Effective alarm management in Metasys ensures operators respond to important conditions while avoiding alarm fatigue. This guide covers alarm configuration, routing, and management best practices.
Point/Object → Alarm Extension → Alarm Router → Destinations
↓ ↓
Alarm Class Console, Email, Pager
↓
Priority/Routing
| Type | Requires Action | Acknowledged | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alarm | Yes | Yes | High temperature |
| Event | No | No | Mode change |
| Trouble | Yes | Yes | Communication loss |
Add alarm capability to points:
Analog Alarm Extension
Configuration:
High Limit: 85
High Limit Enable: Yes
Low Limit: 55
Low Limit Enable: Yes
Deadband: 2
High-High Limit: 90
Low-Low Limit: 50
Delay: 120 seconds
Binary Alarm Extension
Configuration:
Alarm Value: True
Alarm Enable: Yes
Delay: 30 seconds
Return Delay: 60 seconds
Group alarms by response requirement:
Standard Classes:
Alarm Class: Critical
Priority: 1
Ack Required: Yes
Auto-Ack Timeout: Never
Escalation: 15 minutes
Color: Red
Sound: Alarm1.wav
Route alarms to appropriate destinations:
Router Rules:
Rule 1: Class=Critical → All Consoles + Email + SMS
Rule 2: Class=High → Primary Console + Email
Rule 3: Class=Medium → Console
Rule 4: Class=Low → Log only
Rule 5: Class=Trouble → Console + IT Email
Console
Pager/SMS
Third-Party
Different routing by schedule:
Business Hours (6AM-6PM):
Critical → Console + Email
After Hours:
Critical → Console + Email + SMS
High → Console + SMS
Display active alarms:
Alarm Console Settings:
Auto-Refresh: 30 seconds
Default Filter: Active Only
Sort By: Priority, Time
Sound Enable: Yes
Flash Enable: Yes
Operator actions:
Time Delays Prevent transient alarms:
Recommended Delays:
Temperature limits: 60-300 sec
Pressure limits: 30-120 sec
Status alarms: 10-60 sec
Communication: 60-180 sec
Deadband Settings Prevent alarm chatter:
Example:
High Limit: 80°F
Deadband: 2°F
Alarm triggers at: 80°F
Clears at: 78°F
Conditional Suppression Suppress when condition not applicable:
Suppress Rule:
When: AHU.Mode = Off
Suppress: All AHU temperature alarms
Dynamic limits based on setpoint:
Zone Temperature:
Setpoint: 72°F
High Deviation: +5°F → Alarm at 77°F
Low Deviation: -5°F → Alarm at 67°F
Temporary suppression with accountability:
| Metric | Target | Action if Exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| Alarms/hour | <10 | Review tuning |
| Standing alarms | <5 | Investigate |
| Avg response time | <15 min | Training |
| Repeat alarms | <10% | Fix root cause |
Regular review process:
Non-alarm events to log:
Event Logging:
Setpoint Changes: Enable
Command Actions: Enable
Mode Changes: Enable
Login Events: Enable
Retention: 90 days
Security and compliance logging:
Check List:
Investigation:
Verify:
A well-managed alarm system is trusted by operators. When every alarm requires action and operators respond consistently, the system protects the building effectively.