Building Automation Knowledge Base

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 What is the best practice for migrating controllers from a stand alone Continuum system into an active LAN system? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Migrating Continuum Database Cause Controllers must be migrated from a stand alone system into an existing Continuum LAN system. The ACCID of some or all of the controllers on the stand alone system are already in use on the LAN system. Resolution All address conflicts should be dealt with before the controllers are brought onto the LAN system. With the workstation in Offline mode, each controller on the Stand alone system is manually created on the LAN system.  If the controllers ACC ID will conflict with a controller on the LAN system an appropriate change must be made when creating the controller on the LAN database. Where the controllers are BACnet controllers and the intent is to have all controller on the same network, the Network ID (UDP) id must be changed to match the id of the LAN system. The Comm2 network ID of each stand alone controller should be noted and should be changed in cases where the id is already in use on the LAN system. Import files should be used to build the IP level controllers

Issue How can we exclude Hosts or Users from accessing the Workstation Professional license i.e. Script, Function Block and Graphic editors from another Workstation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation License Server FLEXnet Cause When accessing various editors from within Workstation a particular license does not differentiate host or user who should have access to which editors. Using the option file taclic.opt allows you to exclude certain Host / Users of StruxureWare Building Operation from accessing these Workstation clients. The Workstation clients referenced are as follows: client.station (Workstation) client.script (Script Editor) client.functionblock.view (Function Block Editor) client.graphiceditor (Graphic Editor) Resolution FLEXnet Licensing provides the options file to be included in the License Server directory. Each time the License Server service is started this file is checked. Syntax and use can be found in the attached document - Chapter 13 The following option file must reside on the License Server in the following path: Building Operation 1.9 and below: C:\Program Files(x86)\Schneider Electric StruxureWare\Building Operation 1.x\License Server Building Operation 2.0 and above: C:\Program Files(x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation x.x\License Server Once this file is copied into the License Server folder, you must restart the license service (via the Windows Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services). Examples: # The following text excludes the features from Workstation Professional # # Use the following 3 Exclude statements if you wish to exclude an entire Workstation from accessing editors # EXCLUDE client.script HOST enter_host_name EXCLUDE client.functionblock.view HOST enter_host_name EXCLUDE client.graphiceditor HOST enter_host_name # # Use the following 3 Exclude statements if you wish to exclude a Building Operation User from accessing editors # (remove #'s below as required) # # EXCLUDE client.script USER enter_user_name # EXCLUDE client.functionblock.view USER enter_user_name # EXCLUDE client.graphiceditor USER enter_user_name # Notes: The HOST can be defined by either DNS or IP Address The USER is the user name as defined in Building Operation, this may be the same as the Windows username if using Windows Domain.

