diff --git a/python/lvmecp/plc.py b/python/lvmecp/plc.py
index 9087958..412949b 100644
--- a/python/lvmecp/plc.py
+++ b/python/lvmecp/plc.py
@@ -44,12 +44,12 @@ async def notifier(value: int, labels: str, command: Command | None = None):
             # Allow for 3 seconds for broadcast. This is needed because the PLC
             # starts before the actor and for the first message the exchange is
             # not yet available.
-            n_tries = 0
+            elapsed: float = 0
             while actor.connection.connection is None:
-                n_tries += 1
-                if n_tries >= 3:
-                    return None
-                await asyncio.sleep(1)
+                elapsed += 0.01
+                if elapsed > 3:
+                    return
+                await asyncio.sleep(0.01)
             actor.write(level, message)
         elif command is not None:
             command.write(level, message)
diff --git a/tests/conftest.py b/tests/conftest.py
index ddab5f8..eb240d8 100644
--- a/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/tests/conftest.py
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ async def actor(simulator: Simulator, mocker):
     mocker.patch.object(_actor.plc.hvac.modbus, "get_all", return_value={})
 
     _actor = await setup_test_actor(_actor)  # type: ignore
+    _actor.connection.connection = mocker.MagicMock(spec={"is_closed": False})
 
     yield _actor