PM5700 BACnet not linked when de-energised?

[Bjenkins]

We have a site with MDB with multiple Schneider PM series meters (5700 and 5500). The issue is we are picking up these meters over BACnetIP. As there are some spare meters not energised, we have no connection beyond that meter. Seems when de-energised meters don't provide a ethernet link? Seems a strange thing to not have considering most MDB have spare meters.

Can anyone confirm this is the case? Is the solution to add a switch and star connection to each meter.

[Mehran_Mehrnia]

Hi @Bjenkins 

Yes, this is expected behavior. Meters with dual switch such as PM5700 and PM5500 meters which supports single IP address, do not have an internal Ethernet bypass or switch, therefore they do not maintain Ethernet link when de-energized because their communication electronics require power.

If the meters are daisy-chained, a powered-off meter will break the communication path. The recommended solution is to use a network switch and connect each meter individually (star topology) to ensure communication remains unaffected by spare or de-energized meters.

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering

[Bjenkins]

Seems a strange limitation, when most sites would always have multiple spare circuits and meters not energised. I guess its on the MDB builder to wire it as you mention above.

Thanks for the response!

[Charles_Murison]

Hello @Bjenkins ,

The 2 Ethernet ports on a meter are essentially a 3 port switch. The switch determines if traffic is directed to the meter or to the second Ethernet port. I do not know of any switch that can function without power (excluding devices powered by POE).

Regards,

Charles