Building Automation Knowledge Base

  Issue Identifying a potential power supply/source failure to the Flex Server for a specific time period.  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Activate Environment EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server EcoStruxure Building Activate Partner Portal Cause The Flex Server went offline for some time and then came back online again. There is a need to identify if this happened due to a power source failure to Gateway.  Resolution Login to the Partner Portal and select the customer from the settings icon in the top right corner. Navigate to the Controller section in the left pane and select the particular Gateway from the dropdown. Navigate to 'Plots' tab and select 'PowerSource' Gateway stream under 'MSP430'. The 'PowerSource' stream value should always be equal to '1' as shown above. If this indicates '0' at any time, this suggests a potential loss of power supply to the Gateway.

  Issue There are issues for Flex Server to synchronize time with the Real Time Clock (RTC). Product Line EcoStruxure Building Activate Environment EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server EcoStruxure Building Activate Partner Portal Cause The RTC parameter fails the synchronization test.  Resolution Check the voltage of the coin cell using a multimeter. If the voltage is less than 3.3V, replace the coin cell. If the voltage is equal to or greater than 3.3V and the test still fails, report the issue to technical support.

Issue Alarms with an invalid Source path cannot be removed from ES or AS Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Building Operation 3.0 and higher Cause The invalid path prevents alarms from being deleted. In earlier releases of EBO, there was an issue whereby an error could occur in the source path of an alarm if the Automation Server was renamed. Most invalid alarms observed originate from this type of error. Resolution Use Alarms Integrity Check in the following steps.  Automation Servers first, then Enterprise Server, and finally, if installed, Enterprise Central last. See Alarm Cannot be Acknowledged Due to Invalid Paths for additional details.   Expand System, Right-click the Alarm Control Panel,  Choose Advanced - Alarms Integrity Check.   The command runs quickly. There is no confirmation that the check has run, but a review of the alarms will show that the invalid alarms have been removed.

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 Bog File Encryption Changes in 4.15 Product Line TAC IA Series Environment I/A Series N4 Enterprise Server I/A Series N4 Jace 9000  Cause In Niagara 4.15, to continue to provide the best security practices, the user password hashes are now included in the encryption by the system passphrase. Resolution The system passphrase was introduced in Niagara 4 to provide additional protection to sensitive data from the Niagara system. Prior to Niagara 4.15, this included all reservable passwords (such as Niagara Network, database connection passwords, etc.), excluding the user's passwords as those are protected by being hashed. If you do not have the system passphrase for a station and need to unlock it through Workbench, both the user and encrypted data such as passwords will be removed where prior to Niagara 4.15 the user were left untouched as they are hashed. If you are copying a station from a remote host which you do not have the system passphrase for, you will need to reset the passphrase to successfully copy the station onto a new remote host. You will be required to enter the passphrase to edit or modify users or encrypted properties such as password fields for email, Niagara Network, etc. Prior to Niagara 4.15, you could edit and modify users without the passphrase, in Niagara 4.15 this will require the passphrase to decrypt the users.   Operation Niagara 4.14 Niagara 4.15 Modifying users in offline station bog file Users can be modified without entering the station bog file passphrase Station bog file passphrase is required to modify users Reset station bog file passphrase Removes reversable client passwords such as email, Niagara Network, etc. Hashed user passwords are not impacted Removes both reversable client passwords and hashed user passwords Understanding the System Passphrase in 4.15 Workbench or Supervisor When Niagara is installed on the engineering or supervisor device for the first time, the user will set the passphrase for that device. NOTE: When setting system passphrases, make sure that you take note of what they are. These should be shared with the owner of the building/site as the passphrase is owned by the device. You can change the system passphrase in the Platform Administration screen. You will be required to enter the current passphrase in order to successfully change it to a new passphrase, highlighting the importance of providing it to the owner of the building/site. JACEs & Remote Niagara Devices The passphrase is set during the commissioning process of the remote device. The remote device's passphrase can also be changed through the Platform Administration view with the same requirements as changing the Supervisor/device's passphrase.   Station Bog File Passphrases In 4.15, you will have the option to encrypt the new station with either the local system passphrase or a custom passphrase in the New Station Wizard. This passphrase is required to unlock the bog file in the user home when configuring encrypted properties as well as when copying this station onto a remote host. New Station Wizard: Note: When selecting the "Use the system passphrase" option, this is the passphrase for the local host (Workbench) Unlocking the station in the User Home: Copying the Station to a remote host with a different passphrase: Understanding how the station passphrase changes when using the Station Copier When a station from a remote host to your local host, the passphrase which is encrypting the data will be the system passphrase of the remote host. Copying a station from your local host to a remote host: For a station that originated on your local host with a passphrase encrypting its sensitive data, once you enter the current station bog file passphrase and successfully copy the station onto the remote device, it will utilize the system passphrase of the remote device when copying from the remote device back to your local host. Copying a station from a remote host to your local host: When a station is copied from the remote host, it will automatically be encrypted with the system passphrase of that remote host.   What do I do if I do not know the system passphrase of the remote host I copied the station from? In the user home,  you are able to reset the passphrase of the station, however, you will lose the encrypted sensitive data including system and user passwords. In this workflow, you have the option to remove all users except for one new super user which you provide the new username and password in the Bog File Passphrase dialog:  

