Johnson Controls VMA1630, VMA1628, VMA1626 Installation Instructions Manual

VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation
Instructions

MS-VMA1615, MS-VMA1626, MS-VMA1628, MS-VMA1630

(barcode for factory use only)

Part No. 24-10143-217, Rev. J

Issued April 2018

Refer to the QuickLIT website for the most up-to-date version of this document.

Applications

The VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 programmable digital
controllers are designed for VAV applications that

communicate through the BACnet® MS/TP or N2

protocol. These VMA controllers feature combinations of
an integral digital pressure sensor (DPT), a damper
actuator, and a 32-bit microprocessor. The VMA1626 has
an actuator but does not contain a DPT. The VMA1628
model has a DPT but does not contain an actuator. The
controllers' small package size facilitates quick field
installation and efficient use of space without
compromising high-tech control performance. These VMA
controllers connect easily to the wired and wireless
network sensors for zone and discharge air temperature
sensing.

Switchable Communications
Protocols

The Metasys® system FEC Family Controllers and

network sensors communicate using either the standard
BACnet protocol, based on the ANSI/ASHRAE 135-2008,
or the BACnet/IP protocol. The BACnet protocol is a
standard for ANSI, ASHRAE, and the International
Standards Organization (ISO) for building controls.

The N2-capable FEC Family Controllers can be used as
functional replacements for legacy N2 controllers. The
N2-capable FEC Family Controllers:

• have the input and output (I/O) quantities and
characteristics of the FEC Family Controllers

• must be programmed with CCT, which has similar,
but not identical programming capabilities as
HVACPro, GX9100, GPL, and other legacy tools

• support SA Bus devices

• support WRZ wireless sensors from the controller
using the WRZ-7860 receiver (most models)

• are available in Buy American versions (most models)

The N2-capable FEC family controllers:

• do not support Zone Bus (for example, TMZ sensors
and M100 actuators) or XT-Bus (System 91) devices
(for example, XT, XTM, and XP modules)

• do not support a wireless connection to the N2 bus

• do not support NxE passthrough

North American Emissions
Compliance

FEC, VMA16, VMA18, and most IOM field controllers are
BTL-listed as BACnet Application Specific Controllers
(B-ASCs). FAC field controllers and the VMA1930 Field
Controller are BTL-listed as BACnet Advanced Application
Controllers (B-AACs).

Release 10.1 and later of the Controller Configuration
Tool (CCT) can be used to switch the Field Bus
communications protocol in supported FEC, FAC and
VMA controllers to be either the standard BACnet MS/TP
or the N2 protocol. All new controllers use either BACnet
MS/TP as the default communications protocol, or
BACnet/IP. Switchable communications protocols in the
MS/TP models provide a cost-effective upgrade and
modernization path for customers with existing N2
controllers.

United States

This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when this equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area may cause harmful interference, in which
case the users will be required to correct the interference
at their own expense.

1VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions

Canada

This Class (A) digital apparatus meets all the
requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe (A) respecte toutes
les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur
du Canada.

Installation

Observe these guidelines when installing a
VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 controller:

• Transport the VMA controller in the original container
to minimize vibration and shock damage to the VMA
controller.

• Do not drop the VMA controller or subject it to physical
shock.

Parts Included

• one VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 controller with
removable SA bus and power terminal blocks

• one installation instructions sheet

• one self-drilling No. 10 x 25 mm (1 in.) screw

Materials and Special Tools Needed

• several 6 mm (1/4 in.) female spade terminals for
input and output wiring, and crimping tool for spade
mounted terminal blocks

• small, straight-blade screwdriver for securing wires
in the terminal blocks

• 8 mm (5/16 in.) wrench or 10 mm (3/8 in.) 12-point
socket to tighten the square coupler bolt

• several shims or washers to mount the VMA

• power screwdriver, 100 mm (4 in.) extension socket,
punch, drill, and 3.5 mm (9/64 in.) drill bits to mount
the VMA

• pliers to open and close the damper

• required length of 3.97 mm (5/32 in.) ID pneumatic
tubing and barbed fittings

Mounting

Observe these guidelines when mounting a VMA:

Important: When the air supply to the VAV box is below

10°C (50°F), make sure that any
condensation on the VAV box, particularly
on the damper shaft, does not enter the
VMA electronics. Mount the VMA vertically
above the damper shaft to allow any shaft
condensation to fall away from the VMA.
Additional measures may be required in
some installations.

• Ensure that the mounting surface can support the
VMA and any user-supplied enclosure.

• Mount the VMA on a hard, even surface whenever
possible.

• Use shims or washers to mount the VMA securely
and evenly on the mounting surface.

• Mount the VMA in an area free of corrosive vapors
that matches the ambient conditions specified in the

Technical Specifications section.

• Provide sufficient space around the VMA for cable
and wire connections and adequate ventilation
through the controller (at least 50 mm [2 in.] on the
top, bottom, sides, and front of the controllers).

• Do not mount the VMA in areas where
electromagnetic emissions from other devices or
wiring can interfere with controller communication.

• Avoid mounting the VMA on surfaces with excessive
vibration.

