Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue When configuring an Input to control an Output in an Input Type, what are the differences between using the "Control Output" or "Input Control Output" options? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause When configuring Input Types there can be some confusion with the terminology used to describe the two types of Outputs that can be controlled from an Input event.  Control Output options on the Input Types Options (2) tab Input Control Output options on the Input Types Options (3) tab Resolution The "Control Output" options refer to the Control Output defined in the Input Type's General tab. Control Output The "Input Control Output" options refer to the Control Output defined in the individual Inputs General tab. Input Control Output An explanation for a related example would be: If a common output for all inputs of the Input Type then; On the Options (2) tab enable the Activate Control Output On Alarm and Deactivate Control Output On Restore. On the Configuration tab of the Input Type, set the Control Output to the output you want to trigger. Else if each input has a separate output then; On the Options (3) tab enable the Activate Input Control Output On Alarm and Deactivate Input Control Output On Restore. In each Input set the Control Output to the output you want to trigger.

Issue Security Expert Client crashes when attempting to browse to the Status Page Editor. Unable to create Status Pages for system monitoring. When viewing Status Pages none are shown and the word "Frame" is displayed in the view. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client Status Pages Cause The problem is due to the site database not containing the default id=0 objects.  As there is no id=0 Status Page for your site, the Client crashes when browsing to Monitoring | Setup | Status Page Editor.  This can occur when the original 'default controller' is not created during initial Site configuration. A number of default objects are also created as well as the first controller. If you look at the site database, you will also find that it does not contain any id=0 Event Filters or Actions which means that no events will be logged either. Status Page Resolution There are two options to resolve these missing default records: Start with a new Security Expert database and ensure that when creating your Site that the first 'default controller' is created with the Controller Wizard (when prompted). At the end of this process, the default id=0 site objects will also be created. Raise a case with Product Support to arrange for a remote connection.  PSS engineers will then attempt to create the missing id=0 records retrospectively. The site's SSN may need to be provided.. 

Issue Need to configure a door to unlock on REN (Request to Enter) only during business hours Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Security Expert Controller Cause Guidelines needed on how to configure the door's REN input to unlock the door only when a specified schedule is active. Resolution Do not configure a REN input in the door, instead follow the steps below: Create a virtual output. Create the input that will be used for Request to Enter (REN) Create the schedule that the REN should follow. Create a dummy area   A virtual output is one with no association to a physical channel. In the screenshot shown below, you see an Output configured with module address 100, since there is no physical expander using that address, VO1 is a virtual output.   Create Input Type Set Operating Schedule to the schedule created above. (REN Input Schedule) Set Control Output to the virtual output created above. (VO1) Set Control Output Time to the desired lock activation time when triggered by REN In the Options (2) tab, make sure to tick Activate Control Output on Alarm Edit the input created above and add the area and input type. Create a Programmable Function Set type to Door Control Set State to Running In Door Control> Set Door Function Mode to 2-Follow Pulse On Output Set Door Control Mode to 0-Emulate Unlock Menu Set Output to Check to the virtual output. (VO1) Set Door to Control to the door. MAKE SURE TO START THE FUNCTION Disarm and re-arm the dummy area The input will now trigger the virtual output ONLY when the schedule is active, the virtual output in turn will make the door unlock for the amount of time specified in the Input Type.

Issue Previously the BACnet Device Id of the controller would default to the devices serial number, this is no longer possible due to the maximum BACnet Device Id being 4,194,303. Serial numbers greater than 800xxx can give an error 'Device Node id is out of range' (1 to 4,194,303) Environment Continuum BACnet Controllers Cause Concern about what the default BACnet Id will be set to a value higher than what is supported or to a value that has already been set to a previous controller. Will this conflict with existing controllers on a site when adding new controllers when all are using the default BACnet Device Id? Resolution There is an internal calculation done that uses the Serial number as a seed to then calculate the BACnet Device Id so that it falls within the 4,194,303 max. This calculated value will be unique to every other Continuum BACnet Devices default BACnet Device Id so you should be fine when newer controllers are being added to existing sites. If you want to ensure there are no address conflicts though you may want to set the value yourself when commissioning the controllers through creating the Device object manually and setting the BACnet Device Id at that time or if the device is already configured delete it from the BACnet side and then edit it from the Infinity side and enter a new and unique device id, then perform a find BACnet devices to bring the device back on the BACnet side with its new device id.

