Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue What is difference between valve rangeability and turndown ratio? Product Line Field Devices Environment Valves Cause Definition of the terms helps explain the flow outcomes. Resolution Rangeability - maximum controllable flow divided by minimum controllable flow Turndown ratio - normal maximum system flow divided by minimum controllable flow.   Rangeability is the inherent characteristic of the valve and turndown ratio is the installed characteristic.

Issue VTRA Valve Body requires replacement due to obsolescence. Product Line Field Devices Environment VTRA 3-port Mixing Valve Body Cause Obsolescence of VTRA Valve Body Resolution VTRA Valve Bodies are obsolete and have been for many years. VTRA Valve Bodies were available with either Flanged or Screwed connections.  Details of the various size / connection combinations available appear VTRA Specification Sheet. REPLACEMENT OF VTRA FLANGED CONNECTION VALVE BODY A replacement for the VTRA Flanged Valve Body (32-80mm) may be selected from the VTRE range of Flanged Valve Bodies, see VTRE S-E Specification Sheet for more datails. N.B. It should be noted that the VTRE Valve Body is rated PN6 whereas the VTRA was rated PN10. The VTRE Flanged Valve Body may be operated by the EM9 Actuator, see Alternatively the VTRE Flanged Valve Body may be operated by the M9B Actuator, See EM 9 Specification Sheet for more details. No Linkage Kit is required to mount the EM9 or M9B Actuator on the VTRE Valve Body. Alternatively a replacement for the VTRA Flanged Valve Body (65-80mm only) may be selected from the the S-E VG311F and V321 3-Port Flanged Valve Bodies, more details can be found in the Venta VG311F 65-150C Specification Sheet and the Venta V321 Specification Sheet N.B. It should be noted that the S-EVG311F and V321 Valve Body are rated PN16 whereas the VTRA was rated PN10.   REPLACEMENT OF VTRA SCREWED CONNECTION VALVE BODY A replacement for the VTRA Screwed Valve Body (15-50mm) may be selected from the MB range of Screwed Valve Bodies, see the MB/MBF data sheet for more details. The MB Screwed Valve Body may be operated by the MD10B series Actuator, see the MD10B specification sheet for more details. Alternatively the MB Screwed Valve Body may be operated by the MD10A Actuator, see the MD10A specification sheet for more details.  

Issue A newly installed program does not run and could be using a port on the host computer that's already assigned to another running program or service.  How can current port usage on the host computer be determined quickly? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Building Expert, Satchwell MicroNet, Satchwell BAS & Sigma, TAC INET, TAC I/A Series, TAC Vista, Andover Continuum, CCTV, Field Devices Environment Microsoft Windows Cause A port conflict is suspected. Resolution Open a command prompt and type: netstat -a -n -p tcp -b This command will display all services running, protocol used, local and foreign address, state, and program name.   netstat -p tcp -ano This command will display all services running, protocol used, local and foreign address, state and PID (process identifier). Use Task Manager to match the PID to the program using the port. netstat -p tcp -ano | findstr :80 If a specific port number is necessary, this command will interrogate the system for the program currently using that port number:

Issue Satchwell FEU 4-port Unit Control Valve is obsolete. Product Line Field Devices Environment Satchwell FEU 4-port Unit Control Valve installations FEU4414 FEU4415 FEU4416 FEU4451 FEU4452 FEU4454 FEU4626 FEU4627 Cause Satchwell FEU 4-port Unit Control Valve requires replacement due to failure. Resolution Satchwell FEU 4-port Unit Control Valve may be replaced by Schneider Electric VZ419 series Unit Control Valve, although dimensional differences may apply.. It should be noted that VZ419 series Unit Control Valves are available in both Flat Face and Compression fitting specifications. The latest issue of the Schneider Electric Valves and Actuators Catalogue should therefore be consulted in order to determine the availability of the particular size / kv / fitting combination required.   It should also be noted that any Actuator installed on the Satchwell FEU 4-port Unit Control Valve will not be compatible with the replacement Schneider Electric VZ419 4-port Unit Control Valve and that a Schneider Electric MZ20 series Actuator of the appropriate operating voltage / signal type will also be required. 

