diff --git a/MECF.Framework.Common/MECF/Framework/Common/Gem/GemManager.cs b/MECF.Framework.Common/MECF/Framework/Common/Gem/GemManager.cs
index 0dea79e..47b9393 100644
--- a/MECF.Framework.Common/MECF/Framework/Common/Gem/GemManager.cs
+++ b/MECF.Framework.Common/MECF/Framework/Common/Gem/GemManager.cs
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@ namespace MECF.Framework.Common.Gem
 
         private PeriodicJob _monitorJob;
 
-        public string CommunicationState => _equipment.GetCommunicationState().ToString();
+        public string CommunicationState => _equipment?.GetCommunicationState().ToString();
 
-        public string ControlMode => _equipment.GetControlState().ToString();
+        public string ControlMode => _equipment?.GetControlState().ToString();
 
         public string SequenceRecipeContent { get; set; }