Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Connecting to an ES that is on another machine through WorkStation and trying to force a BACnet input or output point located on a b3, connected to an AS-P, causes WorkStation to freeze. The only way to get out of freeze is by ending the system task in Windows.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server v2.0.2.x Building Operation Automation Server v2.0.2.x Building Operation Workstation v2.0.2.x Continuum b3xxx Controller any version Cause EBO v2.0.2.x has communication issues when connecting to an ES that is not on the machine you have WorkStation on.  Resolution Upgrading to 2.0.3.45 or later will resolve this

Issue How to bind BACnet Objects with Priority Levels Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation BACnet MPX, RPC, MPC Cause Servers (ES, AS) and other native devices (MPX, RPC) have slightly differing binding options. EcoStruxure Building Operation BACnet binding offers many options and the information below gives an example of how it can be achieved, it is not the only method. Resolution When binding between BACnet objects in EcoStruxure Building Operation (either external or within the device) it is usually better to utilize the BACnet Priority based control, often this facility is not fully exploited. Object Force and Overrides will use set priorities as in the BACnet Interface setting for the site (see System/Interface Manager/BACnet), the defaults are below. The example below shows a simple bind from a BACnet Schedule-value to a BACnet Binary-value Priority 16 (or other priority as required, as binding at Priority 16 can interfere with simple manual overrides). A BACnet datetime_value has no Priority array, so if you bind, for example, from a "BACnet Schedule Next transition" to "BACnet datetime_value Value" the bind to a Priority cannot be achieved, as below. In addition, the MPX & RPC have some constraints that Servers do not have. If you bind "Transfer Value to" an Object Value Property (rather than a Priority) then further bindings "Transfer Value to" binding to a Priority is inhibited. The screenshot below shows the error that is seen. This promotes using Priorities to control BACnet Objects.

Issue When creating a BACnet trend log in an offline IP controller (e.g. an MP-C), the following properties are visible and can be adjusted: Delta Align intervals Interval offset Before download to the MP-C: After downloading to the MP-C these properties are not visible anymore. After download to the MP-C: Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartX IP Controller Building Operation Workstation Cause Before downloading a “generic” object to a BACnet device, Workstation doesn’t know what BACnet properties the device supports and which it does not support. Therefore it will display the full super-set of BACnet properties for the given object type to the user. When the object has been downloaded, any property not supported by the device will be removed from the editor. Resolution This is by design.

Issue When viewing WebReports within WorkStation or Internet Explorer the report data is not shown. All that is seen is a blank screen even though the menu items are still displayed (as shown in Figure 1 below). Figure 1:: Report viewed through WorkStation (Or Internet Explorer) When viewing the same WebReport through a different browser, Chrome or Firefox the report displays correctly Figure 2:: WebReport viewed using other Browsers (such as Chrome and Firefox) Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation WebReports EcoStruxure Building Operation WorkStation Cause The issue has only been seen with Internet Explorer since the other browsers appear to work. Since Building Operation WorkStation uses Internet Explorer as its internal browser, the problem is seen when displaying WebReports within WorkStation. To confirm that this is the issue you can check the Windows Event Log contents (Application Log Warnings) related to: <Provider Name="ASP.NET x.x.xxxxxxx.x" /> ... <Data>/LM/W3SVC/1/ROOT/SchneiderElectric/WebReports-1-131958191596842252</Data> <Data>Full</Data> <Data>/SchneiderElectric/WebReports</Data> <Data>C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation WebReports\WebReports\</Data> <Data>CultureNotFoundException</Data> <Data>Culture is not supported. Parameter name: culture 4096 (0x1000) is an invalid culture identifier. at System.Globalization.CultureInfo.InitializeFromCultureId(Int32 culture, Boolean useUserOverride) at Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.ReportDataOperation..ctor(IReportServerConnectionProvider connectionProvider, Boolean requiresFullReportLoad) at Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.HttpHandler.GetHandler(String operationType, IReportServerConnectionProvider connectionProvider) at Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.HttpHandler.ProcessRequest(HttpContext context) at System.Web.HttpApplication.CallHandlerExecutionStep.System.Web.HttpApplication.IExecutionStep.Execute() at System.Web.HttpApplication.ExecuteStepImpl(IExecutionStep step) at System.Web.HttpApplication.ExecuteStep(IExecutionStep step, Boolean& completedSynchronously)</Data> Resolution To correct this issue ensure that the Windows Regional Language, found in the Windows Control Panel matches between the Workstation PC and the Reports Server.