Issue Enabling Scattered read for Modbus device that doesn't support it can lead to poll fail, with Point Modbus Error: Illegal function code. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation (1.5 and above) Building Operation Automation Server Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Building Operation Edge Server - Standard Building Operation Enterprise Server Cause Requirement to optimize communication over Modbus to improve performance. Resolution The following is an extract from Web Help. The complete section can be viewed at  Modbus Batch Read Function:   'Scattered read is an enhancement to the batch read function that enables multiple, non-contiguous slave device registers to be read in a single Modbus query. By using the scattered read function, you can enable the Enterprise Server or Automation Server to avoid reading a large block of contiguous registers when it is only necessary to read a few registers. Also, using scattered read avoids the multiple use of group function codes 03 (analog output holding registers) and 04 (analog input registers) in order to read non-contiguous registers. Group function codes 01 (discrete output logic coils) and 02 (discrete input contacts) are not supported for scattered read.   Scattered read is available only for supported devices, for example, Schneider Electric branch circuit power meters with split core CTs. Furthermore, the scattered read function applies only when the Enterprise Server or Automation Server is operating as the client, not as a server. You can enable the scattered read function in the properties of all Modbus devices. If a device does not support scattered read: In V6 or higher: the polls will fail with an Illegal function code, so scattered read needs to be disabled if not supported by the Modbus device. In V5 or below: the device is polled by the master device in the same way as if you had not enabled scattered read.'   The image below shows the properties dialogue window for a Modbus device and the corresponding setting.  The left is version 3.1 and above, the right is version 3.0 and below where it is referred to as 'Non-contiguous read'.  Refer to the Modbus TCP Device  section on Web Help for more information.     

Issue Why do the Architectural Guidelines specify a maximum of 1500 Extended Trend Logs in Automation Servers, whereas such a limitation did not exist with the Continuum Net Controllers, like the NetController II.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Automation Server Premium Building Operation Automation Server Bundled Cause EcoStruxure Building Operation's architectural guidelines specify a limit of 1500 Extended Trend Logs for the Automation Servers (AS-P/AS-B). Sites transitioning from Andover Continuum to EcoStruxure Building Operation need to understand the architectural differences that necessitate this limit. Resolution The architectural differences between Continuum and EcoStruxure Building Operation means that it is crucial that Extended Trend Logs are managed effectively to ensure ensuring optimal system performance.   In Continuum: Controller Role: Controllers do not participate in Extended Trend Log functionality beyond sending data from intrinsic logs upon request from Cyberstations. Log Management: Extended Trend Logs reside at and are managed by Cyberstations. Load Distribution: Multiple Cyberstations, configured to collaborate, maintain the Extended Trend Logs, minimizing the load on controllers.     This design puts very little load on the controllers when it comes to Extended Trend Log functionality.   In EcoStruxure Building Operation: Distributed Database Architecture: Extended Trend Logs are managed by the AS-P/AS-B servers. Server Load: The server performs tasks typically handled by multiple Cyberstations in Continuum, which often run on more powerful PC hardware. Performance Management: To prevent Extended Trend Log servicing from overwhelming the Automation Server's resources (CPU, memory), a limit of 1500 logs is enforced. Exceeding this limit can degrade server performance and potentially cause reboots due to critical memory usage.  This can be seen in the following example trace log entry: Nov 30 15:39:58 PSS-AS02 memcritsv[1011]: Memory usage critical!    

