Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Various items are not being displayed in the system tree or the binding tree of EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation. When navigating through the tree, items such as folders or parameters may be missing. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Workstation System tree Cause If items are missing in the system tree or the binding browse tree then the filter settings are not set up correctly. Resolution If the expand icon next to a folder is missing or items are missing from the system tree, follow the steps below.     If the expand icon next to a folder is missing or items are missing from the system tree, make sure that the funnel icon is not clicked or activated (Show/Hide non-presentation objects)     If points are missing in the bindings browse window, make sure the funnel in the top left corner of that window is not clicked or activated (Hide parameters)

Issue Unable to back up the Automation Server Unable to retrieve a working backup from an Automation Server Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Cause Corrupt configuration.db Network environment issues Power failure Resolution Database Corruption When the server backup process is initiated, the server tests the integrity of the configuration.db.  If the database does not pass the integrity test, the backup process is terminated, and no resulting backup is produced. In this case, an older backup will need to be used.  The backup should be bench tested for integrity before restoring to the production server.   Network Environment In some cases, the AS may produce a valid backup file, but when the backup is saved off of the server the file size is unusually small.  This can happen when network issues interfere with the backup save to disk process.   In such cases, Automation Server backups taken from the Enterprise server will usually be damaged as well.    You can work around this problem by connecting a Workstation laptop PC directly to the AS with an ethernet cable, thus eliminating the network from the process. Backups can also be retrieved in this way using most versions of Device Administrator.    Power Failure The power fails while the EcoStruxure BMS server is backing up and the system displays a “Failed backup” message in the Event view. The solution is to initiate a new backup when the power resumes and the EcoStruxure BMS server goes back online. Power Failure Occurs During Backup     

Issue A license violation alarm is shown in the alarm viewer even though the system has all licenses necessary. The alarm returns to normal without any action from the operator. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause The Enterprise Server / Central contacts the License Server installed on the computer to determine what licenses are available. The License Server will then contact the "Trusted Storage" on the computer which is created when activating the licenses and ask how many licenses are available. The issue comes when the "Trusted Storage" creates some metadata once a day.  The metadata is a file created showing which licenses are used at that moment.  This is not currently used but could be by a third-party client who is interested in the license information for the system.  When the "Trusted Storage" creates the metadata it will be busy and not answer the License Server.  This is when the license violation alarm will be activated.  The alarm will return to normal after the "Trusted Storage" has finished creating the metadata. Resolution An investigation is ongoing. This issue has been fixed in EBO 2022. Please refer to License Violation Alarm 

Issue PE Script program created in b3 or i2 has no error but its not executing. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Infinet i1, I2 BACnet b3 Automation Server, AS, ASP, ASB Cause Program compilation was not valid. Resolution Examine the code and determine what is causing the compilation issue. Known causes... 1. Variable declared in the code but not used (unbound)

Issue Unable to compile a b3 Script program if there is a bind to the priority array of a commandable property. How to command an object at a particular priority in b3 Script program. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment b3 WorkStation Automation Server Cause Because of historical reasons (that are outside the scope of this article) in the evolution of the b3 firmware, binding to the priority array of an object within a Script program in the b3 is NOT supported. Resolution To command an object from a Script program in the b3 at a specific priority the WriteProperty command MUST be used. NOTE If the b3 firmware is 4.500064 then priority 10 will always be set rather than the one specified in the WriteProperty command. This was fixed in v4.500076, it is best to use the the latest firmware

