The VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 programmable digital
controllers are designed for Variable Air Volume
(VAV) applications that communicate through the
BACnet® MS/TP or N2 protocol. These Variable
Air Volume Modular Assembly (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
Installation Guide
Part No. 24-10143-217 Rev. K
2019-10-18
• 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
The Metasys® system Field Equipment Controller
(FEC) family controllers and network sensors
communicate using the standard BACnet® protocol,
based on the ANSI/ASHRAE 135-2008. The BACnet
protocol is a standard for ANSI, ASHRAE, and the
International Standards Organization (ISO) for
building controls.
VMA16, VMA18 controllers are BTL-listed as BACnet
Application Specific Controllers (B-ASCs).
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.
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
North American Emissions
Compliance
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.
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.
*2410143217K*
(barcode for factory use only)
MS-VMA1615,MS-VMA1626,MS-VMA
1628,MS-VMA1630
Installation
Observe the following guidelines when installing a
VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 controller:
• Transport the controller in the original container
to minimize vibration and shock damage to the
controller.
• Do not drop the controller or subject it to physical
shock.
• 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
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
• The VMA1628 model includes a 1.25 inch extended
length 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
• Pliers to open and close the damper
• Required length of 3.97 mm (5/32 in.) ID
pneumatic tubing and barbed fittings
Physical features
The following figure displays the physical features
of a VMA, and the accompanying table provides a
description of the physical features and a reference
to further information where required.
Figure 1: VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 Controller wiring terminations and physical features (VMA1630-1
Model shown)
Table 1: VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 Feature Callout
Numbers and Descriptions
Physical Features: Description and References
1
2
3
4
5Dual Port Fitting (see Figure 1)
6
7
8
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 Communication bus
and supply power table)
Configurable Outputs: Voltage Analog Output (0–10
VDC) and Binary Output (24 VAC Triac) (VMA1630, 1626,
and 1628 only)
(see Communication bus and supply power table)
Manual Override Button (see Mounting for information
on using manual override Button)
Controller Coupler (see Mounting for information on
using the controller coupler)
Coupler Bolt (see Mounting for information on setting
the coupler bolt)
Table 1: VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 Feature Callout
Numbers and Descriptions
Physical Features: Description and References
Universal Input: Voltage Analog Input (0–10 VDC)
Resistive Analog Inputs (0–600k ohm)
0–2k Potentiometer
9
10
11EOL (End-of-Line) Switch (see Setting the EOL switch)
12SA Bus Terminal Block
13
14
15Captive Spacer and Screw (see Figure 1)
16LED Status Indicators (see Table 8)
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))
Modular Port (FC Bus) RJ-12 6-Pin Modular Jack (see
Modular ports)
Modular Port (SA Bus) RJ-12 6-Pin Modular Jack (see
Observe the following guidelines when mounting a
VMA:
Note: 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
• Ensure that the mounting surface can support
the controller and any user-supplied enclosure.
electronics. Mount the controller vertically above
the damper shaft to allow any shaft condensation
to fall away from the controller. Additional
measures may be required in some installations.
• Mount the controller on a hard, even surface
whenever possible.
• Use shims or washers to mount the controller
securely and evenly on the mounting surface.
• Mount the controller in an area free of corrosive
vapors that matches the ambient conditions
specified in the Technical specifications section.
• Provide sufficient space around the controller
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).
• electronics. Mount the controller vertically above
the damper shaft to allow anyDo not mount
the controller in areas where electromagnetic
emissions from other devices or wiring can
interfere with controller communication.
• Avoid mounting the controller 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 controller in an airtight
enclosure.
• Mount the controller so that the power
transformer and other devices do not radiate
excessive heat to the controller.
To mount the controllers, complete the following
steps:
1. Set all the switches on the field controller to
their known settings.
