TAC announces wireless-enabled building control networks

Called the first wireless solution to support a complete range of BACnet® field controllers...Reduces costs and allows easy upgrades for improved building performance and energy efficiency.

BOSTON – June 29, 2006 – TAC, a leading provider of open, integrated systems for building automation, has announced the availability of the Andover Continuum™ Wireless Solution. It is the industry’s first wireless mesh solution (IEEE 802.15.4 standard), Zigbee-ready and based on the ASHRAE BACnet standard.

"Building owners and facility managers are pressured from all directions to maintain buildings, reduce energy use, and keep up with maintenance, all on a tight budget," said Rainer Wischinski, vice president of product marketing for TAC. "Our wireless solution will give building owners a valuable tool for installing and maintaining control networks at substantial savings, both in installation and life-cycle costs."

The solution is based on the Andover Continuum family of controllers, used in more than 40,000 buildings around the world to control every aspect of building operations, from HVAC to security applications. A graphical network wireless maintenance tool is included as well, giving users the ability to monitor and even adjust wireless settings remotely from a central workstation.

The TAC wireless solution is available immediately on all Andover Continuum BACnet controllers, ensuring interoperability with third-party BACnet devices. The company says the standards-based approach provides a smooth transition to wireless for TAC customers.

"We expect many building owners to phase in wireless controls as they renovate, change floor plans, or make other adjustments to their facility," said Mr. Wischinski. "The benefits of wireless, in many applications, are too great to pass up."

In addition, the company says its wireless solution will enable new control applications, especially in hard-to-wire areas or challenging structures, such as museums, hotels, large retail spaces, and constantly changing office layouts.

"Building controls are no longer limited to what can be wired," said Mr. Wischinski. "Now, building owners can place controls where they're needed to produce significant performance and energy-efficiency improvements, without disrupting people or breaking through walls."

Self-configuring and self-healing for easy administration

TAC’s wireless solution is based on a mesh networking topology and is both self-configuring and self-healing, making it simple to install and maintain with a high degree of performance and reliability. Furthermore, additional wireless controllers are easily added to the network. The network discovers any new devices and incorporates them automatically.

A long-term commitment to wireless control networks

According to Mr. Wischinski, TAC plans to expand its offering in wireless control networks, adding new functionality and incorporating advances as the technology evolves, while conforming to industry standards.

"Wireless is definitely the future of building control automation," said Mr. Wischinski. "The key is to provide building owners with a seamless path for getting there, which is why we have committed as a company to open, standards-based solutions."

About TAC
TAC is a leading provider of building automation solutions based on Open Integrated Systems for Building IT. TAC's mission is to provide added value through building environment services for indoor climate, security and use of energy, delivered with advanced technology to end users and property owners throughout the world. With over 80 years of experience in the HVAC, building automation and security arenas, TAC has over 3,700 employees worldwide with partners and branches in 75 countries. TAC's parent company, Schneider Electric, is the world's leading specialist in power, control and building automation, with 85,000 employees worldwide and operations in 130 countries.

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