What does “Automatic Temperature Controls” Mean?
Definition of Automatic Temperature Controls in Construction: The automatic temperature controls within a structure are exactly what the term implies. These are controls that will control heating and cooling, as well as ventilation, automatically, based upon thermostats or other devices that register heat and cooling. The term automatic temperature controls is important to understand as the owner, developer, architect , and especially contractor. Automatic temperature controls falls into a category that is not all the electrician’s responsibility on the project, nor are they all the mechanical contractors responsibility. Even in the engineering development of these controls includes both the electrical and mechanical engineers, who must work together to formulate a comprehensive, as well as efficient package. On large construction projects, the automatic temperature controls are constantly being upgraded and revised. The use of digital and blue tooth technology has caused this industry to be constantly developing and changing. Normally the mechanical contractor will supply the equipment such as thermostats, motorized dampers, temperature sensors, etc. on a project, and the electrical contractor will install the equipment. In most cases the temperature controls are low voltage, or low direct current. This current is normally direct current that is transformed from the primary line voltage by a transformer, that is supplied by the electrician. However, sometimes the transformers are supplied by the mechanical sub or even a special vendor that only installs the temperature controls. The real importance of this division of work, is that the supplying of the product, and the subsequent installation, is fully identified and managed, prior to the finalization of both the electrical and mechanical contractors contract. This is an item that repeatedly falls through the cracks and causes scope issues as the project develops. Understanding who has what, is a key to this work activity.