FAQs
Still have questions? Call us at 484-690-3820. Our support center is available from 9am to 6pm EST.
About BERT
BERT (Best Energy Reduction Technologies) is the leading plug load management system provider, helping commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities save more than 20 million kWh annually. We specialize in Wi-Fi based energy control solutions for schools, local governments, building owners, and long-term commercial tenants.
Plug load management, sometimes called “plug and process load management” or PPL, refers to the intelligent control and monitoring of energy consumed at the device level. This includes office equipment, classroom technologies, and various hardware and building systems that traditionally operate without centralized monitoring and control.
BERT saves energy by automating devices that are not currently being controlled by a Building Automation System (BAS). Our system provides intelligent control over plug load and hardwired devices, saving energy, increasing the lifespan of most equipment, and enabling smart buildings.
Plug load and hardwired devices use energy even when idle or in standby mode. Overnight standby load refers to the energy consumed by these devices during times when the building is unoccupied, creating unnecessary energy waste.
We can control anything that is plugged into an outlet, and most hardwired devices that are found in our customer environments (up to 240VAC/30A).
- Printers & Copiers
- Vending Machines
- Large Coffee Makers
- Water Dispensers
- TVs
- Space Heaters
- Window AC Units
- Electric Hot Water Heaters
- PTAC Units
- Exhaust Fans
- Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
- Charging Equipment
- Workstations
- Indoor & Outdoor Lighting
- Devices not currently controlled by existing building automation systems
BERT does not typically control servers, networking equipment, refrigeration equipment with perishable products, fax machines, or Critical Loads. Additionally, BERT devices are not typically installed on equipment with standby loads less than 1 watt, like paper shredders, single-serve coffee machines, staplers, etc.
Critical loads are electrical systems and equipment that must always remain operational to prevent immediate danger to life, safety, or mission-critical functions. These loads cannot tolerate any interruption, even briefly, without catastrophic consequences.
No. Each BERT device provides a means to remove power. When on, the full power that is normally available is passed through to your device.
Not exactly. Your BERT device is a smart controller. It operates independently but communicates with a powerful software suite called BERTBrain.
BERTBrain ensures that devices are shut down safely and allows for intuitive automation, control, scheduling, and measurement of savings. In many cases, it can even let your facilities team know if your office equipment or device is failing or acting abnormally.
Securely through your organization’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Your BERT will continue to operate normally. All settings are stored locally on each device.
With the devices we typically control, and 99.9% of the time with other devices we find, yes. Our software analyzes the way your devices operate under normal conditions. BERTBrain can then set ‘threshold’ limits to ensure equipment like vending machines, projectors, and the like can cycle normally before shutting down.
Every BERT has an override button that restores power to your devices.
No problem. Our software is smart and gets smarter all the time. Special events, seasonal schedules, and special circumstances can all be accommodated. It is also typical for your IT and Facilities teams to have access to BERTBrain. Contact them, or us directly at support@bertbrain.com so we can point you in the right direction.
We’ve done this longer than anyone else and deliver a white-glove experience.
Hardware FAQs
Yes, all BERT devices are UL listed in the US and Canada. BERT is also FCC approved and meets all applicable safety and regulatory standards.
Yes, BERT maintains an extensive patent portfolio with multiple issued patents and additional patents pending, protecting our innovative energy management technologies.
BERT controls devices ranging from 120VAC to 240VAC and up to 30A.
BERT devices use between 0.5W and 0.7W during operation, ensuring that the energy saved far exceeds the energy consumed by the control system itself.
BERT measures, analyzes, and controls loads remotely through the BERTBrain Gateway, enabling intelligent mass control over devices using a centralized management system. Unlike basic timers, BERT devices automatically synchronize with the gateway, handle network outages gracefully, and provide detailed energy monitoring and reporting. They are also built to perform and last.
See the previous answer. Also, a BERT control is self-contained and operates independently. This ensures a Wi-Fi or internet outage does not impact the operation of your devices.
The BERTBrain Gateway is the central hub for managing BERT plug load and hardwired device controls. It contains our embedded BERTBrain software and supports both cloud-connected and on-premises deployments, providing secure and scalable infrastructure for energy management needs.
We technically use the existing network hardware. Most of our customers already have, or set up, an insulated Internet of Things (IoT) SSID. This is not only cost-effective, it ensures we do not conflict
with existing frequencies, provides the most reliable communication, and helps us integrate with your IT department.
Yes, each device is assigned and labeled with a MAC address.
Yes, very. And we can provide a list of the MAC addresses prior to installation.
Yes, BERT devices store measurement data locally with multi-year data retention capabilities.
Yes. In addition to being identified by location, devices can be grouped by Critical, Priority, Discretionary, etc.
Please contact us for more information. We are currently working with multiple demand response providers to bring you this capability.
BERT is engineered for the commercial and industrial environment and has an expected lifespan of at least 20 years. In extremely rare cases, when the device that BERT is controlling has a catastrophic failure, your BERT may nobly sacrifice itself. This happens
so infrequently that when we receive a return to our HQ and Lab in Philadelphia there are many gawkers. It’s a sight to behold.
Absolutely! We provision and install all plug-in devices, naming and grouping them as we go. We typically run a baseline analysis, then suggest schedules by location for you to approve. These can be modified at any time.
Inline (hardwired) devices must be installed by a licensed electrician, but we preprogram them and set them up in the system as well.
Yes. Plug in devices can be secured to the outlet. Devices can also be secured to cords for equipment that moves.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean what we think. Many devices still consume considerable energy, and many energy settings can be overridden at the device level. BERT can only be overridden intentionally, and typically for one energy cycle (until the next smart event).
Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean what we think. Many devices still consume considerable energy, and many energy settings can be overridden at the device level. BERT can only be overridden intentionally, and typically for one energy cycle (until the next smart event).
