diff --git a/plugins/hardwaremanagement/ipmi.py b/plugins/hardwaremanagement/ipmi.py
index e8d66609..27afe019 100644
--- a/plugins/hardwaremanagement/ipmi.py
+++ b/plugins/hardwaremanagement/ipmi.py
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ def _process_chgs(intline):
     global chainpulled
     os.read(intline,1)  # answer the bell
     chainpulled = False
+    cval = ()
     try:
         while ipmiq:
             cval = ipmiq.popleft()