CtrlSpecBuilder is a free, easy-to-use online productivity tool that simplifies the creation of HVAC control system specifications. Based on ASHRAE Guideline 13 and the CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) MasterFormat, it enables users to configure project requirements and develop integrated control sequences and points lists for direct digital control (DDC) systems.
Supporting thousands of typical HVAC systems, CtrlSpecBuilder uses a simple, menu-driven interface to guide users through equipment selection, specification development, and document generation. The tool creates control sequences, points lists, and schematics while helping identify potential design conflicts, missing equipment, and coordination requirements with other trades.
Specifications are open, non-proprietary, and vendor-neutral, helping design professionals avoid dependence on a single equipment supplier. Users can create specifications in English or metric units and configure options for BACnet, BACnet/SC, IP-based networks, controllers, on-premise fault detection and diagnostics (FDD), mobile access, and electrical demand reduction.
Once a project is configured, users can preview specifications online and download documents in OpenDocument Text (.odt) format, along with AutoCAD (.dxf) or Visio (.vdx) schematics.
CtrlSpecBuilder streamlines HVAC controls specification development, reduces manual document preparation, and helps design professionals create coordinated, comprehensive control system documentation.
Key Features & Benefits
Features:
- • Free, easy-to-use online HVAC controls specification tool.
- • Based on ASHRAE Guideline 13 for specifying direct digital control systems.
- • Uses CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) MasterFormat numbering.
- • Supports thousands of typical HVAC system configurations.
- • Menu-driven interface for configuring project requirements and selecting equipment.
- • Generates integrated control sequences and points lists for DDC systems.
- • Produces associated system schematics.
- • Supports vendor-neutral, open, non-proprietary specifications.
- • Specifications available in English or metric units.
- • Supports options for BACnet and BACnet/SC.
- • Supports IP-based networks and controllers.
- • Includes options for on-premise fault detection and diagnostics (FDD).
- • Supports mobile access and electrical demand reduction options.
- • Sequences and points lists include trends, alarms, and other key requirements.
- • Automatic design review identifies potential conflicts, missing equipment, and coordination requirements with other trades.
- • Online specification preview before downloading.
- • Downloads specifications in OpenDocument Text (.odt) format.
- • Provides schematics in AutoCAD (.dxf) or Visio (.vdx) formats.
- • Five-step workflow: enter project information, select equipment and options, configure specification options, preview specifications, and download documents.
Benefits:
- • Saves Time: Automates much of the specification development process, reducing manual document preparation.
- • Vendor-Neutral Design: Creates open, non-proprietary specifications that help avoid dependence on a single supplier.
- • Improved Coordination: Automatically reviews designs for potential conflicts, missing equipment, and coordination requirements with other trades.
- • Comprehensive Documentation: Generates integrated specifications, control sequences, points lists, and schematics in one workflow.
- • Consistent Specifications: Uses ASHRAE Guideline 13 and CSI MasterFormat to support structured, organized control system documentation.
- • Flexible Project Configuration: Supports thousands of typical HVAC systems and multiple network, controller, and building automation options.
- • Improved System Planning: Incorporates trends, alarms, and other key requirements into control sequences and points lists.
- • Convenient Document Export: Produces downloadable files compatible with popular word processing and CAD applications.
- • Flexible Measurement Units: Allows specifications to be created in English or metric units.
- • Cost Savings: Provides free online access to specification development tools, helping reduce the time and effort required to prepare HVAC controls documentation.