Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue The following Popup window is displayed when attempting to open WorkPlace Tech. WPTech Unable to load WorkPlace Tech Ribbon for Visio. There was a problem loading the WorkPlace Tech Fluent Ribbon for Visio, therefore, it will be unavailable. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Visio 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 WorkPlace Tech Tool release 5.8 or later Cause If Visio crashes when a third-party ribbon bar function is in use, Visio may lockout that ribbon bar, believing that something on that ribbon bar caused Visio to crash.  In this case, a menu function, selected from the WorkPlace Tech (WPT) ribbon bar was being processed at the time Visio crashed, therefore Visio locked out the WorkPlace Tech ribbon bar. This is a system protection mechanism built into the ribbon bar handler in all Microsoft Office applications including Visio.   Resolution To re-enable the WorkPlace Tech ribbon bar, perform the following steps: Open Visio.  NOTE: Open Visio, not WorkPlace Tech. Select Options from the File menu. From the menu in the Visio Options window, select Add-ins At the bottom of the window, you will see a field that says 'Manage:' with a selection box after it, select 'Disabled Items' and then click the [Go] button. In the 'Disabled Items' window, select 'WorkPlaceTech.VisioRibbon' then click the [Enable] button. Close the open Visio windows and sub-windows. After closing Visio, the WorkPlace Tech ribbon bar will be available in WorkPlace Tech.  

Issue Many LonWorks network installation problems can be avoided if the appropriate network design rules are followed when the network is being designed. Product Line TAC IA Series, TAC Vista, Satchwell Sigma Environment I/A Series MicroNet (LON) Controllers Satchwell Sigma MicroNet series LON Controllers Vista Xenta Controllers Cause The I/A Series MicroNet System Engineering Guide (F-26507) was written as a resource of information for the installation of the I/A Series MNL-100, 200 & VAV controllers as well as the Sigma MicroNet 440 and 620 controllers.  The Resolution, below, is a summary of the LON design rules presented in this document. Resolution FTT-10 LON network wiring must be installed using Echelon-approved wire.  The most common type of wire used is described as Category 4  cable.  This wire is normally unshielded stranded twisted-pair 22AWG (0.65mm).  An example of this wire is the W221P or W222P series cable from Connect-Air International (http://www.connect-air.com).  This type of cable is normally available both in plenum rated and non-plenum rated types.  Consult the job specifications to determine if plenum-rated or shielded cable is required. The LON network can be wired using "Free Topology" or "Bus Topology" wiring segments.   1.  BUS Topology Guidelines BUS Topology LonWorks wiring extends from device to device (daisy chain format) with no branches or stubs. A LON-TERM-2 terminator must be installed at each end of the LON bus. When using standard Category 4 LON cable with the recommended terminators, the bus may be up to 4593 feet (1400 meters) in length. When extending LON wire to the MN-Sx sensor base in a bus topology network, the sensor base must be wired as part of the daisy chain and not as a stub connection. 2. FREE Topology Guidelines Free Topology imposes essentially no restrictions on the layout of the network -- some controllers may be wired point to point and others branching from a common point.  The free-topology LON network must be terminated at one point with a LON-TERM-1 terminator. When using standard Category 4 LON cable, the total wire length in a free topology LON network may not exceed 1641 feet (500 meters).  In addition, the longest wire path between any two controllers on a free topology LON network may not exceed 1312 feet (400 meters). 3. Common LON Network Wiring Guidelines LON wiring can not be part of an active bundled telephone trunk even if the telephone trunk is wired with Category 4 wire. Shielded Category 4 wire may be used in high EMI/RFI environments.  The shield must be wired continuously and grounded through a 470 Kohm resistor at one end. LON wiring must not be bundled with or housed in the same conduit as controller I/O and power wiring.  4. LonWorks Network Wiring and Addressing Guidelines When the number of controllers on a LonWorks network exceeds 60, the network must be split into segments with not more than 64 controllers or devices per segment using LonWorks Repeaters or Routers.  When counting the controllers and devices on a LonWorks network segment, a LonWorks Network Interface Device and the repeater itself must be included in the device count in each segment. In a LonWorks network containing repeaters or routers, each LonWorks network segment must be properly terminated, as described above. Domain / Subnet / Node addressing is used when configuring the LON controllers. A LonWorks Subnet consists of a series of LonWorks controllers all configured within the same LON Subnet number. A single LonWorks Subnet can have a maximum of 127 device and controller Node addresses.  This Node address count includes the LonWorks Network Interface, all controllers on the subnet, and repeater and/or router node addresses.  An allowance is typically made for additional addresses to be used by LonWorks tools connected to the Subnet.

