Issue
After a power failure, a large number of hardware alarms may be triggered by Sigma Integration Controllers (ICs), potentially overwhelming the system or operators. This article explains how to disable these alarms when necessary.
Product Line
Satchwell BAS & SigmaEnvironment
Sigma Integration Controllers
Cause
Hardware alarms are designed to notify users of system issues. However, in some scenarios—such as after a power outage—these alarms may become excessive or non-critical, prompting the need for temporary suppression.
Resolution
To disable hardware alarms on Sigma ICs, you must modify the Gateway.txt configuration file. This file defines how the controller communicates with connected devices and includes parameters for alarm behavior.
Steps to Disable Hardware Alarms:
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Locate the
Gateway.txtFile:- This file is typically found in the configuration directory of the Sigma IC.
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Understand the Entry Format: Each line in the file represents an object and can contain up to nine fields. The format is:
Sigma_Object, Controller_Address, Modbus_Command, Register_Address, Polling_Interval, Object_Count, Min_Value, Max_Value, Alarm_Suppression_Flag -
Focus on the 9th Field – Alarm Suppression Flag:
- 0 or omitted: Hardware alarms are enabled (default behavior).
- 1: Hardware alarms are suppressed (disabled).
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Example Entry:
55,1,3,101,1,2,0,0,1- In this example, the 9th field is set to 1, which disables hardware alarms for this object.
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Save and Apply Changes:
- After editing, save the file and restart the relevant controller to apply the changes.
Important Notes
- Review IC Documentation: Different Sigma IC models may have variations in configuration. Always consult the specific documentation for your controller.
- Use with Caution: Disabling hardware alarms may prevent visibility into critical system issues. Only suppress alarms when absolutely necessary and ensure alternative monitoring is in place.