Issue A network level controller is shown offline. Can a flash upgrade (Update OS) be done to it? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment BCX ACX5720 ACX5740 NC2 CX9900 Cause A bCX needed a flash upgrade but was offline in CyberStation. How can we update the OS? Resolution The Update OS function can sometimes be completed even if the controller indicates that it is offline. If it cannot be pinged from CyberStation, it will not likely be able to be upgraded in its current state and may require returning for repair. But if it can be pinged it, try doing the Update OS. Follow the progress in the Distribution window. If it completes, the controller will likely come back online a few minutes after the update is complete Completing this "Blind Update OS" can often restore to normal operation a controller that has its Operating System corrupted not allowing the Web page to be accessed, as long as you know the ACCNet ID and IP address (a reset IP can be performed) this process may be attempted. It is also possible to flash an offline controller if it has reverted to the default IP address (169.254.1.1) and ACCNet ID of 1 if the Workstation is set to be in the same subnet so it can ping the controller and these default settings are used for the controller configuration. If after a full cold restart and at least 2 attempts to flash the controller fail, then the controller may need to be returned for Repair. Some possible causes of this problem are listed in What can cause a controller to reset, cold start or lose data.

Issue Unable to access ES or AS after setting a new Domain as the default domain Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) Cause If you set a domain as a default domain before logging in through that domain, it is possible that you do not have users set up and therefore will be locked out of the system. Resolution Open Building Operation Workstation Enter a Username and password for the Local domain or another previously functional domain Set the Domain as "Local", please note that this is case sensitive. Select the correct Server Log in Change the default domain back to Local until you have successfully logged in using the new domain.

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 Certain Xenta controllers and I/O modules can accept 10k thermistor temperature inputs. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation,TAC Vista Environment Xenta 102-AX Xenta 420A, Xenta 450A Cause The Xenta 102-AX has always used 10k thermistors. Now some of the I/O modules and programmable controllers also have an option for 10k thermistor inputs. A common question is -- what type of 10k thermistors? Type 2? Type 3? Resolution The reason there is no reference to 10k Type 2 or 10k Type 3 is because these are Continuum-specific terms. The 10k thermistor that is compatible with Xenta 42XA and 45XA I/O modules are the same that I/NET uses. They are Vishay Dale Curve #1. View this PDF for the Resistance vs. Temperature Conversion Tables for this thermistor.

Issue Backup set file cannot be imported.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Automation Server Enterprise Server Backup set file Cause Backup set file is very large so import of backup set file fails.   Resolution A current workaround is to manually copy the backup file set to the default backup location. Browse to C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup or C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation x.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup By default the ProgramData folder is hidden. To view the ProgramData folder follow the below steps: Select Organize>>Folder and Search options. In Folder options under view tab select "Show hidden files,folders and drives". Manually copy the Enterprise Server Backup set file and paste to the below location: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup\LocalBackup   Manually copy the Automation Server Backup set file and paste to the below location: C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\Enterprise Server\db_backup\ASArchives

Issue When launching a program or when working with a program, you get an error from "Microsoft .NET Framework".   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, Satchwell MicroNet, TAC INET, TAC Vista Environment Windows .NET Framework Cause Microsoft .NET Framework is used in almost all larger applications, and there can be various reasons why you see an error. One reason can be application specific, meaning that there is an actual issue with the software and the way the software is using .NET Framework, but another reason can be that the .NET Framework installation itself is corrupted. If it's an application specific issue, you need to contact product support, but in many cases simply repairing the .NET Framework installation has proven to solve the issue. Resolution 1: Close all applications 2: Make sure you have the correct version of .NET Framework installed for the software you use referencing the product's data sheet. You can use this tool to check what versions you have. Here is a direct download link. 3: Install versions that might be missing. You can download the various versions from the tool linked above. 4: Download Microsoft's .NET Framework repair tool and run it applying all fixes the tool suggests. Here is a direct download link.

