Building Automation Knowledge Base

Issue Can I remove the permanent override feature or limit the maximum override duration from the station or an individual point in I/A Series G3? Environment I/A Series G3 Cause Can I remove the permanent override feature or limit the maximum override duration from the station or an individual point in I/A Series G3? Resolution Starting in version 3.4.51, the permanent override can be removed globally from the station by adding a facet to the SysInfo facets property on the root of the station. Add a new BRelTime value to the SysInfo facets and assign it the name "maxOverrideDuration." This enables a station global limit on the duration for any control point. The value of this BRelTime should be the MAX duration allowed. A value of zero means that 'Permanent' is allowed. A non-zero value limits the custom to a maximum time value.  Note that 'Permanent' is the default if no "maxOverrideDuration" facet is found. Starting in version 3.5.25, the feature was enhanced to allow specifying the max duration on an individual control point basis. Follow the same procedure as defined above but add a new BRelTime value to the individual point's facet. Example: Right click on the station's Config container and select View - Property Sheet. Click on the Sys Info >> to open the Config Facets dialog box. Select + to add a facet. Click inside the Key area and enter the new key name maxOverrideDuration. Click on the Type drop down and select RelTime. Click on the Value ... and enter the desired time. Select OK

Issue What are the sourcing and sinking specifications of the analog voltage outputs on the different controllers? Product Line Andover Continuum, EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment i2 b3 XP IO modules Cause Sourcing and sinking refer to the ability of a DC circuit to PUSH or PULL a direct current through the circuit. Resolution Voltage Sourcing In a controller's voltage sourcing output, the output provides a voltage source that PUSHES a direct current through the load as indicated in the illustration below. The current flows from the output's positive (V/+) terminal through the load to the output's negative terminal (-/ RTN). Current Sinking In the illustration below, a controller's voltage output is sinking a current from the load. Note the voltage source in the load's circuit which is at 15 VDC. Because current always flows from positive to negative, the voltage coming from the controller's output (0 - 10 VDC) will ALWAYS be more negative than the load's source of 15VDC, thus a current will flow from the load's voltage source through the controller's output circuit to reach the negative (RTN) side of the output's circuit. The lower the voltage coming out of the controller's output the more negative it will be as compared to the load's voltage source, thus the output will be sinking the most current when it has a value of 0 volts. It is extremely important when using a controller's voltage output in a way that will make it sink current to know the maximum amount of current the output will be sinking and to ensure it does not exceed the current sinking capacity of the controller's output. The following table shows the sourcing and sinking capabilities of the voltage outputs of the different controllers. CONTROLLER VOLTAGE SOURCING CURRENT SINKING COMMENT i2/b3 814 Voltage output 0-10 V @5 ma max 1 ma max Exceeding the 1 mA sink limit will cause the IO readings to be incorrect. ie, inputs may read 999.99

Issue Need to ensure that there are not any unresolved or invalid bindings Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment EcoStruxure Building Operation Workstation v1.5 and above Bindings Diagnostics Cause Bindings are invalid because they point to something that cannot be bound together or they are unresolved because the binding points to an object that is not in the database. Resolution From the Workstation run the Bindings Diagnostics to check for invalid or unresolved bindings.   Open the Control Panel To Check the Status of Bindings  click the option for Bindings Diagnostics.   Observe the Status to identify any invalid or unresolved bindings. Refer to the EBO Webhelp Binding Status Icons topic for more information Right-click the invalid or unresolved binding, edit the binding or view properties, and correct as appropriate.