2. Place the controller in the proper mounting
position on the damper shaft so that the wiring
connections are easily accessible. Make sure
the controller base is parallel to the VAV box
(perpendicular to the damper shaft). If needed,
use a spacer to offset tipping of the controller
caused by the shaft bushings.
Note: Use the alignment marks to center
the captive spacer to ensure sufficient
movement in either direction.
3. Secure the self-drilling No. 10 screw through
the captive spacer (Figure 1) with a power
screwdriver and 100 mm (4 in.) 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 3.5 mm (9/64 in.)
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 1) 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 following figure.
Figure 2: Typical Damper End Shaft Icons
• Mount the controller so that the enclosure walls
do not obstruct cover removal or ventilation
through the controller.
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 (see Physical features) and turn
the 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 controller at
the full-open position, the controller provides
the open stop for 45° and 60° boxes. The closed
damper seal provides the full-closed stop.
Note: The integrated actuator has a
stroke time of 60 seconds for 90° of travel.
The stroke time is the amount of time
(in seconds) that it takes the actuator
to move from the fully closed to fully
opened position or from fully open to fully
closed position. For proper operation, the
actuator stroke time must be configured
in the CCT application based on the actual
time it takes the actuator to drive the
damper. The default setting is 60 seconds
(for 90° VAV boxes). For 45° and 60° VAV
boxes, the actuator stroke time must be
adjusted. Refer to Controller Tool Help(LIT-12011147) for instructions on setting
the actuator stroke time in the application.
8. All models are compact in size and can be
easily installed on VAV boxes. The 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 theVMA1626 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
controller and the other ends of the tubing
to the pressure transducer in the VAV box
application.
Note: The controller uses a digital nonflow pressure sensor (all models except
the VMA1626) with bidirectional flow
operation. You can connect the highand low-pressure DP tubes to either
barbed fitting on the 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 controller.
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.
CAUTION
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.
ATTENTION
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.
Disconnect the power supply before making electrical
connections to avoid electric shock.
ATTENTION
Risque de décharge électrique
Débrancher l'alimentation avant de réaliser tout raccordement électrique afin d'éviter tout risque de
décharge électrique.
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.
Input and Output terminals
The input spade terminals are located on the
bottom of the VMA near the FC Bus terminal block.
The output spade terminals are located on the top
of the controller near the power supply . For more
information, see Table .
FC bus terminal block (Or N2 protocol as
required)
The FC Bus terminal block is a blue, removable, 4terminal 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 Communication bus and
supply power table for more information.
Figure 3: FC bus terminal block wiring
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 information on configuring and wiring
a BACnet/IP network, refer to the Metasys IP
Networks for BACnet/IP Controllers Configuration
Guide (LIT-12012458). For detailed information onconfiguring and wiring a SA Bus, refer to the MS/TP
Communications Bus Technical Bulletin (LIT-12011034).
VMA terminals and bus ports
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 boardmounted 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 for
more information.
See for input and output terminal and bus port
locations on the controllers. Observe the following
guidelines when wiring a VMA controller.
The modular and FC Bus ports on the face of the
VMA are RJ-12 (6-position) modular jacks as shown
in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Pin Number Assignments for
Sensor (SA Bus and FC Bus) Ports on
VMA1615/1626/1628/1630 Controllers
Wire the 24 VAC supply power wires from the
transformer to the HOT and COM terminals on the
terminal plug as shown in the following figure. See
Table for more information.
Figure 6: 24 VAC supply power terminal block
wiring
Important: Exercise caution while rewiring
the power plug when replacing a VMA1610
or VMA1620 controller with a VMA1615 or
VMA1630 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Important: Connect 24 VAC supply power to
the controller and all other network devices
so that transformer phasing is uniform across
the network devices. Powering network
devices with uniform 24 VAC supply power
phasing reduces noise, interference, and
ground loop problems. The controller does not
require an earth ground connection. However,
when grounding the secondary of the 24 VAC
transformer is required, only one connection to
ground should be made near the transformer.
See the following figure.