Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What new features are planned for inclusion in future product releases? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista, EcoStruxure Access Expert, EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment All product ranges Cause Information required on future Product Marketing plans. Resolution This document is no longer published on the Download Center by Product Management. For further information on the future product planning please contact the Product Manager for the specific product in your region. Americas: Americas.EcoStruxureBuilding@schneider-electric.com EMEA: EMEA.EcoStruxureBuilding@schneider-electric.com Asia Pacific & India: AsiaPac.EcoStruxureBuilding@schneider-electric.com

Issue In applications where heating is not required is it possible to change the thermostat operation to cooling only? Product Line Field Devices Environment TC300 thermostat Cause By default the TC300 thermostat is configured for heating and cooling. It should be possible to lockout operation of heating in cooling only applications so that the user cannot inadvertently change modes. Resolution In thermostat model TC303-3A2DLS parameter item 7 allows selection of cooling or heating only mode.

Issue Confusion in documentation of the output type of an STR300 temperatire transmitter Product Line Field Devices Environment STR300 series transmitter Cause The STR300 is an electronic living space transmitter that converts a measured temperature into an electric current signal. The transmitter is delivered as a complete unit, comprising a Pt100 classB sensing element and an amplifier mounted in a housing. STR300 is intended either for surface mounting on a wall or installation in a standard switch box in dry, dust free rooms.   The HVAC Sensors Catalogue incorrectly shows that the STR300 Series has an Output of 0-10V while  the datasheet correctly shows the output as 4-20ma. Resolution The STR300 has an output signal of 4 to 20 mA corresponding to a temperature range of 0-40°C

Issue What is pneumatic actuator spring range shift and how can it be eliminated? Product Line Field Devices Environment Pneumatic Actuator Cause Spring range shift is an inherent feature of all spring return pneumatic actuators without positive positioners. The nominal published spring range of a pneumatic actuator without a positive positioner is the air pressure required to fully stroke the actuator WITH NO EXTERNAL LOAD. In the extend direction against an opposing load as provided by a damper or a valve, the supply air pressure must be increased above the spring range of the actuator to overcome the spring and the opposing force. In the retract direction against an opposing load as provided by a damper or a valve, the supply air pressure must be decreased below the spring range of the actuator so that the spring can overcome the air pressure and the opposing force. Under constant load conditions, the range of the actuator is offset by the amount of air pressure required to provide close-off of the damper or the valve. Resolution When is "Spring Range Shift" a concern? It is a concern when two or more pneumatic controlled devices should be sequenced from one pneumatic signal without an overlap. An example would be a normally open heating valve and a normally closed cooling valve being sequenced from a direct acting thermostat, In this example the spring range of the normally open valve will shift upward and the normally closed valve will shift downward which means the two valves may overlap. Another area of concern is that pneumatic control signal provides proper pressure span to operate the control device and provide "tight" close-off of damper or valve. Examples of limited pressure change would be: pneumatic controllers maximum output which is limited by main air pressure; the low pressure output capability of a pneumatic controller; and electronic to pressure transducer which can have a limited output such as 3 to 15 psig.   What can be done to overcome "Spring Range Shift" when sequencing devices? Sequencing can be accomplished in a pneumatic system by selecting actuators with appropriate spring ranges, utilizing positive positioners (AK-42309-500 or N800-0555) or ratio relays with bias adjustment (2378-501) or controllers with separate outputs for each actuator. Positive positioners on damper and valve actuators provide the versatility of start point and span adjustment plus the availability of full pneumatic power for positioning. This is the ideal way to provide precision sequencing, since variable loading on the actuator will not effect the sequencing. Biased start ratio relays may be used to provide a method of sequencing by amplifying or shifting the pneumatic signal. For applications involving sequencing a pressure to electric (P.E.) switch with a pneumatic actuator, the P.E. can often be adjusted to operate outside the operating range of the actuator. Sometimes larger actuators will help the sequencing problem. Using full actuator stroke to rotate the damper less than 90 degrees increases the force delivered to the damper and therefore reduces control signal change required to control the actuator. Rotating the damper 60 degrees usually provides almost full flow through the damper. If the actuator has an adjustable start point, adjusting the start points can help prevent sequencing problems. Normally open valves or dampers should have start point adjusted to the minimum and normally closed adjusted to the maximum. Sequencing problems can be eliminated by providing controllers with separate outputs for each actuator and do the sequencing in the controller. What can be done to increase the close-off of a damper or valve actuator due to limited or insufficient pneumatic control pressure to the control device? Proper control and close-off of the control device can be accomplished by selecting actuators with appropriate spring ranges, utilizing positive positioners (AK-42309-500 or N800-0555) or ratio relays with bias adjustment ( 2378-501). Positive positioners on damper and valve actuators provide the versatility of start point and span adjustment plus the availability of full pneumatic power for positioning (0 to main air pressure to the actuator). Biased start ratio relay provide a method of amplifying or shifting the pneumatic signal. Selecting larger actuators will increase close-off pressure. Using full actuator stroke to rotate the damper less than 90 degrees increases the force delivered to the damper. Rotating the damper 60 degrees usually provides almost full flow through the damper. If the actuator has an adjustable start point, proper adjustment of the start points will increase close-off. Normally open valves or dampers should have start point adjusted to the minimum and normally closed adjusted to the maximum. Provide electronic to pneumatic transducers with sufficient input span to obtain maximum or sufficient pneumatic output.