Issue GSM modems that can be used with the Remote Alarm Manager. Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma,Satchwell MicroNet,TAC Vista Environment Remote Alarm Manager. BAS Sigma Micronet Vista  GSM RAM Siemens TC35i Siemens MC52i Multi-Tech MTCBA-G-F4-GB/IE Cinterion MTX-65+G-V53 Cause Not all GSM modems will allow the full functionality of message acceptance in the Remote Alarm Manager. Resolution The following GSM modems are known to provide the full message acceptance of the Remote Alarm Manager. Siemens TC35i GSM modem terminal. In the Remote Alarm Manager configuration select the C35i driver. This modem is now being replaced be the Cinterion (Siemens) MC52i GSM/GPRS Dual band modem terminal, which has not been tested, but appears to be a direct replacement with added functionality. TC35i GSM/GPRS modem terminal data sheet MC52i GSM/GPRS modem terminal data sheet Multi-Tech MultiModem MTCBA-G-F4-GB/IE modem terminal. In the Remote Alarm Manager configuration select the Brodersen UCM 91/92. This modem is still available, but seems expensive and difficult to source. MultiTech MultiModems MTCBA-G-F4 data sheet Cinterion MTX-65+G-V53 modem terminal.In the Remote Alarm Manager configuration, allow the software to locate the modem and use a generic driver. Cinterion MTX-65+G-V53 modem terminal data sheet   Remote Alarm Manger is no longer a support solution, it is recommended transitioning or upgrading to EcoStruxure Building Operation.

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 Schneider Electric domain firewall policy Product Line Satchwell BAS & Sigma Environment Engineer's laptops Cause Schneider computer/domain updates include McAfee firewall updates. It has been seen on some laptops with a fully working Sigma system, after a  Schneider policy update, the Sigma client fails to connect to the server.   Resolution Access to the firewall setting, on most Schneider Electric engineer's  laptops is not possible. Disabling the McAfee firewall should allow Sigma to load. Locate and, with a right mouse click, select the McAfee Icon  (found on the taskbar near the clock). From the list provided select "Quick Settings" Then select "Enable Firewall Timed Groups", You will need to enter a reason. The firewall will be disabled for a one hour period. 

Issue Automation Server - Warm and Cold Start differences Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation server Cause The explanation on the differences between a warm start and a cold start in the documentation and web help may not be clear to some.  Resolution Warm Start: Restarts the controller's application Cold Start: Restarts the controller's operating system An Automation Server can be warm/cold started from Workstation or by using the reset button on the Automation Server. Refer to Reset Functions on Web Help for an explanation of the differences between warm and cold starting the AS.  Basically, you can set the Retain Levels for variables in Building Operation to 'No', 'warm start' or 'cold start'. To change the retain level of a variable and go to its properties.  - Click on the gear icon. - Set the retain level of the variable. 1. Retain level set to 'No' - The variable is reset to the value set when the object was created. When you create an Analog Value object, the value of the newly created object is '0'. A user can set this to another value. When retain level is set for this Analog Value object, after a warm or cold start, the value of this object will default back to '0'. 2. Retain level set to 'Warm start' - The value is set back to the last value set by the user. If a user change the value of an Analog Value object to another value and save, after a warm start, the object will return to the last value set by the user.  3. Retain level set to 'Cold start' - The value is set back to the last value set by either the user or the system (for instance by a program). The operation is similar to the warm start but in this case, the last value set by the system will also be retained. 

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 Communications with other Lon network devices are lost after the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon has cold-started. Product Line Satchwell Sigma Environment Sigma IC-Lon Integration controllers IC3-Lon Integration controllers Cause The controller has been cold-started either manually or through the automatic process. Resolution The final part of the engineering process of the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon, is for the file named NVConfig.bin to be uploaded from the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon to the Sigma server. If this file is not uploaded, then the IC-Lon/IC3-Lon reverts to its non-bound state. The NVConfig.bin file contains information about the Lon bindings and is modified during the binding process when using LonMaker. To upload the NVConfig.bin, carry out the following: Open "System Diagnostics"  on the Sigma server. Select the correct controller number. From the "Options" menu select "Upload Files" and NVConfig.bin This file will now be uploaded and overwrite the existing file in the controller folder, and therefore when the controller next cold-starts, the correct file will be downloaded to it. For more information on the Engineering process of an IC-Lon/IC3-Lon, please click here.   The Sigma system is now out of its support period, consideration should be given to transitioning or upgrading to SpaceLogic - EcoStruxure Building Operation.

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