Controller
Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services 3rd Edition (BG 31/2017), written by David Bleicher and published by BSRIA in May 2017, suggests that controller: ‘…is the generic name given to any device which controls the operation of a system. Sensors located at key points in the system provide operating information to the controller. This information is processed by the controller. If required, signals will be sent by the controller to plant items such as boilers and pumps and to actuators on system valves and dampers in order to maintain the required performance.’
Guide to Controls (BG 83/2023) written by John Marrow and published by BSRIA in June 2023, defines a controller as: ‘A component of a BMS which interfaces with field devices such as temperature sensors and actuators.’
It defines controls as: 'Manual or automatic devices which interact with systems in a building to ensure specified conditions of comfort, operation, health and safety or energy efficiency are met.'
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties at 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.