BCI-R alarm relay output status is in alarm, but I have no other diagnostics
Summary:
If the BCI-R alarm relay output status is in alarm and you have no other diagnostics, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue
The Alarm Relay Output is a physical output on the RTOM of the unit. The Alarm Relay Output Status point reflects the state of this output. The output can be set in two different modes: Default Mode and Alternate Mode. This function was added in RTRM V9.0 and higher.
Default Mode:
The Default mode will be used when the Alarm Indicator configuration input is not connected. When the unit is configured for Default Alarm Indication mode, the Alarm relay will energize (close) continuously while any diagnostic condition is active that causes the two-blink diagnostic indication on the RTRM System LED or causes a total loss of a function.
The diagnostics that will set the Alarm Relay output active in this mode include:
- Supply Fan Failure
- Exhaust Fan Failure
- High Duct Static Trip (Auto Reset)
- High Duct Static Trip Manual Lockout
- Duct Static Pressure Sensor Fail
- Heat Fail
- Zone Temp Sensor Fail on CV Units and VAV Units with Modulating Dehumidification.
- SA Temp Sensor Fail (all VAV units and CV units with Modulating Heat or Reheat)
- Outdoor Air Temp Sensor Fail
- Outdoor Coil Temperature Sensor 1 Fail
- Outdoor Coil Temperature Sensor 2 Fail
- Defrost Fault Active
- Frostat Active
- Freezestat Active
- Smoke Detector Active
- Any Manual Compressor Lockout
- RTOM Comm. Failure
- RTDM Comm. Failure (for units configured with Modulating Dehumid.)
- RTVM Comm. Failure (Statitrac)
- Space Pressure Sensor Failure
- Dehumidification Mis-Configuration
- Reheat Circuit Entering Evaporator Temperature Failure
- Condensate Drain Pan Overflow
Alternate Mode:
The Alternate Mode of operation will be used when the Alarm Indicator configuration input is connected to ground. When the unit is configured for the Alternate Mode of Indication, the alarm relay will energize (close) continuously while any diagnostic condition is active that causes the lockout of the unit or a key system component. Existing units will need to use a kit to configure this mode.
The diagnostics that will set the Alarm Indicator output active in this mode include:
- Supply Fan Failure
- Exhaust Fan Failure
- High Duct Static Trip (Auto Reset)
- High Duct Static Trip Manual Lockout
- Duct Static Pressure Sensor Fail
- Heat Fail
- Zone Temp Sensor Fail on CV Units and VAV units with Modulating Dehumidification
- SA Temp Sensor Fail (all VAV units and CV units with Modulating Heat or Reheat)
- Outdoor Air Temp Sensor Fail
- Any Manual Compressor Lockout
- RTOM Comm. Failure
- RTDM Comm. Failure (for units configured with Modulating Dehumid.)
- RTVM Comm. Failure (Statitrac)
- Space Pressure Sensor Failure
- Dehumidification Mis-Configuration
- Freezestat Active
- Smoke Detector Active
- Reheat Circuit Entering Evaporator Temperature Failure
- Condensate Drain Pan Overflow
Upgrade firmware to 5.02.02 or higher. Firmware upgrade process will cause a controller reset, which will clear the alarm.
The diagnostic binary input points do not affect BI165, Alarm Relay Output Status.
All the diagnostic BIs can be normal and the Alarm Relay Output Status can still in in alarm.
Sometime to hide a diagnostic that is not relevant, we take the diagnostic BI out of service and set its value to normal.
This does not affect BI165.
BI165 still know the alarm is really present.
BI165 will still indicate alarm.
WARNING:
Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.