Issue Satchwell MEU 3-port Unit Control Valve is obsolete. Product Line Field Devices Environment Satchwell MEU 3-port Unit Control Valve installations Cause Satchwell MEU 3-port Unit Control Valve requires replacement due to failure. Resolution Satchwell MEU 3-port Unit Control Valve may be replaced by Schneider Electric VZ319 series Unit Control Valve, although dimensional differences may apply. It should be noted that VZ319 series Unit Control Valves are available in both Flat Face and Compression fitting specifications. The latest issue of the Schneider Electric Valves and Actuators Catalogue should therefore be consulted in order to determine the availability of the particular size / kv / fitting combination required. It should also be noted that any Actuator installed on the Satchwell MEU 3-port Unit Control Valve will not be compatible with the replacement Schneider Electric VZ319 3-port Unit Control Valve and that a Schneider Electric MZ20 series Actuator of the appropriate operating voltage / signal type will also be required.

Issue The Drayton Theta YBM2A Valve Body / Actuator assembly is to be replaced. Product Line Field Devices Environment Replacement Drayton Actuator Valve YBM2A Cause The Drayton Theta YBM2A Valve Body / Actuator assembly is obsolete. Resolution OVERVIEW The Drayton Theta YBM2A Valve Body / Actuator assembly is obsolete, and there is no purpose built replacement. The Valve Body was available in 1.1/4", 1.1/2" and 2" B.S.P. sizes and was normally installed as a mixing valve in variable temperature, constant volume, compensated heating circuits. No Valve Body / Actuator assemblies are currently available in these sizes. Details of the YB Valve Body may be viewed here.   VALVE BODY REPLACEMENT To replace the YBM2A Valve Body the following is required:- S-E Satchwell MB Valve Body of appropriate size - MB1552 (1.1/4"), MB1602 (1.1/2"), MB1652 (2") Details of the MB Valve Body may be viewed here.   ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT The YBM2A Actuator comprised a 3-wire electrical connection enabling it to be operated by a Mains Voltage changeover contact device as follows :- Terminal M1 – Open signal Terminal M2 – Close signal Terminal M3 – Common The YBM2A Actuator may be replaced by one or other of the following S-E Actuators :- MD10B-230 MD20B-230 (if MD10B-230 not available) Details of the MD10B-230 Actuator may be viewed here. Details of the MD20B-230 Actuator may be viewed here. N.B. The YBM2A Actuator also included an additional 3-wire electrical connection associated with an integral S.P.C.O. Auxiliary Switch wired as follows :- Terminal S1 – Normally Closed Contact Terminal S2 – Common Terminal S3 – Normally Open Contact Where external wiring is connected to the YBM2A Actuator Auxiliary Switch then an Auxiliary Switch Kit containing a S.P.C.O. Auxiliary Switch should be installed on the MD Actuator. Auxiliary Switch Kit MD-S1 (914-1060-000) Details of the MD-S1 Auxiliary Switch Kit may be viewed here. The MD-S1 Auxiliary Switch Kit should be wired as follows :-. Terminal S1 – Common Terminal S2 – Normally Closed Contact Terminal S3 – Normally Open Contact   LINKAGE KIT A Linkage Kit will also be required in order to enable the MD Actuator to be mounted on the MB Valve Body. Linkage Kit LMD/AR-MB (914-1071-000) Details of the LMD/AR-MB Linkage Kit may be viewed here In such 3-wire installations the YBM2A Valve / Actuator assembly only will need to be replaced, while any associated Controller and Sensors may be retained.

Issue What is valve authority? Product Line Field Devices Environment Any valve Cause Information on Valve Authority to obtain good control. Resolution Valve Authority = (Pressure drop across fully open control valve) / (pressure drop across the remainder of the circuit) + (pressure drop across fully open valve) In other words, valve authority within a system indicates how much of the system's total pressure drop comes from the control valve. It is common practice to consider the range between .2 to .5 as "acceptable" authority for proportional valve.