  Issue When upgrading a MP-V from v1.xx to a later release the Box Flow reading is zero when there is a velocity pressure. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmarX IP controller MP-V   Cause When a MP-V-7A or MP-V-9A is upgraded from v1.xx to v3.xx firmware. The MP-V does not control and the Box Flow reading is zero. The damper will rotate to 100% with a Velocity Pressure reading.   The Balanced k-factor and the Balance flow correction are found to be at zero:       Resolution During the upgrade process the flow data is not retained.   Before the upgrade at v1.xx, backup the flow balance data under the Flow Balance Data object,     Continue and complete the upgrade process, re-hosting the controller and downloading the objects. Finally, restore the flow data.

Issue In EcoStruxure Building Operation (EBO) version 3.1 and later the password reset function have changed, how does it work, and what is changed from before? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Project Configuration Tool (PCT) Cause The changes have been done due to cybersecurity issues. The basic workflow is the same as before but the generation of the reset token has changed. Resolution IMPORTANT: The session ID is unique for each session of WorkStation. You cannot close WorkStation until the password has been reset. If you close WorkStation, before the password has been reset, a new session ID is generated that cannot be used with the temporary password provided by your local Schneider Electric Buildings support team.  See online help topic: Copying the Session ID when Resetting the Password   To get a password reset token in version 3.1 and later you need to set the server in password reset mode(valid 24 hours)   For Automation Server(AS, AS-P, AS-B) this is done using the Device Administrator(DA), a USB connection is required between the computer and the server   For the Enterprise Server(ES) administrator privileges on the PC where the ES is installed are required. The ES is set in password recovery mode using the DA, the DA needs to be started as an administrator.   For the virtual server environment, Project Configuration Tool (PCT) tool is used.   For detailed information please see the video: 

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 Services for assistance. Issue Alarm Control Panel items created within the Enterprise Server are not been pushed down to the Automation Server. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment StruxureWare Buildings Operation 1.3 SP1 Cause There seems to be a corrupt entry in the Automation servers Resolution Log into each Automation server and remove the Lead object from the Alarm panel. Refresh the automation server and the categories are now editable. Delete all user created categories leaving the default Energy Exceptions. Delete all the Cause Notes, Action notes and Check lists. Do the same procedure on all Automation Servers. Log back into the Enterprise Server and then on each Automation server add the Lead object back into the Alarm Control Panel that was removed in step 1. The Enterprise Server will now distribute the entries to the Automation server. If this fails, ensure that all firewalls are open between the AS and the ES. You may want to use the SBO Firewall Config Tool.

Issue Instructions are required, on how to set up and troubleshoot a Contact ID Reporting Service. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Client SP-C-WEB Contact ID Reporting Service Cause Basic information on configuring reporting services is documented in the Security Expert Operator Manual and SP-C-WEB Programming Reference but these do not contain practical steps on configuring this specifically for Contact ID reporting. Resolution The Contact ID Service is used to send Alarms, Tests, and Events using Contact ID reporting to a 3rd Party monitoring station capable of receiving the Contact ID format.   The following steps can be used to configure a basic setup of Contact ID. Note that a modem will be required and modem events can be logged in the events window for troubleshooting.   1. Go to Programming | Phone Numbers. Add your phone numbers, usually primary and backup.   2. Go to Programming | Services. Add a new service, set Service Type to ContactID. Set Service Mode to 1 - Start With controller OS. 3. Set the Client code and select the previously created phone number 4. Select required report options. Log Modem Events to Event Buffer option will log all events. Only use this for troubleshooting.   5. Go to Programming | Areas and assign the Service to required Areas 6. Go back to Programming | Services.  Right-click the Service record, and select Start Service. Without doing this the service will not be running. It needs to be manually started the first time. Check the controller Health Status to see the status of your service if it is started or stopped. When done configuring your Services, Inputs, and Areas. Select Reports | Central Station Report. Select the Reporting Service and the output directory to generate the file. Click Generate and a CSV and HTML file will be generated. This report can be provided to the central station for their database. The HTML version is the easiest to read.   Further details on the Contact ID reporting format and outlines of the reporting and mapping options can be found in the AN 316 Security Expert - Contact ID Reporting in Security Expert and SP-CWEB - Integration Guide application note.   For Details of creating Test Reports for Reporting Services see KB Article : Creating a Trouble Input for Periodic Testing of a Reporting Service such as Contact ID

Issue How can specific users be restricted to logging into EcoStruxure Building Operation through Webstation and not through Workstation?   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation Webstation Cause There is a requirement that specific users be restricted from logging in to EcoStruxure Building Operation through Workstation but be allowed to log in through EBO WebStation. Resolution It is not possible today to restrict users' access to Workstation or WebStation individually. There is no more information available on user permissions than what is available today in WebHelp and technical guides.  

