Controller & setup
Configuring Alarm Severity
For a technician reviewing how the controller categorizes and responds to specific alarms, such as which alarms stop the program versus which only warn.
- Step 1.
Identify the specific alarm in question
Note the exact alarm code and current behavior before making any change.
- Step 2.
Review the manufacturer's default severity
Check the alarm reference manual to confirm what the default severity and response are for this alarm.
- Step 3.
Back up the controller first
Save a backup before changing any alarm configuration.
- Step 4.
Open the alarm severity configuration screen
On the pendant, go to System, then Alarm Severity or the equivalent configuration menu.
- Step 5.
Review, do not weaken, safety-related alarms
Confirm the alarm being adjusted is not a safety-related fault; those should remain at the manufacturer's default severity.
- Step 6.
Adjust the severity for the appropriate alarm
Change only non-safety alarms where the default behavior does not fit the application, such as a warning that should also log to a PLC.
- Step 7.
Test the new behavior
Trigger the condition, where safely possible, and confirm the alarm now behaves as configured.
- Step 8.
Document the change and reasoning
Record what was changed and why in the maintenance log.
Common questions
- How long does Configuring Alarm Severity take?
- Configuring Alarm Severity is rated Advanced and takes about 30 minutes across 8 steps.
- What tools do I need?
- You will need Teach pendant.
- What should I do before starting?
- Reason for the change is documented, such as a specific alarm behaving incorrectly for the application.
- What is the first step?
- Identify the specific alarm in question. Note the exact alarm code and current behavior before making any change.