Issue The Drayton CRL 240 Actuator / Valve assembly is to be replaced. Product Line Field Devices Environment Replacement Drayton Actuator Valve CRL 240 Cause The Drayton CRL 240 Actuator / Valve is obsolete Resolution The Drayton CRL 240 Actuator / Valve assembly is obsolete and there is no purpose built replacement. The associated Drayton Valve Body was available in numerous sizes.  These sizes are not available in current combined Actuator / Valve designs. To replace one of the above Actuator / Valve Body combinations the following are required :- Valve sizes ½” – 2” Valve – MB(1/2" - 2") Actuator -  MD10B-230 (  MD20B-230 could  be used if MD10B-230 is not available) Auxiliary Switch - MD-S1 ( MD-S2 could be used if MD-S1 is not available) Linkage Kit - LMD/AR-MB or the RM3601 actuator without the need for a linkage kit Linkage Kit Select S-E LMD/AR-MB Linkage Kit. (914-1071-000) MBF Valve sizes 65mm – 100mm Could be replaced by the VTRE range To view the MB Valve Data Sheet, please click here. To view the MD10B Actuator Data Sheet, please click here. To view the MD-S1 Auxiliary Switch Data Sheet, please click here. To view the LMD/AR-MB Linkage Kit Data Sheet, please click here. To view the LMD/AR-MBF Linkage Kit Data Sheet, please click here. To view the RM 360 data sheet please click here

Issue AVUE 5 Series Actuator does not actuate Control Valve correctly when installed in place of AVUE 2, 3 or 4 Series Actuator. Product Line Field Devices Environment AVUE 5304, AVUE5305, AVUE5354 and AVUE5355 Actuators installed on FEU, MEU, VEU Unit Control Valves. AVUE 5304, AVUE5305, AVUE5354 and AVUE5355 Actuators installed on MZX, VZX Plant Control Valves. Cause AVUE 5 Series Actuators are available with stoke lengths of 9.5mm and 12.7mm AVUE 5304 and AVUE 5354 Actuators provide a stroke length of 12.7mm AVUE 5305 and AVUE 5355 Actuators provide a stroke length of 9.5mm   AVUE 2, 3 and 4 Series Actuators provided universal stroke compatibility. Control Valves having either 9.5mm or 12.7mm stroke could be actuated.  Resolution Select AVUE 5304 (Direct Acting) or AVUE 5354 (Reverse Acting) to actuate MZX or VZX Plant Control Valves. Select AVUE 5305 (Direct Acting) or AVUE 5355 (Reverse Acting) to actuate FEU, MEU or VEU Unit Control Valves.   For further AVUE 5 Series Actuator information please refer to Data Sheet DS 3.002  11/06   The AVUE is no longer available, check the 2022 Valves & Actuators Catalog - EMEA & APAC for a replacement. Note: The valve would need to be replaced to accommodate the replacement actuator.

Issue Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuator requires replacement Product Line Field Devices Environment Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuators installed on Air Dampers, Satchwell MB Series or MBF Series Rotary Shoe Valve Bodies. Actuator types :- ARE ARM ARX Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuators Resolution Replace Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuators with appropriate Schneider Electric MD Series Rotary Actuators and Linkage Kits selected from the following :- Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuators installed on Air Dampers. ARE Series 7 = MD20A-24 ARM Series 7 = MD20B-230 ARX Series 7 = MD20B-24 N.B. Schneider Electric MD20 Series Actuators are supplied with a Direct Damper Mounting Kit enabling the Actuator to be installed direct on to an Air Damper Spindle. Should the Actuator be required to operate an Air Damper remotely by means of a Damper Crank Arm and associated Connecting Rod and Universal Connectors, then this may be achieved through the installation of the following Linkage Kit :- ZG-MD20 Damper Linkage Kit (914-1063-000) Should the Satchwell AR Series 7 Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be installed on the Schneider Electric MD Series Actuator as appropriate :- MD – S1 One independent Mains Voltage rated changeover contact Auxiliary Switch MD – S2 Two independent Mains Voltage rated changeover contact Auxiliary Switches   Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuators installed on Satchwell MB Series Screwed Rotary Shoe Valve Bodies. ARE Series 7 = MD10A-24 + Linkage Kit 914-1071-000 ARM Series 7 = MD10B-230 + Linkage Kit 914-1071-000 ARX Series 7 = MD10B-24 + Linkage Kit 914-1071-000 N.B. Should the Satchwell AR Series 7 Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be installed on the Schneider Electric MD Series Actuator as appropriate :- MD – S1 One independent Mains Voltage rated changeover contact Auxiliary Switch MD – S2 Two independent Mains Voltage rated changeover contact Auxiliary Switches   Satchwell AR Series 7 Rotary Actuators installed on Satchwell MBF Series Flanged Rotary Shoe Valve Bodies ARE Series 7 = MD20A-24 + Linkage Kit 914-1070-000 ARM Series 7 = MD20B-230 + Linkage Kit 914-1070-000 ARX Series 7 = MD20B-24 + Linkage Kit 914-1070-000 N.B. Should the Satchwell AR Series 7 Actuator include a wired Auxiliary Switch then the following Accessory should also be installed on the Schneider Electric MD Series Actuator as appropriate :- MD – S1 One independent Mains Voltage rated changeover contact Auxiliary Switch MD – S2 Two independent Mains Voltage rated changeover contact Auxiliary Switches   Product information. For details of MD10A please see here For details of MD10B please see here For details of MD20A please see here For details of MD20B please see here For details of MD-S1 please see here For details of MD-S2 please see here For details of Linkage Kit ZG-MD20 please see here For details of Linkage Kit 914-1070-000 please see here For details of Linkage Kit 914-1071-000 please see here