Issue TC303 Time and Day of the Week Settings Product Line Field Devices Environment TC303 Series Fan Coil Thermostat Cause The time and day displayed on the thermostat is incorrect Resolution Press and hold the M button on the thermostat for approximately 3 seconds and the time's hour will start to blink. Use the Up/Down arrows to change the value. Press the M button again to switch the focus to minutes and the day of the week. 

Issue Resistance against temperature Product Line Field Devices Environment TC300 thermostat range TC900 thermostat range RS-03 remote sensor Cause Remote sensor compatibility Resolution The TC thermostat range use a 10K type 3 (3950) Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor. Whilst this is similar to the 10K type 3 thermistor used in the other BMS field device sensors such as the SpaceLogic SLA range, it has a different resistance curve and the temperature read will be different.   The table below shows that at typical room temperatures the error is 0.6°C or less. T(°C) RS-03 R(KΩ) SPA R(KΩ) Error % Error °C 0 31.77 29.575 6.91% 1.736 5 24.94 23.504 5.76% 1.366 10 19.68 18.809 4.43% 1.052 15 15.62 15.146 3.03% 0.812 20 12.47 12.271 1.60% 0.63 25 10 10 0.00% 0 30 8.064 8.195 -1.62% 0.3872 35 6.538 6.752 -3.27% 0.3052 40 5.327 5.592 -4.97% 0.2422 45 4.363 4.655 -6.69% 0.1928 50 3.592 3.893 -8.38% 0.1542   Click here to view the TC thermostat's RS-03 remote temperature against resistance chart. Click here to download the chart that provides the temperature against resistance reading for the TC thermostat's RS-03 remote temperature sensors.

Issue Values in EBO from a PM5000 series energy meter do not update Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices Environment Building Operation Server BACnet PM5000 series energy meter Cause The EBO trace log shows a lot of BACnet related error messages, such as:   nsp.pin.BACnet.VariableProperty Subscription to ~/BACnet Interface/IP Network/PM 5340/Application/THD Current - Ph G attempted COV, but will POLL due to BACnet error: 0x00030013 (resources,no_space_to_add_list_element)   This error indicates that a Change of Value (COV) subscription is being attempted but has failed. This is due to a resource issue with the device, i.e., error class 0x0003 from error code 0x00030013. The error is no space to write property (0013 part) which suggests the subscription limit of the device has been reached. Refer to the Decoding BACnet Errors Knowledge Base article for further information on decoding the error code.   Reviewing the PM5300 series user manual reveals that the device only supports 20 COV subscriptions.     Resolution Remove BACnet objects that are not required in EBO, it is unlikely that fewer than 20 values will be practical. Disable COV for the device in EBO. This can be done via the service_blacklist as noted in the BACnet RULES implementation to disable features such as readPropertyMultiple, COVs etc How to disable RPM (readPropertyMultiple), COVs etc services in AS/ES BACnet interface. Knowledge Base article. The following is an example service_blacklist for the PM3450 <blacklist> <rule> <vendor>10</vendor> <model>PM5340</model> <no-cov/> <no-rpm/> </rule> </blacklist> Polling can put an unintended load on the polling device and the polled device. The polling intervals should be adjusted using the settings on the BACnet Interface. This is available from BACnet Interface -> Properties -> Advanced and scroll all the way to the bottom as shown below for an ES. If looking at the option for an Automation Server it will also have additional options for the RS485 communication ports. Minimum polling intervals in the range of 5,000 to 10,000ms are a good starting point.  