Issue PCT2 is unreachable using IP 192.168.10.2, with messages similar to: 504 Gateway Timeout Server error - server 192.168.10.2 is unreachable at this moment. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Project Configuration Tool (PCT) 2 Cause The Hyper-V Virtual Ethernet Adapter in Windows, labeled vEthernet (SwitchPctInternal), is not configured with the proper static IP address. It may be incorrectly configured as DHCP or with an incorrect static IP address Resolution Open Properties for vEthernet (SwitchPctInternal) Go to the Networking tab. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties. Configure the IP Address: Select Use the following IP Address. Ensure the IP address is set to 192.168.10.1. Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. Leave the gateway field blank. Additional Notes Ensure that no other network adapters are conflicting with the vEthernet (SwitchPctInternal) settings. Verify that the PCT2 device is properly connected to the network.

Issue Building Commission (EBC) self closes at Login screen in Windows. It seems to be after application is unused for an extended period of time. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Commission Tool Cause There is a fault in Microsoft.ui.xaml.dll as observed in the Windows Event Viewer. Resolution Uninstall the application via Windows Add or Remove Programs Reinstall the application via the Microsoft Store Open this link in a browser Building Commission - Free download and install on Windows | Microsoft Store Click Open in Store App button in upper right by sign-in

Issue EcoStruxure Building Operation allows using a period embedded in the name of an object (i.e My.AnalogValue) and  the name of a binding variable in the Script program cannot contain a period.     In the Script program all the periods in the binding variable names have to be changed to a different character such as the underscore (_).   This in turn causes a problem for a programmer that has created many objects using the period in the names as it is now NOT possible to use the default name matching binding template. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Script Programs Enterprise Server Automation Server Cause Script programs do not allow a period '.' in binding variable names because the period has special functionality in the Script compiler. Resolution Create a new path matching binding template or edit an existing one to map the underscore to the period.     Here is a second example:   Name of point/value contains embedded '.' as well as spaces      This is what the binding variable would look like in the Script program   and here is the Path Matching Template

Issue The EBO license is activated on a virtual machine, need to make sure that it will not get damaged. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Workstation Cause Scenarios leading to broken Trusted Storage (license damage), when license is activated on a Virtual Machine. In some cases, the License Administrator can be used to repair the license, and in other cases, product supported will need to be contacted. Resolution FlexNet documentation explains how licensing in virtual machines works, what causes license damage, and how to avoid license damage. Make sure that documentation is related to the FNP version (FlexNet publisher) used by installed EBO, ex. EBO V4.0.2 uses version 2021 (11.18.1) and EBO V5.0.2 uses FNP V2022 R3 (11.19.2).  You can also check the FNP version by checking the properties, details of lmadmin.exe file located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Schneider Electric EcoStruxure\Building Operation x.x\License Server Binding elements for licenses activated on a virtual machine: FlexNet publisher documentation lists three binding elements for virtual machines, all of which are deal breakers: MAC address, UUID, and Generation ID, refer to Binding in a Virtual Environment (revenera.com)  Scenarios that can cause license damage (Trusted-Storage Breakage): In the attached FlexNet White Paper: Understanding Virtualization Features in FlexNet Publisher, Page 9, details binding variables and which scenarios can change each binding element. Page 11 in the same white paper, Recovering from a Binding Break in TS, explains common scenarios leading to broken TS and if a license can be repaired.  WebHelp article EcoStruxure Building Operation Software License Repair, explains other reasons for license damage, for physical or virtual machine.  Please contact your local support if the License Administrator can't repair the license. Best Practices to avoid Trusted-Storage Breakage: To minimize license damage, follow the below steps before making changes to the bindings elements or moving EBO to a new VM. Make a backup of EBO, Backing Up EcoStruxure BMS Servers Manually Return all licenses, Returning an EcoStruxure Building Operation Software License. Verify that all licenses have been returned for all used Entitlements by logging in to https://licensing.se.com. Perform your operation. Activate the licenses again, Activating EcoStruxure Building Operation Software Licenses. FlexNet lists best practices that can also be followed to avoid trusted storage breakage: Best Practices (revenera.com)