Issue Where can we find the LON xif files for SE72xx, SE73xx, SE76xx controllers? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert,EcoStruxure Building Operation,Field Devices Environment SE7200 / SE7300 / SE76000 Room Controllers Cause xif files are needed for LON applications. Resolution All LON related files for these controllers are available for download on The Exchange Download Center:   XIF files and plug-ins Resource files (DRF kit)

Issue A calibration certificate is sometimes requested by the end customer Product Line Field Devices Environment Schneider Electric sensor portfolio Cause To ensure that a sensor is keeping measurement values within specification, a certificate is sometimes requested by the end customer. Resolution If a calibration certificate is requested, this must be notified to the Orders dept when the order is placed. The ordered sensors are then tested again according to the specifications and delivered with a calibration certificate. This process may lead to additional costs and a slightly longer delivery time. Calibration certificates cannot be produced after the products are delivered. Download the Sensor Calibration Certificate Order Form

Issue Having difficulties binding (pairing) room controller with MPM Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert Environment SmartStruxure Lite Multi-Purpose Manager (MPM) SE7000 Room Controller Cause Unable to make sense of LED blinks status Resolution The room controller cover needs to be removed to expose the LED located on the ZigBee communication module.   Here is a description of the LED status for Sigma Room Controllers (SE7000 Series): Blinks once: ZigBee Communication module is powered but might be defective or incompatible with the room controller base board. Blinks twice: ZigBee Communication module is compatible with room controller base board but cannot see any ZigBee network in its range that matches its own channel and PAN ID. Blinks 3 times: Room controller has joined the network successfully but it is not bound to MPM. Blinks continuously: Room Controller has joined the network and is placed in identify mode by MPM during the binding process. Blinks 4 short and 1 long: Thermostat is bound to the MPM and is communicating.

Issue The controller does not follow the programmed on/off times. Product Line Field Devices Environment CSC 5252 5352 Discrete Compensators Cause The flow temperature sensor has failed and is causing the controller to remain on. Resolution As part of it's "Out of Hours" operation, the controller will monitor the flow temperature and if it falls below 5'C, the controller will act to remove the risk of frost by starting the pump and opening the control valve. For a full description of this function, please refer to the CSC User Guide.

Issue DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller requires resetting to default values due to exposure to electrical corruption. Product Line Field Devices Environment DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller installed to control Variable Temperature Mixing Valve, Boiler/s, Pumps etc. Cause DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller has been exposed to electrical corruption. Resolution DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be reset to default values as follows :-  Isolate power to Controller. Open Door of Controller. Locate PCB on rear of Controller Door. Locate pair of Steel Pins (marked PL1) on PCB. Link out pair of Steel Pins for 10 seconds approx. Remove Link. Close Door of Controller. Reinstate power to Controller. Re-programme Controller. Re-programming procedure for the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be viewed here. Should the above reset to default values procedure fail to enable the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller to be re-programmed then replacement of the Controller may need to be considered. POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT The most common control application to which theDC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be applied comprises the following combination of inputs and outputs.  Outside Air Temperature Sensor Inside Air Temperature Sensor Compensated Heating Temperature Sensor Variable Temperature Heating Circuit Valve Actuator Boiler/s (2 maximum) H W S On/Off output (independent) Should such inputs and outputs be confirmed then the DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator may be installed in place of the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller. Details of the DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be viewed here. Drayton A7xx series Sensors connected to the DC2000 Optimiser / Compensator Controller are compatible with the DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller and may therefore be retained. N.B. It should be noted that where a DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller is included in an installation of a more complex nature then an alternative solution utilizing different products may need to be considered In such installations not only will the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller need to be replaced but its associated Sensors will also need to be replaced. Resolutions to such installations may best be determined following a review of the control system installed by a member of the local Schneider Electric

