Frequently Asked Questions — Schneider Electric

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" landing-cards-prop="{"getGk":[{"Title":"How to differentiate power consumption & power dissipation .","UrlName":"FA316686","LastModifiedDate":"09/09/2025","score":1.3247477596039356,"firstpublisheddate":"29/05/2017","answer":"The power Consumption in VA is Bus Current * Voltage
And the Power dissipation is "lost" or wasted power, represented by the power converted to lower forms such as heat that are no longer useful in that system.
In relation to a power supply the dissipated power is the difference between the input and the output power, as the rest is wasted or dissipated. So power dissipation is not fixed for these hardware but what we can say is it will be approx. 10% of Power consumption on full load.

Just for an example for TM3DI16 – typical power consumption is 7mA at nominal supply 24 VDC from External power supply
When all inputs are ON, current drawn on internal 5VDC bus is 40 mA

=> For External power supply , power consumption is (24 VDC x 0.007 A) = 0.168 Watts ( not 1.68) : this value is so low we can nearly forget it when sizing the 24V external power supply

For 5VDC internal bus supply, power consumption is (5VDC x 0.04) = 0.2 Watts; yes but this characteristic is not so important, as the 5V is provided internally by the PLC itself , and as this module has very low consumption within 5V, this create never a problem to have this module into the TM3 configuration ( from 5V point of view)"},{"Title":"What is Rated short-time withstand current: Ik (A)?","UrlName":"FAQ000225210","LastModifiedDate":"29/09/2025","products":"MCSet 17.5 kV","score":1.1218274111675126,"firstpublisheddate":"21/12/2021","answer":"This is the rms value of the current which the switchgear can carry in the closed position during a specified short time. Short time is generally 1 s, and sometimes 3 s."},{"Title":"What is the difference between the REFLEX mode and the POLARISED REFLEX mode on photo-electric sensors?","UrlName":"FA28055","LastModifiedDate":"02/03/2026","score":1.066220581449008,"firstpublisheddate":"22/12/2010","answer":"

Note that we no longer sell these devices, this FAQ is for information only.

Both systems comprise a transmitter and receiver (usually within a single-body sensor), and a reflector. The transmitter sends a beam which is bounced back by the reflector and detected by the receiver. An object passing through the beam blocks the reflection and triggers the sensing signal.

REFLEX mode sensors may not be suitable for detecting reflective objects, as a shiny target may bounce the beam back to the sensor in the same way as the reflector. The sensor may not be able to tell the difference between the target and reflector and will therefore fail to detect the object. For maximum effectiveness the targets should be opaque or near opaque and should not be highly reflective in nature. However, the advantage of reflex mode sensors is that they give relatively long sensing distances.

POLARISED REFLEX mode sensors have polarising filters over both the transmitter and receiving sensor. The filters are at 90 deg to each other which means that the receiver cannot see the transmitted beam as it will be blocked by the receiver filter. The reflector turns the polarised light waves through 90 deg so that the receiver can see them. Light bouncing off other objects is not rotated so it will not trigger the sensor. This means that the polarised reflex can be used to detect very reflective surfaces, even mirrors, polished metal and semi transparent materials. However, the sensing distance is shorter than REFLEX.

"},{"Title":"What is Rated Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV)?","UrlName":"FAQ000225209","LastModifiedDate":"29/09/2025","products":"EasyPact EXE","score":1.0456852791878173,"firstpublisheddate":"21/12/2021","answer":"This is the voltage that appears across the terminals of a circuit breaker pole after the current has been interrupted. The recovery voltage wave form varies according to the real circuit configuration. A circuit breaker must be able to break a given current for all transient recovery voltages whose value remains below the rated TRV.
"},{"Title":"What Is Tropicalization and tropicalization category T2 with respect to IEC 60068 standard?","UrlName":"FAQ000208567","LastModifiedDate":"02/07/2025","products":"EasyPact MVS","score":1.0456852791878173,"firstpublisheddate":"22/06/2021","answer":"

The Tropicalization term is related to the damp heat environmental conditions.
It means the product have been internally testing based on damp heat cycling test according to IEC 60068-2-30 Std (Test Db) as per severity 2 : cyclic test at 55°C and 95% relative humidity, two 24h cycles (12h + 12h).”

"},{"Title":"How can I cable to the PNP and NPN type outputs for sensors / detectors, using the wiring diagram?","UrlName":"FA23633","LastModifiedDate":"03/07/2025","score":1.0355329949238579,"firstpublisheddate":"28/09/2010","answer":"

PNP and NPN type outputs are available as 3-wire sensors with a DC voltage power supply (the voltage limits are dependent on the specific sensor):

PNP type: switching on the positive voltage load

NPN type: switching on the negative voltage load

These outputs are typical of photoelectric detectors, inductive proximity and other types of sensors.

