There are two main ways to reset a Tridium JACE 8000 running Niagara N4, depending on your goal.
- Reset the controller to factory-default configuration — removes the commissioned configuration and allows you to start again.
- Recover access to the controller — useful if you’ve lost the platform credentials or cannot connect.
Important: A factory reset is not the same as rebooting the JACE. A factory reset can remove the station, network settings, users and commissioned configuration, potentially leaving connected BMS equipment without supervisory control.
Before proceeding, back up the station and platform configuration if possible.
Method 1 — Factory reset using the BACKUP button
This is the simplest method and does not require Niagara Workbench.
JACE 8000 – Controller Ports, Buttons and Indicators
| No. | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PROG | USB 2.0 port for use with a USB flash (thumb) drive. |
| 2 | DEBUG | Micro-A USB port for serial debug communications. |
| 3 | BACKUP | Pushbutton switch to start a USB backup or, if held during power-up/boot-up, initiate a factory recovery image. |
| 4 | SHT/DWN | Recessed pushbutton switch to initiate a controlled controller shutdown. |
| 5 | BACKUP | LED indicating USB media is present or that a backup, restore, or factory recovery image is in progress. |
Procedure:
- Safely shut down the JACE and disconnect its power supply.
- Open the front access cover.
- Locate the small BACKUP pushbutton.
- Make sure no USB memory stick is inserted in the USB port.
- Press and hold the BACKUP button.
- While holding the button, reconnect power to the JACE.
- Continue holding until the BACKUP LED flashes rapidly (approximately 100 ms on / 100 ms off).
- Release the button when the reset is detected.
- The controller begins a 10-second countdown. Do not press any keys.
- The BACKUP LED begins flashing slowly (approximately one second on / one second off), indicating factory recovery.
- Wait for the BACKUP LED to stop flashing.
- Power-cycle the controller to complete the reset.
Do not interrupt the power while factory recovery is running.
Method 2 — Reset with a serial connection
For diagnostic visibility, connect your laptop to the JACE DEBUG port using a USB-to-micro-USB cable and PuTTY.
Use these serial settings:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Connection | Serial |
| Baud rate | 115200 |
| Data bits | 8 |
| Parity | None |
| Stop bits | 1 |
| Flow control | None |
You can then watch the startup and factory recovery messages while carrying out Method 1.
After the factory reset
The typical JACE 8000 factory platform connection settings are:
| Setting | Default |
|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.140 |
| Platform username | tridium |
| Platform password | niagara |
| Niagara station | Removed |
| Network configuration | Factory defaults |
Other Niagara control default usernames/passwords are:
Honeywell – honeywell / webs
Distech – distech / controls
Johnson Controls – facilitys / explorer
The initial platform connection requires commissioning and changing the default credentials. The restored Niagara version depends on the factory recovery image installed in the controller, so it may not match the previously running version.
JACE 8000 – Recovering a Forgotten Platform Password
If you’ve forgotten the Niagara N4 platform password on your Tridium JACE 8000, the priority is to regain access without deleting the existing station, BMS logic, graphics, histories or configuration.
Do not perform a factory reset at this stage. Holding the BACKUP button during power-up can initiate factory recovery, which may erase the commissioned configuration.
Several recovery options depend on what access you still have.
1. Check whether you can still access the station
Niagara has two separate authentication systems:
| Access type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Platform login | Controller commissioning, software installation, platform configuration, station management and file transfers. |
| Station login | Access to BMS points, wire sheets, graphics, schedules, histories, and station configuration. |
If you can still log into the station using Niagara Workbench, that helps, but it doesn’t automatically let you change the platform administrator password.
If you have an existing station backup, keep it safe before attempting recovery.
2. Use Tridium’s Platform Account Recovery
Good news: Niagara 4.4 and later support a secure Platform Account Recovery procedure specifically designed to reset platform credentials without losing station data and configuration. It requires authorisation through your Tridium support channel.
Equipment required
-
Laptop with PuTTY installed.
-
USB-to-Micro-USB data cable.
-
Physical access to the JACE 8000 DEBUG port.
-
Access to your Tridium distributor or authorised support provider.
Recovery procedure
- Arrange a maintenance window, because the JACE must be powered down.
- Connect the laptop to the JACE’s DEBUG port.
- Open PuTTY and configure the serial connection to 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
- Power up the JACE and press ESC during boot to access the alternate boot options.
- Select Option 8 – Reset Platform Credentials, if available.
- Confirm the request with
Y. - Record the displayed Host ID, operating system version and recovery token.
- Contact your authorised Tridium support channel and provide the requested proof of ownership.
- Follow Tridium’s instructions to obtain and enter the signed recovery authorisation key.
- Complete the prompts to set up new platform credentials and a system passphrase.
The recovery authorisation key is valid for 24 hours after generation. This procedure preserves the existing station.
3. What to avoid
| Action | Recommended? |
|---|---|
| Secure Platform Account Recovery | ✔ Yes |
| Preserve an existing station backup | ✔ Yes |
| Factory recovery using the BACKUP button | ✘ No |
| Installing a clean distribution file without a verified backup | ✘ No |
JACE 8000 – Checking Platform Password Recovery Support
You can check whether your JACE 8000 supports secure platform account recovery without deleting its existing Niagara station.
The recovery procedure depends on the installed Niagara version and controller operating system.
First, identify the installed version without changing the controller.
Method 1 – Check through Niagara Workbench
If you can still access the station:
- Open Niagara Workbench.
- Connect to the JACE station using your station credentials.
- Open the station’s PlatformServices or software information views.
- Look for the Niagara version, such as
4.10,4.12,4.13or4.15. - Record the complete version and build number.
You do not need to know the platform password to inspect station information if you have sufficient station permissions.
2. Which versions support secure recovery?
According to Tridium’s JACE 8000 Backup and Restore Guide:
| No. | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PROG | USB 2.0 port for use with a USB flash (thumb) drive. |
| 2 | DEBUG | Micro-A USB port for serial debug communications. |
| 3 | BACKUP | Pushbutton switch to start a USB backup or, if held during power-up/boot-up, initiate a factory recovery image. |
| 4 | SHT/DWN | Recessed pushbutton switch to initiate a controlled controller shutdown. |
| 5 | BACKUP | LED indicating USB media is present or that a backup, restore, or factory recovery image is in progress. |
- Arrange a safe maintenance shutdown.
- Connect a USB data cable to the DEBUG port.
- Open PuTTY at 115200 baud.
- Restart the JACE.
- Press
ESCwhen prompted for alternate boot options. - Check whether the menu contains Option 8 – Reset Platform Credentials.
If Option 8 is present, that confirms the documented recovery route is available. Do not select other recovery or factory-default options.
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