Issue Need to send Continuum alarm messages to email addresses  Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum Cyberstation Cause Alarm delivery required to remote users via email.  Resolution Please note this resolution is applicable to all versions of Continuum Cyberstattion and requires Microsoft Exchange or Outlook to send emails.  However, CyberStation version 2.xx does not necessarily require Microsoft Exchange or Outlook to send emails for alarm notifications. Instead, it is possible to configure an SMTP server on the network and use it to send alarm email notifications directly to the intended recipient.  Please refer to SMTP Email Alarm Configuration in Continuum 2.00 to 2.03    Here are some requirements for forwarding Continuum workstation alarm events via email and paging: The Continuum workstations that have been designated primary and backup email and/or page handlers must have an email client such as Microsoft Exchange or Outlook. The email client application must communicate with an existing email server application, such as MS Exchange Server. The primary or backup email/paging workstation must be running Continuum at the time an alarm is generated. Each EventNotification object associated with the alarms that you wish to email or page must have its own email distribution list in the personal address book of the client email application using a specified naming convention as outlined in the table below. This email distribution list must be stored in the first address book shown in the list of available address books in the email client application. For example, if you create an EventNotification distribution list in the Personal Address Book in Microsoft Outlook, then the Personal Address Book must be the first one showing in the address list dropdown box when you open the Address Book.   How to Create an EventNotification Distribution List Note: The following steps are based on Microsoft Outlook. Other mail applications may have different menu names and choices but the general procedure is the same. Step Action 1 Open the Address Book for the email account on the Continuum workstation that will be providing the email/paging services. Your toolbar may have a button for this. If not, use the Address Book option of the Tools menu. 2 Select New Entry from the Address Book File menu. 3 Select the entry type Personal Distribution List and put this entry in the Personal Address Book. 4 In the Name field enter a name for the distribution list using the following format: For E-mail: ACC.name For Paging: ACC.page.name where name is the name of the EventNotification. 5 Add members (the email addresses or pager and service numbers of those to whom the notification of the alarm will be sent) to your personal distribution lists. 6 Set address book options so that the address book where your personal distribution lists are stored is the first one to be searched when sending emails or pages.

Issue Error Getting IIS object: IIS://LocalHost/W3SVC/1/Root/webclient. Automation error Invalid syntax when installing webclient Environment Webclient Windows XP Windows 7 Cause IIS must be installed prior to webclient or the webclient applications cannot be created Resolution 1. Install IIS prior to the webclient install (See the installation guide section Pre-installation Microsoft Tasks) 2. If IIS is already installed, run the following command from a DOS prompt (Start>Run>cmd) CD\ + enter Cd \Windows\Microsoft.net\Framework\v2.0.50727> aspnet_regiis.exe -i + enter Reboot the PC and reinstall webclient Windows 7: Ensure that all the specific IIS components are selected according to the webclient installation guide See the section Configuring IIS for Windows Vista and Windows 7. There are specific components that must be selected in order for the webclient applications to work properly. If a component was missed, select it, then restart IIS and Continuum.

Issue What are the replacement battery part numbers? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Continuum and Infinity controllers i2, b3, CX, bCX1 SCX920, LCX810, LCX800, TCX850 Cause Replacement part numbers required. Resolution All the i2/b3 controller battery types are covered on pages 48/49 of the b3 Controller Technical Reference The CX9200, CX9400, and CX9900 all use 2 off: 12V 6.5A lead acid gel cells, Part number: 01-2100-423 The Part number for the bCX1 battery is: BCX1-BAT-KIT The Part number for the ACX57xx battery is: ACX2-BAT-KIT The Part number for the NC2 battery is: NC2-BAT-KIT For the older Infinity Controllers: SCX920, LCX810, LCX800, TCX850 – ½ AA 3.6V 850mA-Hr  e.g. LS14250