Issue Tested the Viconics VT7600x1000x for Cool CPH set to 3.  Manually heated the thermostat and let it cool to cycle the cool stages and it cycled on and off 7 times before stopping the test.  According to the documentation it should have stopped after 3 on/off cycles. Product Line Field Devices Environment SSL SE7000 Cause Cooling/heating has to be within 15-85% of the proportional band. Resolution With the Viconics VT7600x1000x series products, the CPH only works when the cooling/heating demand is within 15 to 85% of the proportional band. The thermostat has a 2 degree proportional band (fixed) so at a setpoint of 72 and CPH of 3 (cooling CPH adjustable 3-4), if the temperature stays between 72.3 and 73.7 the CPH is at 3. Outside of that band the cooling/heating is allowed to cycle as often as needed.

Issue How do you reset the Viconics VT7200, VT7300, & VT7600 LON series thermostats back to factory default values? Product Line Field Devices Environment SSL SE7000 Cause There's no button or command that sets the thermostat to its default parameter settings. Resolution Either set them manually or through the snvts available via a LON integration.  The Viconics Lon Integration Manual will help with identifying the proper snvts to use.

Issue BACnet/MSTP communication to Viconics VT thermostats is intermittent. Product Line Field Devices Environment SE7000 Room Controller Cause Possible cause is physical layer and device addresses. Resolution Verify the physical layer (i.e. wire, end of line resistors and bias resisters) is installed as recommended.  A common wiring error is landing the trunk cable shield to the "REF" terminal at the thermostat. The shield should be carried through but not landed at the thermostat and the trunk shield should be grounded in one place. Duplicate device addresses can cause this type of issue as well. Verify each controller has a unique "Com addr" which is part of its instance number. This can be viewed and modified from the display panel of the thermostat. To enter the configuration parameter menu: VT7200 series press and hold the button(OVERRIDE) for 8 seconds VT7300 series press and hold the middle button(°C/F or OVERRIDE)for 8 seconds. VT7600 series press and hold the button(MENU)for 8 seconds

Issue Can SLPSXC2 CO2 sensor calibration be used with both methods (ABC standard and Fresh Air process) at the same time? Product Line Field Devices. Environment Building Operation SmartX Living Space Sensor. Cause SLPSXC2 CO2 can be calibrated using two different methods. Automatic Baseline Calibration(ABC) The ABC algorithm constantly keeps track of the sensor’s lowest reading over a pre-configured time interval and slowly corrects for any long-term drift detected when compared to the expected fresh air value of 400 ppm. ABC calibration is enabled/disabled through coil 4 (invoke = enable ABC). Manual Calibration Coil 11 triggers the manual calibration (FRC 400ppm) => this will tell the sensor that the current level of CO2 should be interpreted as 400ppm. When setting this register to 1, it automatically goes back to 0 a couple of seconds later. Setting Coil 11 to value 1 is the same as pressing the calibration button. Resolution The both methods of calibration can be used simultaneously since one method is for correcting drift over time (1 week intervals), the other is a manually executed reset.   The only error would come if the unit was exposed to high CO2 concentrations at night, inducing abnormal averages. If ABC is disabled, manual calibration would need to be performed more frequently.