Issue How do you define the number of decimal places displayed for a point? Is it possible to change the number of decimals displayed in WorkStation / WebStation? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation WorkStation Building Operation WebStation  Cause The operating system's regional settings determine the default resolution for decimal places displayed. This value cannot be modified within WorkStation; however, the regional settings in WebStation can be adjusted to show the desired number of decimal places. Resolution This setting applies to all displayed values except graphics, where the graphic editor can define the number of digits displayed.   WorkStation Open Control Panel Select under Clock and Region - Change date, time, or number formats As shown in the screenshot below, select Additional Settings [1]  Then adjust the Customize Format "No. of digits after decimal to your requirements" [2]. Restart WorkStation if already opened. WebStation  From the User Account drop down Select Settings Select Regional Change the Decimals from Auto to the desired number (0-6) required in WebStation.  Click Save Log off/on to WebStation to see these changes.   

Issue How are user profiles (accounts) configured in Esmi Ultima Fire Panels? Product Line ESMI Fire Detection. Environment FFSULH1001. FFSULH1002. FFSULH1003. FFSULH1005. Cause Access levels allow permissions to be assigned to different user types. Resolution User Accounts Maximum Accounts: Up to 63 user accounts can be created. Permissions: Access group or singular permissions as set out within each user group. Profile Configuration User Levels: The example above shows User Level 2 in Group 1. Group numbers increase as more groups are added. Session Timeout: Range from 1 to 255 seconds for the function button availability after login. Function Buttons: Selected according to users who need access to the group. Panel Permissions: Additional permissions can be set in the User Menu Options section. Event Log: Records individual user activity. User Profile Example Username: Up to 20 characters. Passcode: Should contain 5 or 6 numerical characters. User Level: Mike Allerton is the 4th user, placed in User Level 3. User options Panel Control Interface: User activates the interface and enters their passcode to unlock screen and panel permissions. Function Option Button: Provides access to the buttons as described earlier.

  Issue How to program the function buttons in Esmi Fire Panel Product Line ESMI Fire Detection Environment FFSULH1001. FFSULH1002. FFSULH1003. FFSULH1005. Cause Customer wants the specific buttons for specific actions. Resolution Up to 24 customer specific, on-screen function buttons may be configured to provide control, disablement and engineering functions. The function buttons can be configured to be either available or hidden for each log-in profile. The following procedure describes how to: Set function button attributes/properties. Allocate function buttons to user groups.  Create password specific user accounts for inclusion within a nominated user group. Setting attributes Function buttons (inputs) may be set to operate by association to output devices with the same properties e.g. a security input will activate any device that has security ticked as part its output properties, or as part of a cause-and-effect rule where the function button is the “Cause”.   With Loop Explorer open, select the Configure menu button and select System Manager to open the function button configuration page. Select the 'Details' button to open the properties section of the function button that you wish to configure. Note: Input Properties The properties page allows the user to configure the input action and associated messages, to set individual colours and either to work as a latched (cleared on user interface reset) or toggled action (press function button to operate and again to turn off). Mapping to zones is optional, and the location text is the name given to the function button when completed. Feature Groups There are 4 default user groups that can be configured with specific permissions for different users.     When configured, the function buttons will be included as selectable options in each of the feature groups. It should be noted that if a function button is allocated to the Logged-out group, then it will be present alongside the User Options button when all other user groups have been logged out. Note that at this level then the user options are limited to system information and basic panel tests such as display colour and LED function. Function buttons allocated to User level 2 and 3 may be accessed using the default login codes. If users are to be allocated unique numerical codes, then it would be advisable to change the panel default level 2 and/or 3 codes where required.

Issue Attempting to update the System Identifier to align with the newly created ID in the EBO system, is causing a 'Duplicate BMS System Data Source' error. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Advisor Environment Building Advisor Cause A duplicate ID has been identified in Building Advisor. This may correspond to an older system ID or one from a different site.   Resolution The error indicates the site where the duplicate ID is found, which usually corresponds to the site you are attempting to update. - Go to the admin menu, select the site, then choose 'Clear' on the BMS System and click 'Save'. - Click the pencil icon to add or edit the BMS System. Enter the new ID and then click 'Save'.    

Issue EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server fails the Wi-Fi Signal Strength test.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Activate Environment EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server EcoStruxure Building Activate Partner Portal Cause If the Flex Server Gateway is configured on Wi-Fi, it must achieve a RSSI value greater than -75 or value does not go below -80 more than 3 times. If these conditions are not met, Gateway will fail the test.   Resolution Below steps should be checked/followed to check the issue: Check Network Type: Ignore this issue if gateway is using a GSM network Verify Wi-Fi Receiver: Ensure the Wi-fi receiver is properly inserted into the USB port of the gateway Optimize Placement: Make sure the Gateway is near or in line of sight with the router to improve signal strength. Restart Router: Restart the router and check with your network provider for any issues.