Issue EcoStruxure Building Operation Automation Server, Enterprise Server and BACnet object names limitation Dragging converted I/NET TGML graphics into Workstation causes Workstation to crash with following message: Exception message: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. at SE.WorkStation.Base.Windows.Views.TgmlFileDropHandler.Drop(FileInfo, Path, IOperationContext, IProgressInfo) at SE.WorkStation.Base.Windows.Views.FileDropCoordinator.ExecuteDrop(Path, IList`1, IProgressInfo) at SE.WorkStation.Base.Windows.Views.<>c__DisplayClassd.b__9(IProgressInfo) at SE.WorkStation.Framework.Services.<>c__DisplayClass1.b__0(IProgressInfo) at SE.WorkStation.Framework.ProgressIndication.ProgressActionOperation`2.Run(IProgressOperationInternal, IProgressResult, IProgressOperationInfo) at SE.WorkStation.Framework.Services.ProgressItem`1.b__1a(Task) at System.Threading.Tasks.<>c__DisplayClasse`1.b__d() at System.Threading.Tasks.Task`1.InvokeFuture(Object) at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.InnerInvoke() at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.Execute()  Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause The number of characters and the use of special characters in a EcoStruxure Building Operation object name and EcoStruxure Building Operation BACnet objects names Resolution Refer to the Webhelp Object Names topic for information on naming restrictions The statements in Webhelp also apply to EcoStruxure Building Operation BACnet objects unless is it a Continuum b3 object.  If you are creating a Continuum b3 object etc., the b3 object display name is limited to 16 characters consisting solely of letters, digits, and underscores (as per Continuum limitation). Basically, any objects you create for Continuum, for example, a 'BACnet Analog Input (Continuum)' will be subjected to the Continuum limitation. If you add a standard 'BACnet Analog Input' into an Automation Server or an Enterprise Server, then it is not limited by the Continuum limitation of 16 characters. The most common issue when bringing I/NET TGML converted graphics into Workstation is not checking for spaces at either the beginning or end of the converted file name.  Make sure there are no spaces (white space) before or after any characters of the file name before copying into Workstation.

Issue When running VisiSat 2.1 build 196 (200 or 201) a message is displayed - “Unable to Load the Schneider Electric CET Style DLL” and VisiSat fails to launch. Product Line Satchwell MicroNet Environment Windows (Windows, XP Professional, Windows 7, Windows Vista Ultimate) Microsoft Visio Cause .NET Framework 2.0 is not installed. Resolution Check that the version of VisiSat installed is either v2.1 196 or for SP1 build 200 or for SP2 build 201 on a computer running with a supported operating system and Microsoft’s Visio version.   MicroNet Software Datasheet   The suggested procedure to correct the “Unable to Load the Schneider Electric CET Style DLL” issue as follows: - Uninstall VisiSat Install .NET Framework 2.0 Install VisiSat 2.1 196, add service packs 1 and 2 files as required. Re-boot computer Run VisiSat. Links to VisiSat software and information:   The VisiSat main software can be downloaded from the link below: https://ecoxpert.se.com/search?documentUUID=c93346a7-9d82-48e7-9b54-a866ac75bb71&title=VisiSat%202.1%20Build%20196%20-%20Software   VisiSat service pack 1 can be downloaded from the link below: https://ecoxpert.se.com/search?documentUUID=fd2e9849-1ffe-4c10-b3a6-5f27bac91870&title=VisiSat%20Release%202.1.196%20Service%20Pack%201%20(2.1.200)%20-%20Software   VisiSat service pack 2 can be downloaded from the link below: https://ecoxpert.se.com/search?documentUUID=839c09d2-400d-4434-8b1e-97f339545034&title=VisiSat%20Release%202.1.196%20Service%20Pack%202%20(2.1.201)%20-%20Software   VisiSat documentation can be downloaded from the link below: https://community.se.com/t5/Building-Automation-Knowledge/Download-latest-VisiSat-Data-Sheets-Engineering-Guides/ta-p/6110

Issue After moving the License server to another computer the license server address in the License Administrator is changed to the IP address of the new computer, but EBO Workstation gets a license error when trying to login to it. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Workstation Cause The License Administrator can be used to select which license server EBO uses. This is done by going to the License Server Address tab and entering the license server address in the License Server Address field. Note that the license server address must be preceded by an @ in order for it to work, e.g. @servab48. The License Server Address in The License Administrator is not always used when Workstation or the Enterprise server asks for a license, Resolution The request for a license is handled in the following order:   If there are licenses located locally on the machine running WorkStation/Enterprise server (activated from ASR files), those are used first. This means that the license server set in License Administrator is not used in this case. If there are no licenses located locally on the machine running WorkStation/Enterprise Server, the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\FLEXlm License Manager\TACLIC_LICENSE_FILE is used. This registry key contains all license server addresses that have been successfully used to obtain a valid license previously. If this key is not empty, each server contained in the registry key value is asked for a valid license until one is obtained. This means that the license server set in License Administrator is not used in this case. If there are no licenses located locally on the machine running WorkStation/Enterprise Server, and the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\FLEXlm License Manager\TACLIC_LICENSE_FILE is empty, the license server set in License Administrator is used. The license server address is stored in the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Schneider Electric\StruxureWare\License Administrator\TACLIC_LICENSE_FI