For a detailed explanation of PNP vs NPN, see the following FAQ: FA142566

PNP output

The load (relay coil, contactor relay input, PLC input) must be connected between the "-" negative terminal and the midpoint.

The corresponding PLC input is Sink.

NPN output

The load must be connected between the "+" positive terminal and the midpoint.

The corresponding PLC input is Source.

$\"PNP$

Some sensors have two PNP and NPN outputs (4-wire sensors) which are wired according to the diagram below.

$\"PNP$

Note that we no longer sell sensors. Telemecanique Sensors, who were previously part of the Schneider Electric brand, were sold in 2023. You can go to their website - www.telemecaniquesensors.com - for more information, including contact details.

"},{"Title":"We are having issue regarding web deployment, any changes made in SCADA at server is not reflected at web client screen during compiling the new project , some warning and message Failed to create web deployment files shows.","UrlName":"FA177324","LastModifiedDate":"02/06/2026","score":1.0304568527918783,"firstpublisheddate":"24/12/2013","answer":"

There is an issue in Vijeo Citect v7.20, where the parameter [WebServer]deployRoot does not recognize as a valid value a path enclosed in double quotes.
As a workaround, please use an access path without spaces in it, and do not enclose it in double quotes. e.g. [WebServer]DeployRoot=C:\\temp\\deploy. or install the latest service pack 4 as this issue has been fixed in the service pack.

"},{"Title":"What is the selection criterion of Circuit Breakers for the Capacitor bank application.","UrlName":"FAQ000193301","LastModifiedDate":"28/02/2026","score":1.0304568527918783,"firstpublisheddate":"23/04/2010","answer":"

The selection should be done after derating the Circuit Breaker taking into consideration voltage variation and capacitors tolerances that could increase nominal current up to 1.5In.

\n\n

The Derating factor of 1.5In

\n\n

Where In = Q/ ( Square root of 3 ) Un

\n\n

Q = Capacitor Power

\n\n

Un = Nominal Voltage

\n\n

Choose the Micrologic with delay time selection, so that the Circuit Breaker does not trip due to initial high inrush current.

\n\n

Also to be taken into account are the parameters like supply frequency, operating voltage & harmonics level of the power system for such application.

\n\n

Refer the attached sheet for further details for selection of Circuit Breaker for Capacitor duty application.

\n\n

Note: Use the phase barrier between the phases in Circuit Breaker to prevent flashover due to heavy inrush current.

"}],"getPv":[{"Title":"Video: What causes an StF fault on an Altistart 22 Soft Starter?","UrlName":"FA167393","LastModifiedDate":"23/01/2021","products":"Altistart 22","score":1.0371771771771772,"firstpublisheddate":"07/02/2013","answer":"Issue:\n
Troubleshooting StF Fault on Altistart 22\n
\n
Product Line:\n
ATS22 Soft Starter\n
\n
Environment:\n
All models\n
\n
Cause:\n
The StF fault means the starter has exceeded the maximum start time setting, tLS, in the SEt menu. \n
\n
Resolution:\n
tLS needs to be set higher than the ACC time. \n
For example: If ACC (ramp up time) is 10 seconds, then set the tLS max starting time to 20 seconds.\n
\n
If ILt current limit is too low, the motor may not reach full speed within tLS limit.\n
Mechanical problems on the load may prevent the motor from reaching full speed within tLS limit.\n
See page 51 in the ATS22 User Manual:\n
\n
\n $\"\"$ \n
\n
The following video is a guide for troubleshooting the StF fault code, indicating a longer than expected start-up time, on the Altistart ATS22 soft starter by adjusting the tLS (maximum start time in seconds) and ACC (ramp up time) parameters under the SET menu. tLS must be set higher then the ACC time value.\n
\n
"},{"Title":"How do I remotely initiate a transfer to Emergency on a series 300 with Group G controller?","UrlName":"FAQ000102705","LastModifiedDate":"09/06/2025","products":"ASCO SERIES 300 Group G Power Transfer Switch","score":1.0118518518518518,"firstpublisheddate":"22/10/2020","answer":"You can send "remote transfer to emergency" signals via the External Feature 17 contacts.

External Feature 17 contacts are located on the Series 300 Group G controller. The terminals for the External Feature 17 are TB1-8 and TB1-9. Refer to the ATS wiring diagram.

Connect a Normally Closed set of contacts across the terminals. Opening the contact will cause the generator to start and run, and transfer to Emergency side once the ATS controller recognizes the Emergency source as an acceptable source.

Before opening the contacts, make sure to enable the Ext. Feature 17 in the ATS controller first.

$\"\"$

$\"\"$

Enable the External Feature 17 via the Group G controller. Make sure there is a CHECK mark on the box corresponding to Ext Feature 17 to ENABLE it. Refer to the Group G Controllers User Guide.