• When using the VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 to replace
a VMA1610 or VMA1620 controller, plug the unused
open hole in the duct work from the original VMA
mounting if possible. Plug the hole using the sheet
metal screw from the original installation (preferred
option).

On panel or enclosure mount applications, observe these
additional guidelines:

• Do not install the VMA in an airtight enclosure.

• Mount the VMA so that the enclosure walls do not
obstruct cover removal or ventilation through the
controller.

• Mount the VMA so that the power transformer and
other devices do not radiate excessive heat to the
controller.

To mount the VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 controllers:

1. Set all the switches on the field controller to their

known settings.

2. Place the VMA controller in the proper mounting

position on the damper shaft so that the wiring

2VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions

connections are easily accessible. Make sure the
VMA controller base is parallel to the VAV box
(perpendicular to the damper shaft). If needed, use
a spacer to offset tipping of the VMA controller
caused by the shaft bushings.

Note: Use the alignment marks to center the captive

spacer to ensure sufficient VMA movement
in either direction.

3. Secure the self-drilling No.10 screw through the
captive spacer (Figure 2) with a power screwdriver
and 100mm (4in.) extension socket. Otherwise, use
a punch to mark the position of the shoulder washer,
and then drill a hole into the VAV box using a 3.5mm
(9/64in.) drill bit. Insert the mounting screw and
tighten against the spacer. For the VMA1628 models,
use the additional 1.25 inch screw to mount to one
of the two holes provided near the actuator opening
(see Figure 2) to mount the controller.

Important: Do not overtighten the screw, or the

threads may strip. If mounting to the
VAV box, make sure the screws do not
interfere with damper blade movement.

4. Locate the damper position using the typical marking
on the end of the damper shaft as shown in the figure
below.

Figure 1: Typical Damper End Shaft Icons

5. Note the direction, clockwise (CW) or
counterclockwise (CCW), required to close the
damper. Grasp the damper shaft firmly with pliers,
and either manually close the damper for 90° boxes
or manually open the damper for 45° or 60° boxes.

6. Push down and hold the Manual Override button
(Figure 2) and turn the VMA controller coupler until
it contacts the mechanical end-stop at either the
full-closed (90° boxes) or full-open (45° and 60°
boxes) position.

7. If the damper for a 90° box closes CCW, rotate the
coupler to the CCW mechanical limit. If the damper
for a 90° box closes CW, rotate the coupler to the
CW mechanical limit. The open end-stop is
automatically set for 90° boxes.

For 45° and 60° boxes, hard stops must be provided
at both full-closed and full-open damper positions.
By installing the VMA controller at the full-open
position, the VMA controller provides the open stop
for 45° and 60° boxes. The closed damper seal
provides the full-closed stop.

8. All models are compact in size and are easily
installed on VAV boxes. The VMA1615/1626/1630
models have either a round shaft up to 13 mm in
diameter or a 10 mm square shaft. Tighten the
square coupler bolt to the shaft using an 8 mm (5/16
in.) wrench or 10 mm (3/8 in.) 12-point socket.
Tighten to 10.5 to 11.5 N·m (95 to 105 lb·in).

9. Skip this step if you are installing the VMA1626
model. Loop the pneumatic tubing (supplied by field
personnel) to include a trap for condensation. Attach
the needed length of tubing (supplied and installed
by field personnel) to the dual port fitting on the VMA
controller and the other ends of the tubing to the
pressure transducer in the VAV box application
(Figure 2).
Note: The VMA uses a digital non-flow pressure

sensor (all models except the VMA1626) with
bidirectional flow operation, which allows you
to connect the high- and low-pressure DP
tubes to either barbed fitting on the VMA
controller. You do not need to make a specific
high- or low-side connection when you attach
the tubing to the barbed fittings on the VMA.

10. Push the Manual Override button, and turn the
actuator coupling manually to ensure that the
actuator can rotate from full-closed to full-open
positions without binding.

11. Complete the mounting by rotating the damper to
the full-open position.

Risk of Property Damage. Rotate the damper to the
full-open position before starting the air handler. Failure
to rotate the damper to the full-open position may result
in damage to the VAV box or ductwork when the air
handler is started.

Risque de dégâts matériels. Faire pivoter le registre
pour le placer en position d'ouverture complète avant
de démarrer l'unité de traitement d'air. Le non-respect
de cette directive risque d'endommager le caisson de
l'unité à volume d'air variable (VAV) ou le réseau de
conduites au démarrage de l'unité de traitement d'air.

3VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions

Figure 2: VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 Controller Wiring Terminations and Physical Features (VMA1630 Model

Shown)

4VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions

Table 1: VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 Feature Callout Numbers and Descriptions

Physical Features: Description and ReferencesCallout

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

14

15

16

24 VAC, Class 2 Supply Power Terminal Block (see Supply Power Terminal Block)

Device Address DIP Switch Block (see Setting the Device Address)

Binary Outputs, 24 VAC Triacs (see Table 3)

Configurable Outputs: Voltage Analog Output (0–10 VDC) and Binary Output (24 VAC Triac)
(VMA1630, 1626, and 1628 (see Table 3)

Dual Port Fitting (see Figure 2)

Manual Override Button (see Mounting)

Coupler Bolt (see Mounting)

Controller Coupler (see Mounting)

Universal Input: Voltage Analog Input (0–10 VDC)

Resistive Analog Inputs (0–600k ohm) (see Table 3):

0–2k Potentiometer

RTD: 1k Nickel, 1k Platinum, or A99B SI

NTC: 10K Type L (10K Johnson Controls Type II is equivalent to Type L) or 2.252K Type II

Dry Contact Binary Input

FC Bus Terminal Block. May also be used for N2 connections. See FC Bus Terminal Block (Or

N2 Protocol As Required).