Issue On a system requiring Semantics after adding Enterprise Servers to an Enterprise Central alarms are generated that cannot be cleared.  Changing the password for the Servers does not fix the issue. Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Enterprise Central Building Operation Enterprise Server Building Operation Workstation Cause Incorrect method used when setting up Semantics during installation, Semantics were enabled on the Enterprise Server as well as the Enterprise Central.  After adding to the Enterprise Central the Enterprise Server points to a different address where the alarm is for the original Enterprise Server address.   Resolution On the Enterprise Server the alarm needs to be verified against the original connection, this involves removing the lead object link and changing the settings to look at the original Semantic Database.   On the Enterprise Server Semantic Settings remove the lead object entry pointing to the Enterprise Central.  Open the Services Manager and Stop and Re-Start the GraphDB service, if stopped start it. Additionally, Stop and Start the Enterprise Server service, this can also be done in the Services manager using Software Administrator to stop and start will show any errors if evident. Log back into the Enterprise Server and the password alarm should be cleared, this may take a minute or so but not any longer.  This is only if the password has been changed, please see Semantic DB authentication failure" alarm. Also, in the EC the password alarm should have cleared. Once the alarm is cleared the GraphDB service can be disabled from within services as it is not required. Re-instate the lead object entry pointing to the Enterprise Central that was initially removed. For more information on Semantics please see Semantic Overview

Issue What is the difference between the M1500 and the M1500A actuators? Environment Forta M1500 M1500A Cause Why has the "A" been dropped from the specification number? Resolution Originally there were two specifications; M1500A which fitted to the control valve using a "U-Bolt". M1500A-VB which fitted to the valve using a "Screw Mount". The M1500 actuator is fitted to the valve using an "U-Bolt", if a "Screw Mount" is required, then the appropriate linkage kit should be used.

Issue Which models of the SE7300 series room controllers can be used with the SC3000 series relay packs? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Expert, EcoStruxure Building Operation, Field Devices Environment SE7300 series Room Controllers Cause The SC3000 series relay packs allows existing line voltage wiring between the fan coil unit and temperature controller to be re-used. Only certain models of the SE7000 series room controllers can be used with the relay packs.  Resolution The SER7300 is used with the SC3000. Refer to F-27797 SER7300 and SC3000 Series datasheet. Refer to the F-27777 SC3000 Series datasheet to select the appropriate relay pack for your application.  SE7000 series Room Controllers documentation can be found on The Exchange Download Center.   

Issue TC300 Series & accuracy Environment BMS Site Cause TC300 Series & accuracy Resolution The TC300Series-HotelApplication Stand-alone Digital FanCoil Thermostat specifications are as follows: There are two sensors possible for the unit. An embedded sensor is NTC100K, and for the external sensor as (below picture) it is NTC10K (3950). This chart defines the NTC Sensor accuracy (not the Control Accuracy which is in the specifications above):   The RS-03 10k NTC Remote Sensor-3m (Meters). Sites that want to extend further than the 3m, should know that the maximum length is 20m, we don't suggest more, but doesn't mean >20m have issues. The problem depends on the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Compatibility (EMC) in the field. Every site is different, and it is suggested to try in the field and see if it works fine. (When a remote sensor is connected (terminals S1 & S2) this remote sensor is automatically used. The internal sensor is ignored.) Note: TC300 thermostat supports Modbus RTU only. If you require LON, consider the SE7000 series controller. TC300 series replaces the DEGA 006905432 which is obsolete as of March 2004.  To control multiple fan coils with one ST300, a connection called the ST-2 is required. This expands the control up to 4 fan coils simultaneously but is not recommended since it may lead to uncomfortable temperatures in building area. For more info, visit The Exchange with search keywords TC300. The TC300 is only listed in the EMEA and AsiaPAC market. They are not UL approved.  