Issue The WorkPlace Tech and WorkPlace Editor add-in for the VisioRibbon is available in the toolbar of Visio but all or some of the functions are unavailable. Product Line TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech 5.9.x, 5.10.4 Building Operation Workstation (WorkPlace Tech Editor) Microsoft Visio 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 (WorkPlace Tech 5.10.4 only) Cause There may be one or several of these situations causing this behavior depending on a combination of products installed. The Visio installed is an unlicensed product or in its evaluation period and not registered  The Visio installed is not properly updated There is an error in the WPDispatcher.msi Resolution Review the proper area for the Visio you are using to assure the product is registered; Visio 2010 Visio 2013/2016/2019 If the Visio is part of a subscription-based product, it will be noted as such rather than saying the product is activated. Thoroughly read this Knowledge Base Article for the information required to assure your Visio is properly updated. Workplace Tech 5.9.3 / Workplace Tech Editor (EBO) Microsoft Security Updates required for Visio and Office  To correct any possible WorkPlace Tech or Editor (SBO/EBO) dispatcher problems, Follow the path C:\Program Files (x86)\WorkPlace Tech to the WPDispatcher.msi and "right click / Uninstall" Do this for each version of SBO or EBO installed that has Workstation with WorkPlace Tech Editor.  Here is the path C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation X.Y\WorkStation or C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation X.Y\WorkStation (X.Y will be the version installed i.e 3.1).  Perform the same Uninstall of the WPDispatcher.msi.  The picture below is what will appear if the dispatcher has been removed or was not previously installed.  This message is expected. Open the WorkPlace Tech or the WorkPlaceTech Editor.  The WPDispatcher.msi will run the correct version.

Issue Documentation supplied with new UNC, ENC, or Jace 8000 was discarded.  Is there a way to determine the default, the factory-defined IP address, for the Ethernet port on the controller? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series (Niagara) R2 UNC I/A Series (Niagara) G3 ENC Niagara N4 or G3 Jace 8000 Cause Lost or discarded document, shipped with the controller, that contained the configured IP address. Resolution The default Ethernet IP address for an I/A Series (Niagara) UNC or ENC is based on the serial number and type of device. For a UNC or ENC, the default address is 192.168.1.14X where X is the last digit of the device serial number.  The default serial number is found on a sticker on the controller circuit board.  This sticker has the full model number, date code, and the serial number of the controller.  The serial number is preceded with S/N:.The subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 in all UNCs, ENCs, and Jace 8000 The default address base address (192.168.1.140) is the same for all UNC-410, UNC-510, UNC-520, ENC-410, and ENC-520 controllers. The default IP address of a Jace 8000 for PRI (LAN1) is 192.168.1.140.  SEC (LAN2) is by default disabled.

Issue Strange characters are displayed in the display of a VT7000 and SE7000 Series thermostat. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE7000 Cause The thermostat has experienced a brownout condition. Any time the power drops below 16-17Vac for a 1/10 of a second or so it will cause this condition. Resolution The thermostat still updates to the BMS correctly; it’s only its display that’s affected.  Cycling power to the unit will clear the issue. However, if the brown out condition is not addressed, it can happen again. If a repeated brownout issue at the site cannot be corrected, consider powering the controller with an UPS.   

Issue The client is inquiring about the availability of  I/A Series R2 and G3 objects for interface with the SE7000 Series Room Controllers Product Line TAC IA Series, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment I/A Series R2 UNC I/A Series G3 ENC SSL SE7000 Cause Not able to locate shadow objects with matching LonWorks program IDs within the existing I/A Series R2 and G3 modules. Resolution A set of new modules have been generated for use with the new SE7000 Series Room Controllers.  The new objects interface with the following program IDs. R2 objects: Se7273         (80:00:10:55:00:04:04:20) Se76Pir         (80:00:10:55:00:04:04:21) Se76RhPir    (80:00:10:55:00:04:04:22) Click to download ... lonSchneider-2.301.330.zip Click to download ... lonSchneider-2.301.431.zip Click to download ... lonSchneider-2.301.534.zip G3 objects: Se72_73.lnml (80:00:10:55:00:04:04:20) Se76Pir.lnml (80:00:10:55:00:04:04:21) Se76RhPir.lnml (80:00:10:55:00:04:04:22) Click to download ... lonSchneider-3.5.39.1.zip Click to download ... lonSchneider-3.7.17.zip The 3.5.39.1 module should be used with G3 versions 3.5 and lower. The 3.7.17 module should be used with G3 versions 3.6 and higher.