$\"\"$

If unsure, contact Technical Support at 1-800-800-ASCO or send an email to technicalsupport@ascopower.com

You may also watch the video related to this (please see below).

"},{"Title":"Video: Can you read trip history from the LCD screen on the Micrologic A (Ammeter) trip units? 2.0A, 3.0A, 5.0A, and 6.0A","UrlName":"FA125240","LastModifiedDate":"12/02/2026","products":"Micrologic Trip Units","score":1.0081481481481482,"firstpublisheddate":"12/09/2008","answer":"

Product Line:
Micrologic A (Ammeter) Trip Units 2.0A, 3.0A, 5.0A and 6.0A

Resolution:
No, the Micrologic A (Ammeter) trip units do not store trip history. For that, you need a Micrologic P (Power) or H (Harmonic) trip unit.

While the A trip unit does not have trip history, it does capture the maximum current that has flowed through the breaker since the last reset of the value. That can be seen on the trip unit in the "peak menu". To access the information, press the "menu" button on the trip unit (trip unit screen must be powered). The first time the menu button is pressed, the screen displays the "current menu". Repeated pressing of the menu button cycles the screens in the following order:
-Current Menu
-Peak Menu
-Trip Unit Settings

Following are the details:

Current Menu
The current menu displays the real time amount of current flowing through the breaker for each phase (IA, IB, IC), plus any ground fault current (Ig). For 4-pole breakers, it also shows the amount of neutral current (In). Neutral current is not displayed for 3-pole breakers.

$\"Video:$

Peak Menu
The peak menu displays the maximum (peak) current that has flowed through the breaker for each phase (IpA, IpB, IpC), plus the maximum ground fault current (Ipg). For 4-pole breakers, it also shows the maximum neutral current (Ipn). Neutral current is not displayed for 3-pole breakers. Note that the peak current is not necessarily the same as the trip current. In other words, a breaker that has never tripped will still show a peak current. Also, the peak current values remain stored in the trip unit even if it is removed from the breaker. To reset those peak values, scroll to each of the values to be reset, then press and hold the scroll button for 3 seconds.

$\"Video:$

Trip Unit Settings
The trip unit settings are the ampere pickup values and the time delay values, based on the combination of the trip unit dial settings and the breaker in which the trip unit is installed. The values include long time pickup (Ir) and delay (tr), short time pickup (Isd) and delay (tsd), instantaneous pickup (Ii), and ground fault pickup (Ig) and delay (tg). Note that if the trip unit is removed from the breaker and connected to a 24 Vdc power supply, the values default to the minimum Ir setting (0.4x). These reset once the trip unit is reinstalled in a breaker. Not all trip unit have all the following settings, check the trip unit itself for applicable values.

$\"Video:$

"},{"Title":"Video: How to set up communication between Momentum and M340 PLC over Modbus TCP IP.","UrlName":"FA377706","LastModifiedDate":"02/06/2026","products":"Modicon Momentum I/O, EcoStruxure™ Control Expert, Modicon M340","score":1.005925925925926,"firstpublisheddate":"06/08/2019","answer":"Please refer to the video."},{"Title":"Video:How to set-up the homing mode of the servo drive.","UrlName":"FA320452","LastModifiedDate":"29/09/2025","products":"LXM32AD18M2, LXM32AD12N4","score":1.005925925925926,"firstpublisheddate":"13/07/2017","answer":"

Please find the below video:

"},{"Title":"Video: How to Preset & Reset Energy Reading in PM1130H Meter Using Ionsetup Tool","UrlName":"FA383144","LastModifiedDate":"20/03/2025","products":"EasyLogic PM11xx","score":1.005925925925926,"firstpublisheddate":"19/09/2019","answer":"This article contains a video"},{"Title":"Video: How does one set up the ATV61/71 keypad VW3A1101 to display more than one parameter?","UrlName":"FA174493","LastModifiedDate":"12/12/2024","products":"Altivar 71, Altivar 61","score":1.005925925925926,"firstpublisheddate":"06/09/2013","answer":"Issue:
ATV61/71 keypad VW3A1101 set up to display more than one parameter.

Product line:
Altivar 61 and 71

Environment:
All models, all serial numbers:

Cause:
One parameter is the default.

Resolution:
From the main menu go to menu 6 [Monitoring Config] then enter
Select 6.2 [MONITOR SCREEN TYPE].
If "Digital value type" is "Digital" only two parameters can be selected.
If "Digital value type" is "Bar graph" only two parameters can be selected.
If "Digital value type" is "List" then five parameters can be selected.
Go to "PARAMETER SELECTION". Select the check box beside the parameters you want to display.

