BMS Sensors & Actuators Reference
The field-device layer is where 80% of BMS commissioning headaches live. This page lists every sensor and actuator class commonly found on a BMS field network, the typical specifications, and reputable European suppliers.
Components (5)
Temperature Sensor
Field Devices — SensorsResistive (PT100, PT1000, NTC 10k) or active (4-20 mA, 0-10 V, BACnet) probes for ducts, immersion, surface and outside-air.
Examples: Sontay TT range, Sensata, Belimo 22DC, Greystone TE200, Siemens QAE.
Pressure Transducer
Field Devices — SensorsDifferential or static pressure sensors for filter monitoring, duct pressure, water DP, hydraulic separation.
Examples: Sensata 100CP, Setra Model 264, Sontay PL, Beck 930, Belimo 22ADP.
CO₂ / IAQ Sensor
Field Devices — SensorsIndoor-air-quality sensing for demand-controlled ventilation, occupancy estimation and ESG reporting.
Examples: Sensirion SCD30, Vaisala GMW90, Trend SCMx, Honeywell C7232, Distech Allure EC-Smart-Vue.
Occupancy / PIR Sensor
Field Devices — SensorsInfrared, microwave or stereoscopic vision sensors for occupancy-driven HVAC and lighting control.
Examples: Steinel IS series, EnOcean wireless PIR, Distech Open-to-Wireless, IRISYS counters.
Modulating Damper / Valve Actuator
Field Devices — Actuators0-10 V, 4-20 mA, BACnet or Modbus actuators driving control valves, dampers and VAV boxes.
Examples: Belimo NM24A-MOD, Siemens GDB161, Schneider M800-SR, Honeywell ML6420.
Sensor Signal Types
Resistive — PT100, PT1000, NTC 10k thermistors. Cheap, accurate, vulnerable to long cable runs. Best for ducts and immersions.
Active analogue — 0-10 V or 4-20 mA. Powered sensor with built-in transmitter. Long runs OK; 4-20 mA is preferred for noisy environments.
Communicating — BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RTU. Zero analogue cabling, supports daisy-chain, brings extra diagnostics. Best for new-build.
Actuator Selection
Match the actuator torque to the damper area or valve Cv, choose modulating (0-10 V / BACnet) over floating where possible, and specify spring-return for fire/smoke dampers and AHU fresh-air dampers. Belimo, Siemens GDB and Honeywell ML6420 are defaults.
External References & Standards
Related guides
Robotic Automation, Industrial Automation & PLC Programming nationwide
Alongside our BMS and BEMS work nationwide, our controls engineers deliver robotic automation cells, full industrial automation systems and PLC programming for Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi and ABB platforms — on a single vendor-independent contract.
Robotic Automation nationwide
End-to-end robotic automation nationwide — ABB, FANUC, KUKA and Universal Robots cells integrated with safety PLC, vision and BMS/SCADA reporting. Profinet, EtherNet/IP and OPC UA tie-ins to your wider controls estate.
Robotic Automation nationwide — service details →
Industrial Automation nationwide
Industrial automation nationwide for process plant, manufacturing and utilities — control panels, drives, instrumentation and SCADA. Vendor-independent across Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, ABB and Schneider.
Industrial Automation nationwide — service details →
PLC Programming nationwide
PLC programming nationwide in ladder, structured text and function block — Siemens TIA Portal / Step 7, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Mitsubishi GX Works and ABB AC500. Code review, version control and witnessed FAT/SAT.
PLC Programming nationwide — service details →