Issue All Custom Types in an AS-P suddenly disappeared and it is not possible to create any new Custom Types. When trying to create a Custom Type it results in an invalid Custom Type object:   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Cause For an unknown reason, the Configuration database has become corrupt. Resolution Workaround 1: Do an upgrade of the AS-P to the same version which should fix this issue.   Workaround 2: Restore a backup taken before this issue appeared.

Issue When sharing the domain with the AS under an ES, the domain object appears but includes no Users or User Groups. Environment Domains Users User Groups Permissions Cause Need an efficient way to distribute and administer permissions to all Automation Servers. Resolution When you share a domain in the ES with an Automation Server, the Users and User Group properties apply to the AS However, the Users and User groups will not appear as objects under the domain in the Automation server as they do in the ES. Only the domain object will appears under the AS.  Nevertheless the permissions will be extended to the AS.

  Issue Replacing a SHR humidity sensor when set as  4-20mA loop powered (2 wire). Product Line Field Device Environment SHR100-T* SpaceLogic SLA**** Cause When replacing a SHR100-T* sensor, there are only 2 wires and the sensor is set to loop powered for measuring humidity. Resolution The SLA sensor when used for measuring humidity and is only available as a 3 wire device when used with both 24Vac or 24Vdc (20-30Vdc) for measuring humidity, these are: power, ground and signal.   Either use a 3rd wire if available or use an alternative device.   Download the SpaceLogic Sensor Installation Sheet        

Issue Controller fails to backup to flash. See error message "Unable to backup objects to flash ..." ACCStatusFlash variable should be ACCFlashValid not ACCFlashFailure Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Controllers NetController 2, bCX9640, bCX4040 Cause A Program or Function in the Controller is corrupt and cannot be compiled or is blank and does not have any Plain English code in it. Resolution Go to the config page (Controller Configuration) Clear database backup Fix up or delete the offending programs Re-attempt to save the database to flash

Issue How to get the data to display automatically (expanded) when running the Trend Log Comparison report. When running the Trend Log Comparison Report, the data is not shown in the tabular format automatically, and the + must be clicked on to expand this table to show the values.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WebReports Microsoft SQL Server Report Builder Cause When either using a Dashboard report or Exporting reports, some situations require the data to be expanded automatically when generating the WebReport.  The following discusses the changes required to be made to this report to allow this to happen.  Resolution To have the report automatically display this data fully expanded, the default WebReport "Trend Log Comparison" needs to be edited using Microsoft SQL Server Report Builder.  See the following online Help Topic for additional detail on using Report Builder with Reports. Open the Trend Log Comparison report using Report Builder. Scroll down to the bottom section of the Report and select (left-click) the DateTimeStamp field Under the Row Groups, Right-Click on [DateTimeStamp] and open Group Properties. Select the Visibility and change this option to Show  Save the file - It is recommended to save the report with a new name and not alter the default factory report.  This new report must then be deployed to the WebReports Server.  This is done by Synchronizing the new report as detailed in the online help: Synchronizing WebReports with a New Report. Running the report should now automatically have this data expanded.  

Issue SOAP service can't be reached at http://localhost:8030/SecurityExpertSOAPService/service.svc.  HTTP Error 404 error seen when attempting to browse. Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Server Cause Confusion related to the indicator Windows uses to denote when features have been enabled. Instructions in the Security Expert SOAP service installation manual not sufficiently clear. For instance, the documentation shows a checkmark in the .NET framework feature but it does not show the sub-items, a checkmark here means all of the sub-items are also enabled but this is not necessarily intuitive.  When not all of the sub-items are enabled, Windows shows the check box filled with a black square but many users are interpreting this as meaning the same as a checkmark. Resolution When a feature check box shows a checkmark in the documentation, make sure to expand the feature and enable ALL of its sub-items. 

Issue The hard drive fills up with logs generated by PostgreSQL/Timescale. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause Trend meta table missing information Resolution In the ES, go to the TimeScaleDB configuration. Set Trend and Event storage to false and click save. Set Trend and Event storage to true and click save.