"},{"Title":"Video: How to convert PL7 Application from .STX to .FEF file Format","UrlName":"FA401407","LastModifiedDate":"02/06/2026","products":"PL7","score":1.0051851851851852,"firstpublisheddate":"23/12/2019","answer":"
Below video will demonstrate the procedure for "How to convert PL7 Application from .STX to .FEF file Format' :

."},{"Title":"Video : How to upload diagnostic log file from quantum CPU using unity Pro software","UrlName":"FA343300","LastModifiedDate":"02/06/2026","score":1.0044444444444445,"firstpublisheddate":"06/04/2018","answer":"This article contains a video"}],"getPa":[{"Title":"What is Obf (Over Braking Fault) in Altivar 71 Drive.","UrlName":"FA166341","LastModifiedDate":"09/07/2025","products":"Altivar 71","score":1.0035632839224629,"firstpublisheddate":"26/12/2012","answer":"

The fault appears when ramp adaptation is not assigned (BRA=NO), the drive is running and the DC bus voltage pass the OBF level.

\n\n

Refer to attached file for more information of Obf.

"},{"Title":"Dimensions of Easypact CVS 800 MCCB","UrlName":"FA370396","LastModifiedDate":"14/01/2026","products":"EasyPact CVS","score":1.0020904599011782,"firstpublisheddate":"28/02/2019","answer":"Kindly find the attachment below for functions and characteristics and the dimensions of Easypact CVS800 MCCB.
"},{"Title":"Why is it required to use surge suppressor modules with our TeSys contactors.","UrlName":"FA230604","LastModifiedDate":"14/01/2026","products":"TeSys Deca Advanced","score":1.0019004180919802,"firstpublisheddate":"23/05/2014","answer":"The Surge device fitted on TeSys contactor coils is designed to limit the surge voltage generated by coil on opening sequence.
If surge device is not used then it may generate surge of some kV on the coil supply.

Please refer the below attached file for the technical characteristics for the different type of Surge suppressor modules used for our TeSys D contactors.

"},{"Title":"How can we test MCCB LV563640 (CVS630N with 6.3ETS).","UrlName":"FA379968","LastModifiedDate":"14/01/2026","products":"EasyPact CVS","score":1.0018529076396807,"firstpublisheddate":"31/07/2019","answer":"MCCB LV563640 (CVS630N with 6.3ETS) don’t support secondary injection testing in customer field.
Also primary injection testing requires professional testing equipment.
"},{"Title":"What is PRA on Altivar 71 drive.","UrlName":"FA232979","LastModifiedDate":"01/06/2026","products":"Altivar 71","score":1.0017578867350818,"firstpublisheddate":"31/07/2014","answer":"PRA is Power Removal Function Active (drive locked out).
It is a state of the drive which means that it is locked. If drive displays PRA, that means that you do not have 24 V on the terminal PWR. Normally, all the drive are delivered with a "link" between terminals PWR and +24.

This situation is for safety reasons. When the status of ATV71 is PRA, for safety reasons, the software is frozen and nothing is done until PWR and +24 are shunted.

The solution is to shunt PWR and +24 before power on the drive."},{"Title":"What is EF2 fault on Altivar 212 Drive.","UrlName":"FA177370","LastModifiedDate":"01/06/2026","products":"Altivar 212","score":1.0016153553781832,"firstpublisheddate":"26/12/2013","answer":"

EF2 is the Ground Fault.
if the motor cable is longer than that specified for the drive size, it will increase the magnitude of the earth leakage current, due to stray capacitance and trip the drive.
The possible solutions are:

1. Check the motor and motor cables for ground faults.
2. The use of motor choke to reduce the level of dv/dt.
3. If it's the installation is in industrial and the cable is shielded find out if you can remove the earthing for the cable.
4. Try to reduce the switching frequency and note the difference.
5. Also good choice is to disconnect grounding capacitors by pulling out disconnecting switch. Refer attached document.

"},{"Title":"Where can I find register address details of EM7230/EM7280/EM7290 meters ?","UrlName":"FA354042","LastModifiedDate":"02/09/2024","products":"EM6400NG","score":1.0014728240212847,"firstpublisheddate":"30/06/2018","answer":"Please find the document which is applicable for all the meter mentioned."},{"Title":"What is meant by common trip as it relates to a 2 or 3 pole breaker?","UrlName":"FA112337","LastModifiedDate":"12/12/2024","products":"Miniature Circuit Breakers","score":1.0013302926643861,"firstpublisheddate":"15/02/2005","answer":"

Issue:

\n\n

Does a handle switch trip both breakers?

\n\n

Product Line:

\n\n

Miniature Circuit Breaker

\n\n

Resolution:

\n\n

This means the 2 or 3 poles are linked internally and if any pole trips, they all open together.

\n\n

Single pole breakers linked externally with a handle tie are not common trip. One breaker (pole) tripping does not trip the others.

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