Issue Can the MNL-200 controller's analog output be used to turn a relay on and off?  Can you recommend a brand/model of relay? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series MNL Controllers Cause The application requires additional digital outputs Resolution At 500 ohms and 20mA, the analog output produces 10 Vdc.  The voltage can go as high as11 Vdc by using a 550-ohm resistor instead. A common brand and model is from Kele (model # KEL-RIBU1C) and it's available on iPortal.  The coil pulls in at 10 Vdc and drops out at 3 Vdc.  Click here for the datasheet.

Issue There are only fan coil control applications available and unable to find the Heat Pump Application. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE8000 Cause The end-user might be using an incompatible controller for their application. Resolution Heat pump applications for the SE8x00 product are scheduled for availability in the 4th quarter of 2014.

Issue There is only 1 input available, but the end-user wants more than 1 sensor to be connected, where the reading will be averaged. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Automation Server SSL SE8000 Cause The wrong sensor type or incorrect wiring might have been used. Resolution 4 resistive sensors of the same type are required. Depending on scenario, 2 sensors may have to be fitted adjacent to each other, or fit 2 sensors into 1 sensor housing to achieve the correct number of zones to be monitored. For wiring follow the drawing below:

Issue AutoCAD wiring symbols for I/A Series MicroNet LON controllers (MNL) Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series Micronet LON controllers (MNL) Cause The files are not available on the Download Centre Resolution The files can be downloaded from here.

Issue I/A Series R2 station installed on a JACE-645 retrofit board (TRD-RB-645) fails to run with the following errors Product Line TAC IA Series Environment JACE-645 Retrofit Board (TRD-RB-645) I/A Series R2 version 2.301.535.v1 I/A Series G3 version 3.6.406 Cause The R2 station has not been upgraded to R2 version 2.301.535 using the dbadmin command in the Niagara console. There are errors when converting the upgraded XML version of the station to SNS.  Resolution Ensure that the R2 station is upgraded as per step 3 on page 4 of the Retrofit Board Niagara R2 Install & Startup Guide before copying the station into the JACE-645 retrofit board. 

Issue I/A Series G3 Workbench License Manager build 3.8.37 will not automatically import from the License Server even when the connection to the Internet is active.  The result is the display of the Request License dialog box that provides the host ID and email information for Schneider Electric. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series G3 Workbench 3.8.37 Cause The issue is related to a setting within the brand.properties file included with the 3.8.37 install.  This setting enables or disables the online license server request function within Workbench.  The setting was inadvertently set to disabled (false). Resolution The issue can be easily resolved by changing the setting by one of the two methods shown below. Method 1 - Replace existing brand.properties file with an updated version Close Workbench Download the following zip file with the updated brand.properties file > brand.properties Use the Windows Explorer and navigate to the lib directory under the niagara-3.8.37 directory Extract the updated file from the zip and replace the existing brand.properties file Method 2 - Manually edit the brand.properties file Close Workbench Use the Windows Explorer and navigate to the lib directory under the niagara-3.8.37 directory. Open brand.properties using a text editor such as Notepad Carefully edit the following line changing the false to true:      license.onlineRequest=false ... update to license.onlineRequest=true Save the file Workbench will now import licenses from the license server.

Issue I/A Series Micronet LON controllers (MNL) SNVTs list Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series Micronet LON (MNL) controllers Cause The SNVTs available in an I/A Series MNL controller are not listed on the datasheets.  Resolution The SNVTs list for various MNL controllers' LonMark profiles can be found in the WorkPlace Tech 4.0 Engineering Guide appendix B. 

Issue I/A Series R2 oBIX User Guide Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series R2 oBIX driver Cause The R2 oBIX User Guide is not installed with I/A Series R2 version 529 and earlier. It is available with the installation of I/A Series R2 version 532 and later.  Resolution Niagara release 2 oBIX User Guide

Issue The OrOr object in MNB controllers always reports that it is "ON". Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech I/A Series MNB Controllers  Cause  Input to the OrOr object is inverted and has nothing attached to it. When an "OR" input property of a logic object is inverted with nothing attached to it, the input will be seen as an "Off," resulting in an output of 100. Resolution If the input of an OrOr object is not connected to I/A Series BACnet controller, an "OR" input should not be inverted.   If another object outputting a "NA" is attached,  the "OR" input will function correctly.

