ANSI ASHRAE Standard 135.1-2019 PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1-2019 — Method of Test for Conformance to BACnet. This companion testing standard defines the standardized procedures and test suites used to verify that an implementation of the BACnet protocol meets the capabilities claimed in its Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS), including services, object-types, network-layer behavior, data link options and special functionality.

Abstract

Standard 135.1-2019 provides a comprehensive set of test procedures and conventions for conformance testing of BACnet implementations. It is used by test laboratories and product developers to validate support for BACnet services (as initiator and/or executor), object properties (required and optional), network-layer protocol behavior and data-link options; it also captures testing changes introduced to the BACnet protocol between 2013 and 2018. The 2019 edition incorporates multiple maintenance addenda and updated alarm/event tests.

General information

• Status: Superseded — replaced by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1:2023 (the 2019 edition remains a historical/archival release used for products certified to that test set).
• Publication date: September 23, 2019.
• Publisher: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
• ICS / categories: 91.140 — Installations in buildings (building automation / installations); additional classification noted under information technology/building automation (e.g., 35.240.67 for related data-communications/testing).
• Edition / version: 2019 edition (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1-2019).
• Number of pages: Approximately 730 pages (complete test suites and annex material).

Scope

Defines a standardized method of test for verifying conformance of BACnet implementations to the requirements claimed on a device or system PICS. The scope covers verification of supported BACnet services (as initiator or executor), object-type support (required and optional properties), network layer and data link options, and special BACnet functionalities. The 2019 edition updates tests to reflect protocol changes and includes addenda addressing alarm/event testing and other maintenance items.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized test procedures and test-case definitions to verify each claimed BACnet capability (PICS-driven testing).
• Application service initiation and response tests (confirmed/unconfirmed services, alarms, events, COV, scheduling, etc.).
• Object support tests validating required and optional properties for each BACnet object-type.
• Network-layer and data-link option conformance tests (IP, MSTP, BACnet/IPv6 as applicable to the edition).
• Test addenda and maintenance bundles (2019 edition includes multiple addenda to align tests with protocol revisions and alarm/event changes).
• Procedures and conventions for expressing tests and EPICS/EPICS-file handling for automated testing tools.

Typical use and users

Used by BACnet product developers, firmware and device manufacturers, systems integrators, test laboratories (including BACnet Testing Laboratories — BTL), certification bodies, specifiers and owners/operators evaluating or certifying BACnet device conformance. Also used by integrators to confirm claimed feature sets during procurement and commissioning.

Related standards

Directly related to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135 (BACnet: A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks) and to ISO 16484-6 (the ISO designation for BACnet data-communication conformance testing). The 2019 testing standard has later been succeeded by ASHRAE 135.1-2023; implementers should consult the current testing standard and any applicable addenda or errata for the target certification year.

Keywords

BACnet, ASHRAE 135.1, conformance testing, PICS, BACnet Testing Laboratories, BTL, protocol tests, alarm and event tests, object-type tests, network layer, data link, building automation, ISO 16484-6.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1-2019 is the BACnet companion testing standard — the Method of Test for Conformance to BACnet — providing the formal test procedures used to verify that BACnet devices implement the features they claim.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures for BACnet services (both initiator and executor roles), object-type and property support (required and optional), network-layer behavior, data-link options and special functionalities, plus conventions for test-case expression and EPICS/EPICS-file consistency. The 2019 edition also bundles maintenance addenda and updated alarm/event tests introduced between 2013 and 2018.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Device and firmware manufacturers, lab testers and certification bodies (including BTL members), systems integrators, building automation specifiers, and commissioning teams who need to verify BACnet conformance or certify products for BACnet interoperability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019 edition is superseded by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1:2023; however, 135.1-2019 remains relevant for products or certifications that reference the 2019 test set and historical certification records. Users should check which edition (and addenda/errata) is required for a given procurement or certification activity.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is the companion testing standard to ASHRAE Standard 135 (the BACnet protocol standard). The BACnet family also maps to ISO 16484 parts (ISO 16484-5 for the protocol and ISO 16484-6 for conformance testing). The BACnet standard and its companion testing standard are maintained with periodic addenda, errata and new consolidated editions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: BACnet, conformance testing, PICS, object properties, services, alarm and event testing, BTL, ASHRAE Standard 135.1, ISO 16484-6.