EOL (End-of-Line) Switch (see Setting the EOL Switch)

SA Bus Terminal Block12

Modular Port (FC Bus) RJ-12 6-Pin Modular Jack (see Modular Ports)

Modular Port (SA Bus) RJ-12 6-Pin Modular Jack (see Modular Ports)

Captive Spacer and Screw (see Figure 2)

LED Status Indicators (see Table 9)

5VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions

Wiring

Risk of Electric Shock. Disconnect the power supply

before making electrical connections to avoid electric
shock.

Risque de décharge électrique. Débrancher
l'alimentation avant de réaliser tout raccordement
électrique afin d'éviter tout risque de décharge électrique.

FC Bus Terminal Block (Or N2 Protocol As
Required)

The FC Bus terminal block is a blue, removable,
4-terminal plug that fits into a board-mounted jack.

Wire the removable FC Bus terminal block plugs on the
VMA and other controllers in a daisy-chain configuration
using 3-wire twisted, shielded cable as shown in Figure

3. See Table 5 for more information.

Important: Do not connect supply power to the

controller before finishing wiring and
checking all wiring connections. Short
circuits or improperly connected wires can
result in damage to the controller and void
any warranty.

Important: Do not exceed the controller electrical

ratings. Exceeding controller electrical
ratings can result in permanent damage to
the controller and void any warranty.

Important: Use copper conductors only. Make all wiring

in accordance with local, national, and
regional regulations.

Important: Electrostatic discharge can damage

controller components. Use proper
electrostatic discharge precautions during
installation, setup, and servicing to avoid
damaging the controller.

For detailed information on configuring and wiring an
Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MS/TP) Bus, Field
Controller (FC), or Sensor/Actuator (SA) Bus, refer to the

MS/TP Communications Bus Technical Bulletin
(LIT-12011034).

VMA Terminals and Bus Ports

See for input and output terminal and bus port locations
on the VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 controllers. Observe
the following guidelines when wiring a VMA controller.

Figure 3: FC Bus Terminal Block Wiring

Note: The Shield terminal (SHLD) on the FC Bus

terminal block is isolated and can be used to
connect the cable shields on the bus (Figure 3).

SA Bus Terminal Block

The SA Bus terminal block is a brown, removable,
4-terminal plug with +15 VDC that fits into a
board-mounted jack.

Wire the removable SA Bus terminal block plugs on the
VMA and other SA Bus devices in a daisy-chain
configuration using 4-wire twisted, shielded cable as
shown in Figure 4. See Table 5 for more information.

Input and Output Terminals

The input spade terminals are located on the side of the
VMA near the FC Bus terminal block. The output spade
terminals are located on the opposite side of the controller
near the power supply terminal block. See Table 3 for
more information.

6VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions

Figure 4: SA Bus Terminal Block Wiring

Modular Ports

The modular and FC Bus ports on the face of the VMA
(Figure 2) are RJ-12 (6-position) modular jacks as shown
in Figure 5.

Supply Power Terminal Block

The 24 VAC supply power terminal block is a gray,
removable, 2-terminal plug that fits into a board-mounted
jack on the upper left of the VMA controller.

Wire the 24 VAC supply power wires from the transformer
to the HOT and COM terminals on the terminal plug as
shown in Figure 6. See Table 5 for more information.

Figure 6: 24 VAC Supply Power Terminal Block Wiring

The modular SA Bus port provides a connection for the
Wireless Commissioning Converter (BTCVT), VAV
Balancing Tool, DIS1710 Local Controller Display,
WRZ78xx Series One-to-One Wireless Transmitter, and
NS Series sensors. The modular FC Bus port provides
a connection for the Wireless Commissioning Converter
and the ZFR/ZFR Pro Wireless Router.

Figure 5: Pin Number Assignments for Sensor (SA

Bus and FC Bus) Ports on VMA1615/1626/1628/1630

Controllers

Note: Do not use the modular SA Bus port and the

terminal block SA Bus simultaneously. Only use
one of these connections at a time.

Important: Exercise caution while rewiring the power

plug when replacing a VMA1610 or
VMA1620 controller. The supply power
terminal on a new VMA is a two-position
terminal block (Figure 6). A VMA1610 or
VMA1620 controller uses a three-position
terminal block, and the center position is
not used. Stray wire strands may make
contact and cause a short circuit across the
24 VAC power supply.

The supply power wire colors may be different on
transformers from other manufacturers. Refer to the
transformer manufacturer’s instructions and the project
installation drawings for wiring details.

7VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 VAV Controllers Installation Instructions