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 Contemporary Controls Skorpion Switch configuration setting for using RSP with MPX and RPX controllers Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Contemporary Controls EISK8M-100T Skorpion Switch Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV Building Operation Room-purpose Controller Cause Contemporary Controls Skorpion switches have several caveats to consider before using them in a site design. Specific Skorpion switch configuration settings are needed in order for the RSTP protocol to work with MPX controllers.  Resolution *NOTE: This is only for Contemporary Controls Skorpion Switches*   Contermporary Controls EISK8m-100T switch documentation: https://www.ccontrols.com/ctrlink/eiskm.php    There are a number of configuration options available to use these switches and MPX/RPX controllers. This article is not meant to be a comprehensive guide.   Two caveats to consider before using these switches:  Contemporary Controls (CC) Support has indicated that these switches have a limitation to 39 devices (MPXs) per switch. Other vendor's switches do not have this limitation and allow 39 devices per RSTP loop. Multiple RSTP loops are not supported on a Skorpion switch. Multiple Skorpion switches may be used and daisy-chained to allow for greater than 39 devices. The 39 total number includes the switch itself, so effectively, 38 MPXs. A static IP address of the switch should not be in the same IP range (10.110.210.x) if the AS-P is being used as a DHCP server. Configuring the switch this way may cause the AS-P to assign a duplicate IP address to 1 of the MPXs in that range. The DHCP server in the AS-P is a very basic DHCP server to allow for quick IP assignments in a private network. There aren't any configuration options for designated exceptions in the AS-P. (Note: This may be a security concern for sites that do not want a switch on their main network. Setting the Skorpion switch to DHCP enable can allow the ASP to assign a non-static IP to the switch and not interfere with MPXs. RSTP enabled - the snapshot below shows the settings to enable RSTP o the switch Redundancy state: STP/RSTP STP State: Enable Hello Time: 2 Version: RSTP Max Age: 40 Forward Delay: 21                                       The Bridge Priority setting should be changed to 4096 to be a higher priority than the controllers. See the Priority setting in the snapshot above. Root ID: Self-populating field will indicate "Self" when set for a single root with 1 RSTP ring Rood ID "mac-address" may indicate a different switch that is the root switch Non-STP State Port Some ports must be set to not pass BPDU RSTP traffic,  i.e. the ASP, a PC used to configure the switch and connecting other network switches. 2 or more switches can be connected to allow for more devices to be connected (38 each) but RSTP traffic must be restricted to each switch. The ports connecting them need to be configured as Non-STP.   Note: Admin edge turns off almost all RSTP traffic, but not all Non-STP State ON disables the port from participating in the STP or RSTP ring The ports that are connecting the 1st, 2nd or 3rd switches need to have Auto-MDX set properly to behave as a cross-over cable. Either that or use a physical cross-over cable. In the Skorpion configuration page, click on the picture of the switch where the ports are showing "Auto-Mdix enable" on one switch and "Auto-Mdix disable" on the other switch. Click on the actual port from the main page to get to this setting. Example: Switch 1 port 8           Switch 2 port 1            General observations: Switch manufacturers have different limitations and options for configuration. Pay close attention to the Vender’s switch and MPX documentation. After a reconfiguration of the switch, give it several minutes for convergence to take place and to let the system settle. A flooding network traffic loop state may happen in several circumstances: a. RSTP not enabled on an MPX (factory default will reset RSTP to disabled) Note: The Device Report will extract information directly from the controller b. MPX not warm started after setting RSTP c. A switch misconfiguration (Ex. Port not set to Non-STP On) A restart (power off) of the switch may be necessary to recover d. Too many RSTP devices in a loop (>39 including the Skorpion switch) e. IP address conflict This state can be observed when all the controllers go offline and access to the switch config page isn’t possible. It’s best to get RSTP working with MPXs on each individual switch with separate rings and then daisy chain them after configuring Auto-Mdix first and finally plug in the ethernet cable into the next switch. Using 2 PCs can be helpful when setting these up so that 1 can be used to access the switch(s) on the 192.168.92.x network and the other with EBO running on the other network that the ASP is set to. Otherwise switching the NIC settings back and forth is cumbersome. Once both switches are configured and both are working with RSTP, controllers may still show offline. A power cycle can clear this up so that the ASP can reassign an IP with both switches connected. *** 1 MPX controller that has not been set to RSTP will throw the whole system into offline mode. Use the device report to ensure every single controller has been set to RSTP AND has been warm started.  ***   Using the Control Panel MP Series devices link, the Search feature and the Device report in EBO can be helpful to observe all the necessary settings for MPX and RSTP Control Panel MP Series devices link

Issue The Web Server threw an exception. Please make sure the StruxurewareReportingAgent service is running and is set to run "Automatic" An error occurred on the Web Server while processing your request. If the problem persists, please contact your system administrator. Environment Webreport 1.4 upgrade Cause A WebReports installer must use an admin-level SQL Server Management Studio user account to log on to a computer running WebReports. This installer account also requires the addition of three database permissions that permit access to and control of the WebReports database during installs or upgrades. For example, an administrator can detach the database. In SQL Server Management Studio, verify that the Login Properties for the NTAuthority\IUSR and designated WebReports installer user accounts include the db_datareader, db_datawriter, and db_owner database role memberships. Resolution Use SQL management SQL studio and log in to the SQL. Use properties on the user NTAuthority\IUSR and make sure the following are included db_datareader, db_datawriter, and db_owner database role memberships.

Issue The following error occurs on startup following upgrading of Niagara Station to  4.10.   SEVERE [20:42:01 23-Oct-20 UTC][nreconfig] invalid nre memory configuration values, 832 > 816   Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Jace 8000 N4.10 Cause The default NRE memory pool settings are incorrect after an N4.10 upgrade and need configuration to function correctly. Resolution Niagara 4.10 and Default NRE Memory Pool Changes The increased size of some core libraries in Niagara 4.10 required changes to the default NRE Memory Pool settings for use on a JACE-8000. MetaSpace memory needed to be increased to allow applications to run without issue.   Note: Any previous custom memory configuration applied to the JACE-8000 will be reset upon upgrade to 4.10. The overall size of the pool of memory available to the NRE installation has decreased.  T As the overall size of the pool has decreased, customizations based on the old total pool size are invalid and cannot be maintained.   If a custom memory configuration is required, the user will need to manually adjust the platform administration menu after a device is upgraded. A longer-term approach to address this issue is in development and should be available with the Niagara 4.11 release.   NRE Memory pool default settings for Niagara 4.9: Changes to the default configuration: Heap Space size 4.9 value: 384 MB 4.10 value: 360 MB Meta Space size 4.9 value: 48 MB 4.10 value: 56 MB System reserve 4.10: allocated additional 16MB NRE Memory pool default settings for Niagara 4.10:

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. To get access to the password reset mode, the server needs to be started.     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.