Issue Point under the Application folder of MP-x device shows error "Contains unresolved BACnet reference" Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment Building Operation Multi-purpose Controller Building Operation Multi-purpose VAV Building Operation IP-IO Cause Incomplete entry in point's BACnet priority array. The screenshot below shows the XML file obtained from exporting the point, as it can be seen, 'Priority16' is missing the 'Type' section. Resolution Perform the following steps to correct the problem: Export the point out to a file. Delete the point. Import the file created at step 1, once the point has been re-created via import the unresolved error is gone. NOTE: There is no need to make any modifications to the XML file, it can be imported as is, the system will automatically correct the incomplete entry for priority16.

Issue What is the Intel Floating point number as used in the Modbus X Driver? Product Line Andover Continuum Environment Modbus RTU X Driver Cause It is not clear how the two special floating point function codes vary. Resolution There are two different floating point data formats (248 & 245) these are both standard 32 bit floating point numbers but the data bits stored in memory (or read over the protocol) differently.   The 32 bits of Function 248 are stored as one string of bits, bit 0 through to bit 31.   For the 245 format the upper and lower words are swapped around, so it stores the data as bits 15 to 0, then bits 31 to bit 16. This format is called Intel format as it is the way Intel microprocessors handle floating point data.   Here is a link to information on floating point numbers FYI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating-point_arithmetic   These two formats can also be called Big Endian (Function 248), or Little Endian (Function 245). Little Endian is also known as the Intel format. Information on Endianness can be found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endianness

Issue Can licenses be transferred in Security Expert? Product Line EcoStruxure Security Expert Environment Security Expert Cause Unsure if a single SSN can be authenticated on multiple PC's or if licenses can be transferred or moved. Resolution Each PC requires a separate SSN. These licenses can be transferred between PC's. As part of the licensing process, the hardware details of the computer are recorded against each SSN, so any hardware changes require re-licensing, this also means SSNs cannot be shared across computers, and if used on a virtual machine – it must be assigned a static MAC address. Licenses can be transferred between machines without issue, Product Support will add a registration onto the license and clear the hardware profile after receiving a request. The installer will then do a License Update from the Security Expert server.