Issue DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller requires replacement due to obsolescence. Product Line Field Devices Environment DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller installed to control Variable Temperature Mixing Valve, Boiler/s, Pumps etc. Cause Obsolescence of DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller. Resolution OVERVIEW DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controllers are flexible with regard to the number and type of electrical inputs and outputs to which they may be connected, enabling the Controller to be applied to a wide range of control applications.  Overview details of the DC2000 Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be viewed here.    INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING In view of the numerous control applications to which the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be applied, numerous wiring connection variations will also apply. Please therefore check the number of inputs and outputs connected to the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller installed before proceeding, as this will assist in determining the suitability of the possible replacement Controller suggested below. Installation and Commissioning details of the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be viewed here. POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT The most common control application to which theDC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be applied comprises the following combination of inputs and outputs.  Outside Air Temperature Sensor Inside Air Temperature Sensor Compensated Heating Temperature Sensor Variable Temperature Heating Circuit Valve Actuator Boiler/s (2 maximum) H W S On/Off output (independent) Should such inputs and outputs be confirmed then the DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator may be installed in place of the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller. Details of the DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller may be viewed here. Drayton A7xx series Sensors connected to the DC2000 Optimiser / Compensator Controller are compatible with the DC1100 Optimiser / Compensator Controller and may therefore be retained. N.B. It should be noted that where a DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller is included in an installation of a more complex nature then an alternative solution utilizing different products may need to be considered. In such installations not only will the DC2000 series Optimiser / Compensator Controller need to be replaced but its associated Sensors will also need to be replaced. Resolutions to such installations may best be determined following a review of the control system installed by a member of the local Schneider Electric office.

Issue Climatronic Compensator Controller (CSC5252 or CSC5352) configuration set-up Product Line Field Devices Environment Climatronic CSC5252 CSC5352 Cause Checking configuration or new system setup. Resolution Set-up and access information is available from the CSC User Guide. Click here. A graphical example of settings are available from here in the form of an Excel Calculator. CSC Access details are also available on the calculator.

Issue Safety information can be requested when distributing thermostats, particularly via airplane. Product Line Field Devices Environment Room thermostat Cause Not all documentation is available to download. Resolution TC300 3AxL Series Low Voltage Certificate of Conformity TC300 3AxL Series Electromagnetic Compatibility Certificate of Conformity TC300 3AxLM-DLS-DLMS Series Low Voltage Certificate of Conformity TC300 3AxLM-DLS-DLMS Series Electromagnetic Compatibility Certificate of Conformity Battery material safety data sheet. Identification and classification report for air transport of goods.  

Issue Satchwell “VG” combined Actuator & 2-port Valve Body assembly requires replacement. Environment Stand alone Satchwell “VG” combined Actuator & 2-port Valve Body assembly VG Actuator 2-port Valve Body Cause Obsolescence of Satchwell “VG” combined Actuator & 2-port Valve Body assembly. Resolution Replace Satchwell “VG” combined Actuator & 2-port Valve Body assembly with Schneider Electric MD10B Actuator, LMD-MB Linkage Kit and Satchwell MB series 3-port Valve Body of appropriate size. N.B.  The MB 3-port Valve Body may be converted to a 2-port Valve Body by installing a plug in Port 3   Details of the original Satchwell “VG” combined Actuator & 2-port Valve Body assembly may be viewed here. Details of the replacement Schneider Electric MD10B Actuator may be viewed here. Details of the replacement Schneider Electric LMD-MB Linkage Kit may be viewed here. Details of the replacement Satchwell MB 3-port Valve Body may be viewed here. N.B. It is possible that the "VG" Actuator may have been fitted with an Auxiliary Switch. If so then an MD-S1 Auxiliary Switch may be fitted to the MD10B Actuator if required. Details of the MD-S1 Auxiliary Switch may be viewed here.  

Issue Connection details for the MZ20A / MZ20A-R actuator. Product Line Field Devices Environment MZ20A-R Wiring Connections Cause How do the cable colours relate to the connection numbers on an MZ20A / MZ20A-R actuator? Resolution The MZ20A / MZ20A-R actuator connection details are shown below.   For the actuator data sheet please click .HERE