Issue TAC Xenta I/O modules that are added as LonWorks units in TAC Vista, are converted to Xenta I/O modules belonging to a Xenta Base unit (SlaveSpeak devices) in EcoStruxure Building Operation, after conversion using TAC Vista Conversion Tool. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment Vista Server TAC Vista Conversion tool Xenta Xenta I/O-modules Cause In TAC Vista, the Xenta I/O modules are normally located on the same subnet as the Xenta Base unit, and belong to the Xenta Base unit, communicating as SlaveSpeak devices. If a Xenta I/O module is located on another subnet than the Xenta base unit, it could instead be added as a LonWorks Unit in Vista, and therefore communicating via LonWorks bindings to the Xenta base unit using SNVTs. Vista Conversion Tool does not handle this configuration. In the conversion tool, all Xenta I/O modules are expected to be connected directly to a Xenta base unit, located on the same Subnet, and are therefore always treated as SlaveSpeak devices. Resolution After running the Vista Conversion tool, you have to re-build the LonWorks Bindings between the Xenta I/O module and the Xenta Base unit manually in EBO, as the Conversion Tool does not handle the actual configuration setup.

Issue When editing an EBO graphic in Webstation rather than Workstation, there is an inherent feature which allows a user to zoom in and out of the graphic using the mouse scroll. They can also pan around the page by holding down the left mouse button as they move. In many cases however, this feature is not wanted and makes the graphic more difficult to use. Image Zoomed Out  Image Zoomed In and Panned Right Product Line Building Operation Webstation Environment Graphics Cause Pan and Zoom in Webstation are features that are enabled by default in all TGML Graphics Resolution Edit the graphic object and select the top TGML root of the page properties. There is a 'Disable Pan and Zoom' option which by default is set to False.  Setting this option to True and then saving turns off the Pan and Zoom functions for that graphic

Warning   Potential for Data Loss: The steps detailed in the resolution of this article may result in a loss of critical data if not performed properly. Before beginning these steps, make sure all important data is backed up in the event of data loss. If you are unsure or unfamiliar with any complex steps detailed in this article, please contact Product Support for assistance. Issue Issues upgrading Automation Servers (AS, AS-B, AS-P) connected to an Enterprise Server (ES) from versions prior to 2.0.x to a version that is 2.0.x. ES and one Automation Server will upgrade but no others connected to that same ES will upgrade and will show an error while attempting to download the new software.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server v1.9.x Building Operation Enterprise Server v1.9.x   Cause If the Automation Servers within the ES environment are not uniquely named, and/or are the same name as the ES, an error will be received if upgrade is attempted stating "Deploy upgraded database failed". Resolution As found within the Enterprise Central section of the 2.0 Release Notes, "All servers must have unique names".   *NOTE* Renaming the Automation Server will break any paths to that Automation Server, as such they will need to be corrected.   Follow these steps to address this issue: Prior to upgrading any devices within the environment, check for and find any servers with non-unique names Detach the Automation Server (with the naming identical to the ES or any other server) from the ES Rename the Automation Server with a unique name Correct any binding path issues Reconnect Automation Server to the ES Upgrade the environment to 2.0.x

Issue Copying objects from one MP-X device to another results in a validation error. "Property value '<object type>' already assigned"     Product Line MPx series EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV Cause The Object ID is already used within the destination device Resolution This functions as design. To resolve this:   Manually enter the Object ID when creating files that may be copied to other MP-X devices. One may choose to use blocks of IDs up to 64,999.   2. Utilize the import/export function within EBO which will import the BACnet objects using the next available Instance IDs.

EBO doesn't support save from controller for B3s

Issue When doing a conversion from TAC Vista with LNS Network, to EcoStruxure Building Operation, what system should handle the addressing of the devices? What does the Network property “Shared LNS and SBO network” mean? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation, TAC Vista Environment TAC Vista Conversion Tool Cause In a TAC Vista system, running as LNS system, the network is marked as Protected in TAC Vista. This means that all addressing is handled via the LNS system. Resolution After a conversion from TAC Vista with LNS network, to EcoStruxure Building Operation, a flag is set in the Network properties, named “Shared LNS and SBO network” which means that the LonWorks network is shared between LNS and EcoStruxure BMS. LNS is used for network management, such as handling addresses and Lon bindings. LNS has the ownership of the network. EcoStruxure Buildning Operation is used for downloading application and configuration to the controllers. It does not write in the address table of the Lon device.  This flag should not be set manually.

