Integrating Plug Load Controls (PLC) with a Building Management System (BMS)

Integrating Plug Load Controls (PLC) with a Building Management System (BMS) enables centralized automation and monitoring of energy use associated with receptacle-based loads such as monitors, printers, chargers, and shared appliances. Lumos Controls supports this integration through the Iris E Edge Gateway and optional JACE 8000 controller, ensuring plug loads are managed as intelligently and efficiently as lighting systems. 

Plug load devices are grouped and configured in the Lumos Controls platform and then exposed to the BMS using standard protocols such as BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, or MQTT. Once integrated:

• The BMS can monitor  load status (ON/OFF), energy consumption, and occupancy conditions.

• The BMS can send control commands to activate or deactivate plug loads based on building schedules, occupancy sensors and demand response events.

The steps for integrating Plug Load Controls with a Building Management System has been mentioned below:

• Device Commissioning: Plug load controllers are commissioned and grouped using the Lumos Controls app 

• Gateway Configuration:

  • For BACnet/IP, the Iris E gateway exports all endpoints (e.g., plug load ON/OFF states) for ingestion by the BMS.

  • For MODBUS or other protocols, the Iris E gateway works with the JACE 8000 controller to expose control and telemetry points.

• Endpoint Mapping: Each plug load device or group is mapped to a unique object ID, visible to the BMS operator.

• Control Logic in BMS: Based on internal logic or schedules, the BMS can:

  • Shut off plug loads after occupancy timeout.

  • Re-enable plug loads at start of day.

  • Respond to load shedding signals (e.g., from utilities or grid).
    
    For more information on Integration of BMS via Iris E and JACE, click here