BMS Course Online
Building Management Systems

A Building Management System (BMS) is the brain of a modern building. It is a centralised, computer-based control system that monitors and manages all of a building's mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical services. From the heating and ventilation to the lighting, fire detection, and access control, a BMS ties everything together into a single, intelligent network that optimises comfort, energy efficiency, and safety.

The architecture of a typical BMS follows a clear hierarchy. At the field level, sensors measure environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, air pressure, and occupancy. These sensor readings feed into controllers — the workhorses of any BMS — which execute pre-programmed control strategies. The controllers send commands to actuators that physically change the building environment: opening valves, adjusting dampers, switching fans, or dimming lights. At the top of the hierarchy sits the user interface, typically a graphical front end running on a workstation or accessible via a web browser, where building managers can view system status, adjust setpoints, review alarms, and analyse trend data.

For electricians, BMS represents one of the most lucrative and fastest-growing areas of the building services industry. Every new commercial building, hospital, university, data centre, and large residential development requires a BMS. Retrofitting older buildings with modern controls is also a booming market as building owners seek to reduce energy consumption and meet tightening environmental regulations. The combination of electrical installation skills, IT networking knowledge, and HVAC understanding that BMS work demands means qualified engineers are in short supply and command premium day rates. Before moving into BMS, ensure your 18th Edition qualification and inspection and testing certificate are up to date.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) represents the largest energy consumer in most commercial buildings, typically accounting for 40-60% of total energy use. Effective BMS control of HVAC plant is therefore critical for both occupant comfort and energy efficiency. This course provides detailed coverage of the control strategies used for all major HVAC plant types.

Air Handling Units (AHUs) are covered in depth, including supply and extract fan control, mixed air damper modulation, heating and cooling coil valve control, humidity control via steam humidifiers or adiabatic systems, and air quality management using CO2 sensors. You will learn how to implement cascade control loops where the room temperature controller provides the setpoint for the AHU discharge air temperature controller.

Fan Coil Units (FCUs) are the most common terminal unit in commercial offices. The course covers two-pipe and four-pipe changeover strategies, three-speed and EC (electronically commutated) fan control, and occupancy-based setback using PIR sensors or window contacts. Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, including pressure-independent VAV boxes with reheat coils, are also covered in detail.

Chiller plant control is one of the most complex areas of BMS programming. You will learn about chiller sequencing (lead/lag rotation), condenser water temperature optimisation, free cooling strategies using dry air coolers or cooling towers, and the calculation of coefficient of performance (COP) for monitoring plant efficiency.

Each module includes detailed technical content, practical examples drawn from real BMS installations, quiz questions to test your understanding, and access to the AI study assistant for any questions that arise during your study. Module 7 on commissioning is particularly valuable, covering the systematic process from point-to-point testing through integrated systems testing to performance verification and client handover.