ASHRAE 135-2016 / Crestline BAS Specification

What it means on the job

Crestline specifications require all building automation systems to comply with ASHRAE Standard 135-2016 (BACnet). Proprietary, closed-protocol systems lock the owner into a single vendor and prevent competitive service and integration. Open-protocol BACnet is mandatory for all new installations.

Tested in 2 CraftIQ puzzles

  • whats-wrongDuct Temperature Sensor Installation
  • whats-wrongProprietary BAS System Compliance
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Related ASHRAE sections

ASHRAE 135 (BACnet) — MS/TP Physical Layer

BACnet MS/TP requires a daisy-chain (bus) topology, not star topology. Star wiring creates signal reflections and communication failures. Each device must connect in series on the bus.

ASHRAE 135 (BACnet) — Object Types

Connecting a 0-10VDC analog output signal to a binary (digital) input terminal will not control the device properly. Binary inputs only read on/off states. Analog signals must connect to analog input terminals for proportional control.

ASHRAE 135-2016

A BACnet gateway does not satisfy a native BACnet requirement. The specification explicitly requires BACnet per ASHRAE 135-2016 and prohibits proprietary protocols. A gateway creates a single point of failure, adds latency, limits functionality (not all BACnet services translate through gateways), and locks the owner into one vendor for the field-level devices. Native BACnet means every controller communicates BACnet natively — either BACnet/IP or BACnet MS/TP — without translation. This is a critical specification requirement designed to protect the building owner from vendor lock-in.

ASHRAE 170 Table 7-1

This installation meets ASHRAE 170 Table 7-1 requirements for operating rooms. The standard requires a minimum of 20 total ACH with at least 4 ACH of outdoor air. The positive pressure relationship to corridors prevents unfiltered corridor air from entering the sterile environment. HEPA filtration and laminar flow delivery over the surgical table are best practices aligned with FGI Guidelines Section 2.1-3.2 for reducing surgical site infection risk. All specified parameters are at or above the minimum code requirements.

ASHRAE 170 Table 7-1 / FGI Guidelines

This passes all code requirements. ASHRAE 170 Table 7-1 specifies an OR temperature range of 68-75°F and a relative humidity range of 20-60%. The facility's 72°F and 45% RH are well within both ranges. The visible display allows the surgical team to verify conditions during procedures. The alarm capability ensures staff are notified if conditions drift out of range. The dedicated AHU with cooling, reheat, and humidification provides the three-stage control needed to simultaneously manage temperature and humidity — essential because cooling the air also removes moisture, requiring separate reheat and humidification stages.

ASHRAE 170 Table 7-1 / FGI Guidelines 2.1-3.2

This fails on multiple counts. First, ASHRAE 170 Table 7-1 requires a minimum of 12 total ACH in AII rooms — the 10 ACH provided is below the minimum. Second, AII rooms must maintain negative pressure (minimum -0.01 inches w.g.) relative to adjacent spaces, which requires the exhaust rate to exceed the supply rate — not equal it. Neutral pressure provides no directional airflow control and allows infectious aerosols to escape when doors open. Third, while HEPA filtration on the exhaust is good practice, it does not compensate for inadequate air changes or incorrect pressure relationships. The room as designed would not contain airborne pathogens.

CraftIQ explanations are original educational commentary written in trade language and verified against the cited standards. Always confirm requirements against the code edition adopted by your jurisdiction — this is training material, not a substitute for the code book or your AHJ.