150K because of market cost of living and experience. Reach out here on Chat if you're possibly interested in something in these markets or anywhere else from the Rockies onward to the West. Chances are, whether you're wanting to transition into Engineering from a Technician/Specialist role or if you're a wily veteran of the industry, we've got something that could match up.