Issue The datasheet for DO-FA-12 says: Contact rating .......................250 VAC/30 VDC, 2 A, Pilot Duty (Power Factor 0.35) What does "Pilot Duty" mean? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Bundled (AS-B) Building Operation IO-module Cause The datasheet specifies the rating class of the relays.  Understanding what "Pilot Duty" means is needed in order to know what load can be controlled by the relay. Resolution A "Pilot Duty" rating means that this relay is made for a specific highly inductive load, such as controlling the coil of another relay or contactor. Contacts with a "Pilot Duty" rating have passed standardized testing to prove they can reliably control a "Pilot Duty" load. In another example the datasheet of a device may say: Relay contact rating 250 VAC / 30 VDC, 2 A Pilot Duty (C300) In this case C300 indicates the rating of the relay, according to the UL 508 standard. The start current of a motor could damages the relays in case the current is too high. The start current could be up to 8 times the rated current, or more.

Issue Information concerning Linux releases used within the Automation Server.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Linux Operating System (OS) Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause Questions concerning Linux releases used within the Automation Server. Resolution AS versions to 1.4.1 run Linux kernel 2.6.25.1 AS versions 1.5 to 2.0.2 run Linux kernel 3.0.101 AS-P versions 1.7 to 2.0.2 run Linux kernel 3.5.0-lsp-3.3.1 For questions concerning what type of Linux...i.e. Red Hat, Ubuntu, openSUSE - There is no linux distribution in the automation server just vanilla linux kernel. For further reading, download some documentation about the kernel from their website www.kernel.org  

Issue How to be redundant with your intelligent Building Management System (iBMS) Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices, Other,Satchwell Sigma, Security Expert, TAC INET Environment Existing intelligent Building Management System Open Mind High Avalibility Solutions everRun MX Cause In engineering, redundancy is the duplication of critical components of a system with the intention of increasing the system's reliability. To be redundant with an intelligent Building Management System (iBMS) would take on two possibilities. Have an alarm on critical points alerting personnel who move into action quickly replacing control boards or devices in the event of failure. Have secondary backup controllers which upon failure, which are used to control devices resuming functionality. This is accomplished through programming the BAS with event sequences triggered from alarms or flags noting the failure. Redundancy capabilities and feasibility are site specific. Ascertaining failure in boards, points, or devices is crucial to creating secondary measures to keep seamless processes going and resume with functions.   Error detection and correction with maintenance is often the best practice for preventing failure. Worn components are the leading cause of failure, followed by a lack of planning and consideration in the protection of electrical components through power surges or failures.   For the database, backups including automated backups for MSDE, SQL Express, and Full SQL are available. For further information on database backups and options, take a look at Microsoft SQL Management Studio. For Host Computer backups, look at adding a secondary computer which replicates the database and can capture transactions and messages should a failure with the primary host computer take place. Also work with the local IT department to keep machines up to date, safe, and clean of 3rd party applications which may interfere with integrity. Schneider Electric’s building management systems are designed such that building control continues even when controller to server communication is disrupted. The BMS server is home to a database of alarm and historical data, as well as system parameters and programs. When a server or its network connection fails, the collection of data from building controllers halts until the problem is resolved. For data critical applications, this solution provides an environment capable of preventing the data loss that results from these types of failures.  Although we do support its use with EcoStruxure Building Operation, Security Expert, Continuum, I/NET, Vista, Sigma, and I/A Series as a disaster recovery solution, we do not provide direct support for EverRun. Resolution For Open Mind High Availability Solutions guide please look at the following link; Open Mind High Availability Solution guide For everRun MX solution guide please look at the following link; everRun MX guide  