Issue Checking if a port is open Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Pelco, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell Sigma, TAC IA Series, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment TCP/IP Communication Command Prompt Telnet Command Cause Suspect certain network ports are blocked and need to verify Resolution It is possible to check if a port is open in a network by issuing the Telnet command. Note:- Telnet operates using the TCP protocol. UDP connectivity cannot be tested using Telnet. If a port is open, a blank screen will be seen after issuing the command: telnet [domainname or ip] [port] where [domainname or ip] is the domain name or IP address of the server being checked [port] is the port number the server application is listening on For example: telnet 192.168.0.20 9001 (to a closed port would display a connect failed message)   telnet 192.168.0.20 9003 (to an open port would display a blank screen)   To exit the Telnet session, type Ctrl + ] and then type "quit".   For how to enable Telnet in Windows 7 please see Enable Telnet Client on a Windows 7 PC

Issue Unable to access the SE8xxx or SER8xxx Room Controller configuration parameters menu - displays an error code. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, Field Devices  Environment SE8xxx and SER8xxx Room controller SE8000 and SER8000 Series Ex. Viconics branding VT8000 Series Cause The PswrdSet parameter sets a protective access password to prevent unauthorized access to the configuration menu parameters. An error code is displayed whenever the password lockout is active and an incorrect password is used. Resolution Contact your region's Customer Care Center for a temporary password. The error code which is unique to that controller will be required by the Customer Care Center to calculate the temporary password.

Issue Have the VZ22, VZ32, VZ42 valves been replaced by the VZ219, VZ319, VZ419 series? Product Line Field Devices Environment Vista Satchwell Continuum Micronet Sigma Cause VZ*19* zone valves now available with equal or better specification than the older VZ*2 valves Resolution As per PA-00911 the VZ22, VZ32, VZ42 series valves are no longer available for sale.  The alternative is the standard catalogue zone offer, either the VZ*08* with MZ140 for thermal (low cost, silent) solutions, or the VZ*19* with MZ20 for a Motoric actuator solution. The alternative range VZ*08E or VZ*19*, is lower in cost and would be a suitable replacement in most applications. For high pressure applications, the VP228E PIBCV would be a suitable alternative. There should be no technical concern with changing over a PIBCV from a zone valve if the system pressure is above 25 kPa. There will be slight dimensional differences in the zone valve body length but for most installations the existing pipework should be able to accommodate the difference. A cross reference from the discontinued offer to the new offer is detailed PA-00911.   Datasheets for all valves and actuators can be found here or here for MZ18A, MZ18B, MZ20A, MZ20B, VZ*19*

Issue How to read and understand the accuracy and repeatability on CO2 sensors. The sensors shows 380 ppm, is it defect? Product Line Field Devices Environment CO2 Sensors Cause Accuracy +- 30ppm +-2% of measured value Repeatability +- 20ppm +-1% of measured value Resolution   Accuracy The accuracy of a unit is defined as the tolerance between the actual absolute gas concentration and the measured value. For example, if a unit has a specified accuracy of ±30ppm, this implies that the displayed value will be within 30 parts‐per‐million of the actual gas concentration under standard ambient operating conditions. If the gas concentration in a room is 400ppm, then the sensor is operating within rated parameters if it reads anywhere between 370ppm and 430ppm on average.   Repeatability Repeatability is closely related to precision. Repeatability is defined as the variance in measured values of a known, unchanging gas sample upon repeat measurements. To put it another way repeatability is the range of acceptable values the sensor will read, relevant to a previous measurement, when measuring a gas, independent of the actual gas concentration.  For example, if the gas concentration in a room is 400ppm and the sensor has a rated repeatability of ±10ppm, then if originally the sensor reads 420ppm, upon future measurements the sensor will read between 410ppm and 430ppm.  Repeatability is generally specified as having a tighter tolerance than accuracy. Even if a sensor is reading a value that is slightly high when compared to the actual gas concentration, it is likely that it will read close to the same slightly higher value upon repeat measurements.   How to understand the accuracy and repeatability Accuracy +- 30ppm +-2% of measured value Repeatability +- 20ppm +-1% of measured value Accuracy at 400ppm:                     Min =  – (30 + 400*0.02) = -38                     Max = + (30 + 400*0.02) = 38 Repeatability at 400pm:                     Min = - (20 + 400*0.01) = -24                     Max = (20+400*0.01) = 24   This means that in a 400ppm environment, the sensor output can vary between                     400-38-24 = 328 ppm                     400+38+24 = 462 ppm Finally, based on the explanation given above, 380ppm would still be in spec. However, another reason could be that the calibration was done in an environment that was not the “purest” and by doing so, an offset was created on the 400-baseline explaining why values below 400ppm are reported.   As said 380ppm is still in spec but the customer could try to recalibrate the CO2 sensor to see if it changes anything.

