Categories:
Pelican Connect app
Notifications
Understanding an “Economizer Position Failure” Notification
An “Economizer Position Failure” notification indicates that the economizer damper is not responding as expected to Pelican control signals. The economizer is a critical component that improves energy efficiency by using outdoor air to cool a building when conditions allow and ensures minimum ventilation rates during occupied periods, keeping fresh air circulating in the space.
This issue can be caused by the following factors, each of which can impact system performance differently:
A malfunction in the economizer actuator or its ability to properly rotate the outside damper.
Improper wiring between the Pelican economizer controller and the outdoor damper actuator(s), preventing correct operation.
Mechanical obstructions blocking the economizer damper from opening or closing properly.
A failure in the outdoor air temperature sensors, leading to incorrect economizer operation.
Why Did You Receive This Notification?
Your Pelican thermostat continuously monitors the economizer’s operation. When the system detects that the economizer is not responding to position commands, fails to open or close properly, or remains in an incorrect state for an extended period, it triggers an “Economizer Position Failure” alert.
This alert helps you proactively address economizer issues before they lead to poor indoor air quality, increased energy consumption, or HVAC system inefficiencies.
These notifications are required by California Title 24 but can be disabled in the Thermostat Configuration by setting Economizer > Track Damper Position to ‘No.’
How to Troubleshoot an “Economizer Position Failure” Notification
1
Check Basic System Functions
Before analyzing historical data, perform these basic checks:
Verify Power Supply: Ensure the economizer actuator(s) are receiving power and wiring connections are secure.
Inspect the Economizer Damper: Look for any visible obstructions preventing movement, ensure that the outside damper is not stuck in a fixed position, and confirm that it moves freely when manually adjusted.
Check Sensor Readings: Verify that outdoor air temperature sensors are wired correctly, properly installed without being affected by radiant loads, and providing accurate data.
Check Pelican Economizer Configurations: Confirm that the economizer settings align with the intended sequence of operation, that setpoints are properly configured, and that all control parameters are correctly set for the specific system requirements.
If these checks do not reveal the issue, proceed to analyzing trend logs.
2
Review Trend Data and Manual Operation
Did the economizer operate correctly earlier in the day?
You can check this by reviewing the thermostat history graph and comparing the gray ‘feedback position’ with the green ‘desired position.’
Potential Issue: If the economizer was functioning earlier but later failed, it may indicate:
A slight deviation between the desired economizer position and the feedback from the actuator. If this occurs occasionally, it is not a major concern. However, frequent occurrences may require investigation.
The economizer actuator may have lost its connection to the damper and require realignment or tightening.
Reviewing the trend data on the thermostat history graphs can help determine whether the damper is stuck in a closed or open position or if it is modulating incorrectly.
Did the economizer function properly on previous days?
Potential Issue: If the economizer previously operated correctly but has stopped responding:
The actuator may be failing or may have lost its connection to the damper and require realignment or tightening.
A mechanical issue may be preventing proper damper movement.
Reviewing the trend data on the thermostat history graphs can help determine whether the damper is stuck in a closed or open position or if it is modulating incorrectly.
If you have an economizer feedback, is it reporting movement when commands are sent?
Potential Issues:
If the economizer appears to be stuck in an incorrect position, the actuator may need recalibration or replacement.
If no movement is detected, the actuator may be unresponsive due to wiring issues or a mechanical failure.
3
Inspect the Economizer System
Does the economizer actuator respond to commands?
Potential Issues: If the actuator does not respond:
Verify that the wiring between the economizer controller and the actuator(s) is intact and correctly connected.
Inspect the actuator motor for signs of failure, such as overheating or unresponsiveness.
Check for mechanical obstructions that may be preventing damper movement and ensure it is not stuck in one position.
Verify Sensor Functionality:
Ensure accurate outdoor air temperature readings—Incorrect values can result in improper economizer operation.
Compare sensor readings to expected values—If discrepancies exist, inspect the wiring between the sensor and the Pelican economizer controller. Electrical interference from nearby high-voltage wires may cause abnormal readings, so ensure sensor wires are appropriately routed.
Manually Override the Economizer Position:
If your economizer actuator allows manual adjustment, try moving the damper to confirm it moves freely.
If the damper is stuck, check for physical obstructions.
If movement is possible manually but not through the controller, there may be a communication issue.
4
Contact Support for Assistance
If the issue remains unresolved after evaluating the above steps, professional support may be required. Pelican Support offers free virtual troubleshooting to evaluate trend data, check control sequences, and provide additional guidance. If further on-site assistance is needed, contacting your HVAC service provider is recommended.
If the issue remains unresolved after evaluating the above steps, professional support may be required.
For free virtual Pelican assistance: Pelican Support is always available to evaluate trend data, check control sequences, and provide additional troubleshooting assistance for free.
For on-site technical services: Contact your HVAC service provider for a detailed system inspection. Note: we recommend reaching out to our free support team to help reduce technician confusion and pin-point potential equipment issues we can help discover through evaluating trend data and control sequences.
Preventing Future Economizer Failures
To reduce the risk of future economizer issues, consider these best practices:
Schedule regular economizer maintenance to ensure proper operation.
Test the actuator and sensors periodically to catch failures early.
Monitor economizer trends through the Pelican platform to detect potential failures before they impact system performance.
Ensure proper installation and wiring to prevent communication errors.
By following these recommendations, you can maintain an efficient economizer system and optimize energy savings.
For further assistance, contact Pelican Support.