Issue Customer are running an ES with version 3.2.3 sending emails through SMTP server using TLS protocol. After site is upgraded to version 4.0.3, emails are not sent and the following error is shown in the ES: "SSL routines: tls_process server_certificate:certificate verify failed. Email service failed to connect to SMTP Server." Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server version 4.0.1 and later Building Operation Automation Server Premium (AS-P) version 4.0.1 and later   Cause The following is stated in the EBO version 4.0.1 release notes: "Certificate validation for SMTP When choosing TLS as encryption method (i.e. encryption of all traffic) for SMTP, then the certificate will be validated from EBO 4.0. If a corresponding CA-certificate isn’t present in the server, then a system alarm is generated. See more in “CA Certificate Management” ( also in section 2.17.5) how to import CA Certificate." Resolution In EBO version 4.0.1 and later a valid certificate needs to be installed if alarms should be sent when using TLS protocol in the communication to the SMTP server.

Issue Micronet BACnet (MNB) AV and BV objects in G3 are purple indicating they are overridden. The AV and BV objects are read only, how can they be overridden? Product Line TAC IA Series Environment Niagara G3 Micronet BACnet MNB-300 MNB-VAV MNB-1000 Cause Purple BACnet values (I/A Series R2 and G3 graphic override color) are internal BACnet points that can not be modified (display only). This behavior is normal and began to appear in MNB controller firmware versions 1.2 and higher. Per the BACnet specification, read-only type points must be set to indicate an override condition. The root cause is a design change required by the BACnet specification to bring the controllers into compliance for BTL certification. The ASHRAE BACnet Specification 135-2004 specifies that the "read-only" type objects (e.g. Analog Value, Binary Value, etc.) OVERRIDDEN flag is: Logical TRUE (1) if the point has been overridden by some mechanism local to the BACnet device. In this context "overridden" is taken to mean that the Present Value property is not changeable through BACnet services.In this case, the override is meant to indicate to Niagara that the point is locally overridden (by the controller) and cannot be changed by the Niagara BACnet service (or user).When the ENC learns the device it reads what "Protocol Services" it supports. If it supports COV then the "use COV" flag is set to true in the device object and when the proxy points are brought in they are defined as COV and once subscribed they will send their present value and status flag values to the ENC. In this case the AVM & BVM (being read only) objects will show overridden along with their value and be purple by default. Resolution All MNB devices support COV so the use COV property is set to true when they are discovered in the ENC.If the use COV property of the Device object is changed to false the ENC will use readPropertyMultiple (if supported in the device) to poll for data. If readPropertyMultiple is not supported in the device the ENC will read one property at a time. Now when the points are learned they will be defined as polled and when polled only the present value (PV) is requested (by default). Hence the AVM & BVM objects will show their value but not show overridden because their status flags are not known at the ENC. If the use COV device property is set to true after the AVM and BVM proxy points are defined in the ENC they will show overridden and purple after they are successfully subscribed. Turning the use COV property in the device to false at this point will cause these objects to be polled but their status is already known so they will continue to show overridden along with their present value. The only way to change that is to delete and re-learn them while the device use COV property is sent to false.

Issue What ground connections are required when wiring a voltage input? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment AS/ AS-P Power Supply AS-B Universal Input Modules 0-10V, 0-5V sensors Cause The required connections are different for isolated and non isolated voltage inputs. Consideration of the system grounding is also required. Resolution If your input sensor is isolated it can be directly connected to the UI and RET terminals of the Universal Input module. An isolated sensor will have 4 terminals (2 power terminals G0 and G, 2 output terminals M and X) the power ground G0 is not directly connected to the output ground M terminal. However for non isolated sensors (usually 3 terminal devices) the signal terminal X will be wired to the UI input, but the sensors signal common G0 should be wired directly to the Signal Ground for the installation, not to the RET terminal of the IO Module. On every Input modules ensure that one RET terminal from the IO Module is wired directly to the Signal Ground. Full details of the required wiring and an example wiring drawing showing isolated and non-isolated voltage inputs can be found in "Wiring" section of the Hardware Reference Guide available on the Download Center.

Issue How is a subnet defined? Environment Refer to "TCP/IP Network Administration" by Craig Hunt, O’Reilly & Associates, Inc. Cause Sectioning network communication by subnets. Resolution A subnet is defined by applying a bit mask (subnet mask) to the IP address. If a bit is on in the mask, that equivalent bit in the address is interpreted as a network bit. If a bit in the mask is off, the bit belongs to the host part of the address. The subnet is only known locally.