Ignored Defer

[schwaggs]

I have a 2 minute defer in my topoff outlet that used to work fine but recently is being ignored by my Apex. The only thing that has occured recently is a power outage that prevented my network interface from working (lights were on but not really connected to the network) but a re-boot solved that problem...

Outlet program in question:

Sump_Fill
If Switchx10_3 CLOSED Then ON
If Switchx10_3 OPEN Then OFF
Defer 002:00 Then ON


Entries from my Outlet XML Log
03/17/2011 02:11:25
Sump_Fill
OFF

03/17/2011 02:11:26
TopOff
OFF

03/17/2011 02:11:26
Sump_Fill
ON

03/17/2011 02:11:27
TopOff
ON

03/17/2011 02:11:30
TopOff
OFF

03/17/2011 02:11:38
Sump_Fill
OFF

Any ideas what is causing this? How can I fix it? I tried editing the program and saving it to see if that changes the situation but I don't have data to see if that worked yet.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

You should be using 'Min Time'. I assume that you are wanting the outlet to remain on no matter what for 2 minutes once it turns on; correct? That is what Min Time is for.

 

[schwaggs]

I'm using this Virtual Outlet to monitor the value of the float switch. I am using the defer to prevent the switch status from rapidly flipping back and forth. My topoff pump outlet manages the pump duration.

That being said, I think editing and saving the Sump_Fill outlet program might have solved the problem. The defer appeared to work normally this morning. I will check the logs again tomorrow to double check. Strange how the Defer was being totally ignored... raises the worry that other lines of code could be ignored that are less obvious than this one...

 

[wolrey]

Doesn't the "Defer 2:00 ON" make sure it's been in the "ON" status for 2 minutes before actually turning on...it doesn't do anything to keep the outlet from turing off quickly. IIRC you need a "Defer 2:00 OFF" statement to keep it from flipping off quickly.

 

[schwaggs]

The Defer is supposed to delay the outlet from turning on for 2 minutes after the switch is closed. In other words, the switch must remain closed for 2 minutes straight before the outlet switches from OFF to ON. Any intermitant flips OFF will reset the 2 minute defer timer. As this is a float switch in my sump, it usually takes quite a while before the switch stays closed for 2 minutes straight. You can see from the first 2 log entries in my original post, this was not happening as the outlet switches to OFF at 02:11:25 and then switches to ON at 02:11:26.

In any event, editing the program and saving it solved the problem, it is now working as it should.

 

[Hawkdl2]

It's been a while, but my Apex used to ignore code too. I sent the code and outlet log to Curt who had no explanation. Like yours, it was a transient problem and I haven't seen it happen in a long time, but also like you i could demonstrate that it had occurred, and with code that had been working fine.