Issue What hardware is required to connect directly to a BACnet/MSTP trunk containing just MNB controllers? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Commissioning Tool I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Balance Tool Cause Replacement for the previously recommended adaptor, the B&B Electronics model USOPTL4. Resolution Purchase the following part: MNB-ROAM-IA.  This is used in conjunction with WorkPlace Tech.

Issue Upgrading Visio. Should WorkPlace Tech be uninstalled first? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series WorkPlace Tech Cause Software upgrade Resolution Un-install both WorkPlace Tech and Visio.  Then install Visio following the instructionsWorkPlace Tech Installationand Workplace Tech 5.10.4 Release Notes 

Issue When attempting to run standalone WorkPlace Tech the following message is displayed. After attempting to launch Microsoft Office Visio, WorkPlace Tech was unable to access Visio functionality. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Workplace Tech version 5.8.X and 5.9.X Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 10 Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 2016 Microsoft Visio 2010 and 2013 Other versions of Office and Visio may apply.  These have known issues corrected by this procedure Cause A non-approved version of Microsoft Visio (Visio 2013/2016) was installed. Microsoft Visio 2013/2016 was uninstalled and replaced with Microsoft Visio 2010 SP2. It is suspected that the uninstall of Microsoft Visio 2013/2016 left behind files causing this issue. Resolution Uninstall Workplace Tech, Visio 2010 SP2, and Office 2013 and reinstall the software in the following order: Microsoft Office 2013 or Office 2016 Microsoft Visio 2010 SP2  Workplace Tech 5.8.X or WPT 5.9.X Run Visio standalone, shut it down, and then run WorkPlace Tech.

Issue When importing an application file created or previously edited with release 3.2sp1 of WorkPlace Tech, a "Workplace Tech Tool - Visio" error window is displayed:  "Cannot find the WorkPlace Tech add-ons for Visio.  WorkPlace Tech functions will be unavailable" Product Line TAC IA Series Environment WorkPlace Tech Tool software release 5.7.4 WorkPlace Tech application file created or edited with WorkPlace Tech Tool software release 3.2sp1. Cause The Visio stencil pages referenced in the application file cannot be found in the location specified in the application file. Resolution This is not a fatal error.  It occurs because WorkPlace Tech cannot locate the Visio object stencil files referenced in the existing application drawing file.   Click the [OK] button to ignore the error message and continue with the application file upgrade.  The error message is displayed because the default location for the stencils has been moved starting with WorkPlace Tech version 5.7.4.  During the application file upgrade, the proper stencils, as specified in the original application file, will be located and attached to the application. After clicking the [OK] button, WorkPlace Tech will display a Windows message box indicating that the application must be converted to WorkPlace Tech (WPT) 5.0 format before it can be modified or downloaded.  The message ends with a prompt asking the user if they would like the application converted.  Clicking [Yes] will allow WorkPlace Tech to process the application file and convert it to the current file format.  This is the required choice if the user intends to use the imported application in the current version of the WorkPlace Tech Tool software. Clicking [No] will bypass the conversion leaving the incompatible application open in WorkPlace Tech. Clicking [Cancel] will abort the import process.

Issue The BACnet object goes into fault when writing a NaN to an MNB controller. Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series MNB VAV I/A Series MNB 70 I/A Series MNB 300 Cause Firmware 1.424 and higher responds to receiving a NaN with an Error: "value out of range".  In firmware 1.420 it would accept the NaN and respond with a normal acknowledge message.  This is a result of a change required for BTL compliance. Resolution A slight setup change can accomplish the same result without causing the object to go into fault.  In the ENC edit the properties of the AVSPP object and set the fallback to "null".  Go to the slot sheet of the object being overridden to hide the "Set" option.  This will prevent the operator from attempting to send a NaN that causes the fault.  When a right-click override is performed only the emergency (priority1) and Override (priority8) choices are displayed.  When the override expires or the object is manually put back into “auto” the “fallback” value is output which is “null” and that is accepted at the controller and serves the same function as sending a NaN.