How to Compare Farm Environmental Controllers

Environmental controllers should be compared through the equipment they must monitor and operate. A large display or a long model number does not establish that a controller has the required inputs, outputs and control functions. Build a schedule of the house equipment before selecting the control platform.

List the required signals

Identify sensors, switches and other information the controller must receive. Separately list fans, cooling equipment, inlets and other devices it must operate. Record the quantity and interface requirements for each item with the equipment supplier.

Famou Machinery's range includes several controller models. Compare the actual proposed versions against the same schedule instead of assuming that a model with a higher number includes every function of another version. Request the current documentation for the supplied configuration.

EC86 Environmental Controller from the Famou Machinery equipment range.

Define the operating relationships

Describe which equipment should act together and which zones operate independently. Ask for a functional description of the intended sequence. This is more useful than a list of relay counts without an explanation of how they serve the house.

Identify what the operator can adjust and how settings are recorded. Keep the farm's environmental targets and the equipment's control capabilities distinct. A controller can implement a configuration, but its presence does not establish the correct settings for every building or animal group.

Review interruptions and access

Ask how sensor faults, unavailable equipment and power interruptions are indicated for the proposed system. Confirm the supplied alarm and communication functions. Do not assume that every controller automatically includes remote notification or a backup operating arrangement.

Plan access to the control cabinet and relevant service components. Electrical design, connection and protective arrangements require the appropriate documentation and qualified personnel. Record who is responsible for the interfaces between controller and field equipment.

Compare a complete control package

• Input and output schedule for the house.
• Functional description and zone arrangement.
• Sensor and equipment compatibility information.
• Operator access, records and notification functions.
• Installation, commissioning and training scope.

The accepted schedule should be retained with the controller configuration. When a fan, sensor or zone is added later, review the remaining capacity and required function before connecting it. This makes future expansion a documented change rather than an assumption that spare terminals alone prove the controller can support the new task.

Related equipment: EC86 Environmental Controller, IEC12 Environmental Controller, IEC22 Environmental Controller.