Issue How to connect a 4 wire PT100 or PT1000 sensor to a 3-wire RTD input. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation I/O Module 16 Ch RTD Cause Some PT100/PT1000 sensors have only 3 terminals to connect to. Resolution The wires to the sensor are often color marked in pair, like two red cables and two white cables. As we only have 3 terminals to connect to, the solution is to only connect 3 of the cables, and not connect the 4th cable.   As the RTD device also measure the resistance of the cables, to make a correct temperature reading, it is important that all three wires used do have the same length and resistance. Therefore, the fourth wire should NOT be connected in parallel, it has to be un-connected.

Issue Unable to read the Analog Inputs / Universal Inputs values in StruxureWare Building Operation. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Xenta I/O Modules Xenta  421A, 422A, 451A, 452A as standalone LON nodes StruxureWare Building Operation (SmartStruxure) Cause When using the Xenta Input Output modules 421A, 422A, 451A, 452A as stand alone Lonworks node, the UCPTConfiguration must be set to the necessary integer value for the required input, by default the values are set to zero so can not be configured. Resolution Please see the supporting documentation for the TAC Xenta 421A/422A and TAC Xenta 451A/452A that gives each nci value for the needed input type. To configure each input to the correct type please follow these steps: Navigate to the node in your Lonworks network Expand the controller to view all of the inputs, outputs, and configuration properties. Find the Universal Input module for the input you need to configure, and locate the nciInput(x) variable within that module Set the value of Absolute count to one of the following : 1 = 1.8 kohm thermistor 2 = DI with green indication 3 = 0-10 vdc 4 = 0-20 mA 5 = 10 kohm thermistor 6 = DI with red indication 7 = DI with green inverted indication 8 = DI with red inverted indication   Up to SBO Version 1.7.x     SBO Version 1.8.x and on in the "Variable Fields" tab overwrite the string "Min" with for example 6 

Issue Errors variable increasing rapidly and frequent 182a errors seen in the Controller Error Log. 0x0000182a - COMM_ERR_IV_IPADDR (Invalid Internet network address) Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All IP Level Controllers bCX ACX57xx Netcontroller Netcontroller II Cause The 182a error indicates that there is an issue with the controller IP Address settings. Some potential causes of this are: Duplicate IP Address, improper subnet mask, improper gateway, BACnet routing issues. It seems that it is logged when trying to change the IP address or use an encode id already used by another device. This error can be caused by misconfigured IP address information including mask and gateway addressing.  Can also be due to improper BACnet routing. In one specific scenario the issue was the default router setting in the Controller. This was set to a device that was not a router to the network. Confirming the configuration of all IP Devices on the network and getting a Wireshark capture can help to identify the potential cause.  Resolution Removed the invalid IP address from the Default Router field and the 182a errors stopped appearing in the Controller Error Logs.

Issue When being discovered by a 3rd party system what names will be seen? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Enterprise Server (ES) Automation Server (AS-P, AS-B, AS) Cause How is an Enterprise Server or Automation seen by a 3rd party system? Resolution The Enterprise Server (ES) and Automation Server (AS) conform to a specific BACnet Protocol Revision depending on version and firmware and the capabilities of a particular BACnet implementation are described in the Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS).  The PICS contains, amongst other details, a list of all standard and proprietary object types that are supported.  Please see BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) for a Listing of Tested Products.    For each object type supported the PICS describes: any optional properties that are supported which properties can be written-to using BACnet services if the objects can be dynamically created or deleted using BACnet services any restrictions on the range of data values for properties For a third party to discover an ES or AS it needs to be a BACnet Operator Workstation (BOWS).  Please see BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) for a list of tested BACnet Operator Workstation (B-OWS) and BACnet Advanced Operator Workstation (B-AWS)   Of the objects types detailed in the PICS the specific BOWS will determine what properties are shown.  An application such as YABE can provide an indication of these properties.  For example with a device the Vendor Name (1), Protocol Revision (2), Object Name (3),  Model Name (4) and Firmware Revision (5) are amongst the properties available. For an object such as an analog point the Object Name (6), Present Value (7) and Object Identifier (8) are examples of what will be seen.    Every BACnet device contains a device object that defines certain device information, including the device object identifier or instance number.  For additional information please see Introduction to BACnet.