Elevator–BMS Integration:
More Than Just a Cable Connection🧵
Integrating elevators with the Building 🏢 Management System can be achieved through two main approaches:
1. Dry Contacts
Individual relay signals are provided for selected conditions, such as:
• Common fault
• Elevator running
• Door status
• Inspection mode
• Overload
• Power failure
This solution is simple and reliable but requires separate wiring and BMS digital inputs for each point.
2. Digital Communication
A gateway connects the elevator controller to the BMS using protocols such as BACnet or Modbus.
This allows multiple monitoring points to be transmitted through a single communication network using Ethernet or shielded twisted-pair cables.
Before integration, the involved parties should agree on:
• BMS points list
• Communication protocol
• Monitoring and permitted control points
• Interface module or gateway requirements
• Network addressing and configuration
• Point-to-point testing responsibilities
One important principle must remain clear:
The BMS may monitor elevator status and provide limited approved commands, but elevator movement, safety circuits and fire emergency operation must remain under the approved elevator and fire-alarm control architecture.
Successful system integration starts with a clear interface matrix not with installation.
#ElevatorSystems #BMS #BuildingAutomation #SystemIntegration #ProjectManagement