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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers about plug and process load management, BERT products, savings and how to work with us.
General
Who is BERT?
BERT (Best Energy Reduction Technologies) is a plug and process load management provider helping commercial, industrial and institutional facilities reduce energy use at the device level. We specialize in practical control solutions for schools, local governments, building owners and long-term commercial tenants.
What is plug and process load management?
Plug and process load management (PPL) is the intelligent monitoring and control of electrical devices that often operate outside a traditional building automation system (BAS). These include office equipment, classroom technology, charging equipment, comfort loads and selected hardwired devices.
Where do BERT's energy savings come from?
Many devices keep using energy while idle, in standby, charging, or simply left on after a building is empty. BERT reduces this avoidable runtime through approved schedules and intelligent control strategies. The opportunity varies by equipment type, operating pattern and facility.
What kinds of devices does BERT typically control?
Common applications include printers and copiers, displays and classroom technology, charging carts, vending and water equipment, workstations, selected comfort equipment, window AC and PTAC/PTHP units, exhaust fans, water heating, selected lighting, and many other plug-connected or hardwired loads not already being controlled.
Which devices are generally not controlled by BERT?
BERT is not normally applied to life-safety systems, servers and core network equipment, medical-support equipment, perishable or temperature-sensitive refrigeration, or other loads that must remain continuously energized. Very low-energy devices may also offer little practical savings.
Does BERT limit voltage or current to devices?
No. A BERT controller removes or restores power. When the controlled device is on, normal line power passes through to the equipment.
How is BERT different from a timer or consumer smart plug?
BERT is an enterprise energy-management system, not a stand-alone timer. It combines commercial-grade controllers, device-level measurement, centralized scheduling, reporting, system monitoring, local operating logic and fleet management through BERTBrain.
My devices are already smart or ENERGY STAR certified. Why do I need BERT?
Built-in energy features help, but they do not always eliminate unnecessary runtime and can be changed or overridden at the device. BERT adds a consistent facility-wide control layer that is centrally managed, measured and adjustable.
System, software and network
What are BERTBrain and the BERT Edge Gateway?
BERTBrain is the software platform used to organize, schedule, monitor and report on BERT-controlled devices. The BERT Edge Gateway is the local system hub: it runs BERTBrain, coordinates device communications and supports cloud-connected or approved on-premises deployments. It replaces the customer-provided PC or virtual machine older BERT systems needed.
How many gateways does a system need?
Most BERT systems need only one BERT Edge Gateway. Very large deployments may use more; BERT sizes the gateway configuration for each project.
How does BERT communicate?
BERT controllers use the organization's approved Wi-Fi network. BERT typically works with the customer's IT team to place devices on an appropriate network, often a dedicated or segmented IoT network.
What happens if our Wi-Fi or internet connection goes down?
Approved control continues, because schedules and essential settings are stored locally at each controller. Measurement data is also kept locally for a period and synchronized when communications are restored.
What happens if I need to use a device after hours?
Every BERT controller has a local override, so power can be restored when unexpected use comes up. Normal automated control then resumes according to the configured schedule.
Does BERT have to integrate with our building automation system?
No. BERT normally operates as a standalone system, so no BAS connection is required. When it helps a project, BERT can support separately scoped integration with building automation and other systems.
How does BERT address network security?
BERT operates within an owner-approved network architecture using standard security practices. Network segmentation is commonly recommended, communications requirements are defined in advance, and BERT coordinates with customer IT before installation. The gateway's internet connections are outbound only.
Hardware and installation
Are BERT products listed and certified?
Yes. BERT controllers are third-party listed or certified and FCC compliant as applicable to the model. Current product data sheets identify the certifications and ratings for each product.
What size loads does BERT control?
BERT supports common 120 V and 208/240 V commercial applications, with controllers available for loads up to 30 amps depending on the model and application.
How much energy does a BERT controller use?
Very little: typically about 0.5 to 0.7 watts during operation, which is small relative to the savings opportunity.
Who installs BERT?
BERT or a BERT-authorized team can configure and install plug-in controllers. Hardwired BERT products are installed by a qualified licensed electrician, with BERT supporting configuration, communications and commissioning.
Does BERT help meet energy code requirements for controlled receptacles?
Many current energy codes require automatic control of a portion of receptacles in certain spaces. BERT's hardwired inline controllers and the upcoming 110WO wall outlet are designed for permanently installed control. Requirements vary by code edition and jurisdiction, so your design professional and the authority having jurisdiction determine compliance for each project.
Savings, buying and partnering
How does BERT estimate and verify energy savings?
BERT starts with equipment characteristics, operating schedules and the time a load can reasonably be controlled. As a project advances, field information and measured energy data replace early assumptions. BERT typically establishes a 30- or 45-day pre-control baseline, then uses BERTBrain reporting to evaluate performance after schedules are activated.
What is Smart Energy Suite?
Smart Energy Suite is BERT's energy-savings-as-a-service option. It reduces or eliminates upfront investment: you pay a monthly fee per installed device, and BERT guarantees that your verified monthly savings equal or exceed that fee, crediting any shortfall on the next invoice.
Can BERT work with utility, ESCO or energy-efficiency programs?
Yes. BERT frequently supports projects involving utilities, energy service companies, engineering firms and other energy-efficiency partners. Incentives, savings requirements and measurement needs vary by program and are addressed for each project.
How do I become a BERT partner?
BERT partners with ESCOs, manufacturers' representatives, utility trade allies, controls contractors, engineering firms and others who already serve commercial and institutional customers. Contact BERT to discuss the partner program.
Find the unmanaged energy in your buildings.
Tell us about your facilities and we will size the opportunity: device counts, control hours and a savings range you can take to your team.