  Issue EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server doesn't pass the GSM Signal Strength test.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Activate Environment EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server EcoStruxure Building Activate Partner Portal Cause The Flex Server must achieve a GSM Signal Strength greater than 14 to pass the test. If the signal strength is less than 14, the test will fail.   Resolution Below are the troubleshooting steps which should be checked/followed: Ensure the Gateway is located in an area with good network coverage. If possible, reposition the Gateway to improve signal strength. Verify that the APN settings for the SIM card in the Device Management Dashboard are correct. Change the network carrier and reconfigure the APN again

Issue In Andover Continuum, the model name of a field device (i2/b3) is always obtained from the SQL database as there is no direct way to retrieve the model directly from the controller. Consequently, discrepancies between the model stored in the SQL database and the actual controller may lead to uprev errors like "This Uprev file does not match this type of controller"     In the screenshot above, note that both the device's editor as well as the command line, report the controller's model as i2800, when in fact the hardware associated with the device is an i2920.   Note: In EcoStruxure Building Operations, where a distributed database design is employed, the device's model type is always obtained from the proxy representing the device in the Automation Server. Product Line Andover Continuum Environment All i2s All b3s Cause Frequent model mismatches for i2/b3 devices in Continuum installations often result in errors when attempting to upgrade the device's firmware. Resolution To obtain the device's model (controller type) from the Continuum controller hosting the device follow the steps below: In the master controller, create an InfinityNumeric, in this example we will name it 'DevModel' In the master controller, create an InfinityProgram, in this example we will name it 'GetDeviceModel' Enter the following lines of code in the program... DevModel = <device_name> CntrlType Stop ***Replace <device_name> with your i2/b3 device's name   Note in the screen capture above, that the program reports the actual device's model to be i2920. The mismatch needs to be corrected by either installing the correct hardware or adjusting the model in the device editor in Cyberstation to align with the hardware.   IMPORTANT If the program reports the model as 0 (zero) it means the proxy representing the device in the master controller has lost the model number, you will need to reload the whole master controller to recover, make sure to select the option to reload the controller but NOT its children.

  Issue The LEDs on the Flex server indicate the status of the gateway's connection with the Internet and server. This document contains the details that will help in understanding the gateway status.   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Activate Environment ESXBFXSVR00B008 ESXBFXSVR0BC008 ESXBFXSVRBCW008 Cause The behavior of top LEDs and Bottom LEDs are different in terms of troubleshooting and understanding the Flex server state. Resolution The LED blink patterns are indicators used to check the status of the internet connection, server connection, SD card health, gateway firmware health, device connection, and data transfer. Fig 1: Side View of the Flex-Server showing LED location     Fig 2: Gateway Status LED indication   Fig 3: Network Status LED   Fig 4: Ethernet Status LED   Fig 4: Power LED indications            

  Issue While performing the verification tests, an error is displayed: 'error: There is no change in the configurations' as shown below:   Product Line EcoStruxure Building Activate Environment EcoStruxure Building Activate Partner Portal Cause This error occurs under the following conditions: The user made changes in the Partner Portal but later reverted to the original settings/configuration, assuming there should be some changes, and then started the verification tests again. The user chose to perform the test and verification process once post-submission, resulting in this error message. Resolution When the verification process is initiated, it goes through four checkpoints. The user can safely ignore this error message and proceed with the tests directly. Clicking on the 'Load Mapping' button will remove this error message.

Issue In earlier SLP firmware the sensor displayed the CO2 with yellow and red as shown below:                               However new sensors display CO2 differently.   Is it possible to go back to the old look?   Product Line Field Devices Environment SLP Sensor Cause When launched, the SLA/SLP PM series sensor firmware was updated to display stoplight indicators (red, green, yellow) over the CO2 and PM values. In previous firmware, the stoplight function only applied to CO2 and the full screen showed red, green or yellow, but current firmware highlights the individual CO2 or PM value in the appropriate color. Resolution Firmware of this offer is not field upgradable; it is not possible to revert to the previous functionality.