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 Need a method for mass importing User photos for creating / updating the Users for a Security Expert site. Product Line Security Expert Environment Security Expert Security Expert Data Sync Service (SX-DB-SYNC) Cause Data Sync Service is typically used to import data from the third party system.  In this instance, a CSV file containing the data to be imported into the Security Expert database is used. The Data Sync Service is configured to monitor the folder where this CSV file is located and automatically (if configured) import the relevant data into Security Expert, creating records (including users, access levels, areas, doors, schedules, and so on) for each matched entity. Resolution The Data Sync Service can be used to map specific fields from a CSV file to fields within Security Expert. One of those fields can be the User photos. Below is a guide on how to implement this.   1. Directory Setup Before opening the Security Expert Data Sync Service, it is necessary to setup a CSV file and directory for the Data Sync Service to work with. The only requirement for now is that each image must have a unique name and that the folder housing the images must be called "Photos". Figure 1 shows an example folder structure: Note: The names of the folder, CSV file and image names are not critical. As long as the image names match what is in the CSV file.   2. CSV File A CSV file is a comma separated file with each row being a separate record and columns (fields) separated by comma's. An example CSV is shown below:   UniqueID,FirstName,LastName,AccessLevel,PIN 101,First,User,Visitor,1284 102,Second,User,Visitor,5618 Note: The UniqueID field will need to be the file name of the Users image. For the below example CSV, two images must be present in /Photos/ with the names 101.jpg and 102.jpg.   3. Security Expert Operator It is recommended that a new Security Expert Operator is added for importing from the Data Sync Service. This ensures that records that have been added / modified / deleted by the Data Sync Service can easily be identified. To proceed past the Data Target section the Show PIN numbers for Users option must be enabled in the Operator object.   4. Data Target Now that an Operator, directory and CSV have been set up, open Security Expert Data Sync Service and follow these steps: Select Security Expert from the Target System dropdown. Confirm the SOAP Server Address. If the defaults were accepted during the installation of the SOAP Service, enter http://localhost:8030/SecurityExpertSOAPService/service.svc. Enter the Username of an Operator. Enter the Password for that Operator. From the Site dropdown, select the Site that the records are to be imported to. All Sites that have been added in Security Expert will be available in the dropdown. Overwrite the Site ID during the field mapping process if the records are imported to different Sites within a single import. Note: The rest of the fields on the Configuration window are disabled until a valid Server Address, Username and Password have been entered.   5. Sync Options Set the Resynchronize Every time to a time interval over which the service should resync data. Tick the Enable Error Log checkbox to populate the Event Viewer with events that will make error solving simpler.  6. Data Mapping  Configure the records and import file with the following steps. Select Users from the Record to Sync drop-down.  In the File Directory field, enter the created folder. If importing a single file, enter the name of the file in the Import File field. If the checkbox is left unticked, all files in the File Directory will be imported. From the File Format drop-down, select Delimited. If the import file is a CSV, select {CR}{LF} as the Row and {Comma} as Column delimiters. Enable the option to Start Import At Row 2 to skip the header.    7. Field Mapping The data mapping phase allows CSV columns (Source Column) to be mapped to a record type in the Security Expert Database (Target Field). To import the example CSV, the field mapping must be configured as below. Link a Target Field and Source Column, simply select both in the interface, complete the following: Link the following [Target Field : Source Column]: ImageID : 1, First Name : 2, Last Name : 3, UserAccessLevelGroupDataData > UserAccessLevel : 4 PINNumber : 5, Select ImageID (Column 1) as the Unique Field. For UserAccesLevel, open the Advanced Data Configuration by clicking the [ … ] button. Ensure that Use This Field As The Group Data Identifier is set and Grouping Type is Singular Data. Ensure Target Field Record Type is ticked and set to Access Levels. Click Save and then Start to begin the syncing of Users. 8. Troubleshooting If troubleshooting is required, examine the following logs: All Events - In Security Expert under Monitoring > Status Page View, open the All Events view to view Data Sync Service events. Event Viewer - Open the Windows Event Viewer and navigate to Event Viewer > Applications and Services Logs > Schneider Electric Security Expert event log.

Issue How can the password (PSWRD) be reset back to the factory default value of “0” on the Viconics VT7200x5x18, VT7300x5x18, & VT7600x5x18 series thermostats? Environment Viconics VT7x00 and SE7x00 thermostats Cause unknown password Resolution There's no way to restore the password back to “0”.  An error code will be displayed when an incorrect password is used. Contact Product Support Services with this error code and a temporary password will be given to allow the ability to create a new password.

Issue Is it possible to Import / Export data from Excel into the StruxureWare Building Operation Spreadsheet view? Product Line EcoStruxure Building Operation Environment SmartStruxure Spreadsheet View Microsoft Excel Cause Engineer must complete a survey of the existing plant before starting the upgrade and wished to export the StruxureWare Building Operation data into Excel. Resolution Importing and Exporting to Excel at release 1.3 is not possible, using copy and paste are the only options. These functions are described in StruxureWare Building Operation "Help" under "How To". Copying from MS Excel to Spreadsheet View Copying from Spreadsheet View to MS Excel

Issue Controller replacement Product Line Field Devices Environment Field   Cause Controller Replacement Resolution The CXC controller provided compensated control. The CSC 5252 or CSC 5253 (With time clock) is the current replacement. Downloads The CXC data sheet can be downloaded here. The CSC data sheet can be downloaded here. The CSC User guide can be downloaded here.   Please be aware: since July 2016 the CSC compensator and other descrete controllers were withdrawn from service. To see "PA-00479 - Discrete Controllers - Notice of Withdrawal - Satchwell" click here.