Issue Frequency of Zigbee device SED-CO2-G-5045 sending its values. Product Line Field Devices. Environment Zigbee SED-CO2-G-5045 CO2 sensor with room temperature and humidity Cause Unsure how frequently the sensor updates it's values to the network. Resolution The sensor has a Transmission Period (writable) that sets how often the device will send a measurement. Default value = 150 seconds Minimum period = 30 seconds maximum period = 600 seconds   Note that there is also a “Night Mode” to help extend battery life. During “Night Mode”, the transmission period is multiplied by 4.   Night mode is entered when the CO2 level falls below the “Comfort Limit Value”, which is 600 ppm by default.  

Issue Frequency of  Zigbee device SED-MTH-G-5045 sending its values Product Line Field Devices. Environment Zigbee SED-MTH-G-5045 Motion/Humidity/Temperature Sensor Cause Unsure how frequently the sensor updates it's values to the network. Resolution Motion Transmitted immediately on sensing of motion. Temperature  Transmitted, by default at least once every 10 minutes. If it has changed by 0.5 C or more, than it will be sent immediately with a limit on sending no more often than every 2.5 minutes. Minimum interval = 2.5 minutes Maximum interval = 10 minutes Reportable Change = 0.5 degrees C Relative Humidity Transmitted, by default at least once every 10 minutes If it has changed by 0.5%RH or more, it will be sent immediately with a limit on sending no more often than every 2.5 minutes. Minimum interval = 2.5 minutes Maximum interval = 10 minutes Reportable Change = 0.5% RH   These reporting rates are configurable for the sensor.  

Issue Wire colour coding for the SPP110 Product Line Field Devices Environment SPP110: 004702020 004702040 004702060 004702080 004702100 004702120 004702140 Cause Wire colour coding SPP110 required. Resolution Due to supply problems, between week 23 to week 32, there was a change to the sensor's cable and the wire colours. This was implemented by the manufacturer without Schneider Electric's knowledge. So no product announcement was produced.                      Original       Week 23 to Week 32 No. Function Colour                Colour 1     Y            Brown                Green 2    GO         Black                  White 3    G            Red                    Brown   Standard                                                                                           Week 23 to Week 32   Refer to the SPP110 Pressure Transmitter Wet Media Specification Sheet for more information.   The SPP110 installation sheet showing the standard wire colouring is available here The SPP110 installation sheet showing the wire colouring is attached.

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. Issue Need to replace an AVUE, AVUX or AVUM Mark 5 Actuator Product Line Field Devices Environment AVUE5305 AVUE5355 AVUE5304 AVUE5354 AVUX5202 AVUM5601 Cause Need to find a replacement for the obsolete AVUE, AVUX or AVUM Mark 5 actuator, that will allow the valve to be retained. Resolution The AVU* Mark 5 range of actuators can be replaced from the MZ300S range. AVUE5305 replace with MZ300S-24M AVUE5355 replace with MZ300S-24M AVUE5304 replace with MZ300S-24M AVUE5354 replace with MZ300S-24M AVUX5202 replace with MZ300S-24F AVUM5601 replace with MZ300S-230F The AVUE, AVUX, AVUM Mk 5 Datasheet is attached   MZ300S Specification sheet   MZ300S-24M Installation Instructions MZ300S-24F Installation Instructions   MZ300S-230F Installation Instructions

Warning Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source. Issue The SLO Label shows an incorrect value range for kL. Product Line Field Devices Environment SpaceLogic SLO series Lux sensor Cause The label on the SLO shows the incorrect value range for kL. Resolution SLO: The product specification sheet states the Ranges for the jumper as: - 0 to 500 lx and 0 to 20 kLx The range to 500 lx can be seen on the circuit board. The product’s label shows 0 – 4kL The manufacturer has confirmed the label is incorrect the value should be 500 lx, New labels will be used in production from August 2022.   SLR: The tense delivery situation during the pandemic, especially for electronic components, has forced the manufacturer to make technical changes to the SLR in order to stay able to continue to deliver reliably. The range has extended from 0.4 to 0.5 kLux. These changes are incorporated in the corresponding instructions, provided with the devices. New labels will show the extended range.