Drive Fault Codes Finder
Quickly find fault codes for your AC or DC drive. Follow the steps below to identify relevant fault codes, causes, and solutions.
Step 1: Select Drive Type
Select the type of drive you need to troubleshoot:
Step 2: Select Manufacturer
Step 3: Select Model
About Drive Fault Codes
Both AC Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and DC Drives display fault codes when they encounter operational issues. These codes help technicians diagnose and resolve problems quickly. This tool provides fault codes, descriptions, causes, and solutions for various drive manufacturers and models.
If you can't find your specific drive model or the fault code you're experiencing, please refer to the manufacturer's documentation or contact technical support.
Understanding Drive Fault Codes
What are Drive Fault Codes?
Drive fault codes are diagnostic messages displayed by AC and DC drives to indicate specific errors or malfunctions. These codes are essential for troubleshooting and maintaining industrial motor control systems. Each manufacturer uses unique code formats, but they generally point to similar issues like overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overheating, or communication failures.
Common Drive Types
AC Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
VFDs control AC motors by adjusting frequency and voltage to regulate motor speed and torque. They are widely used in applications requiring variable speed control with energy efficiency.
- Control both speed and torque
- Energy-efficient operation
- Smooth acceleration/deceleration
- Regenerative braking capabilities
DC Drives
DC drives control DC motors by adjusting the armature voltage and sometimes the field current. They excel in applications requiring high starting torque and precise speed control.
- High starting torque
- Simple control architecture
- Wide speed range control
- Quick response to command changes
Common Drive Fault Categories
Power-Related Faults
- Input phase loss
- Overvoltage during acceleration/deceleration
- Undervoltage conditions
- DC bus voltage issues
Thermal Faults
- Drive overheating
- Motor overtemperature
- Heatsink thermal issues
- Cooling system failures
Communication Faults
- Fieldbus communication errors
- Serial communication timeout
- Network connection issues
- Protocol compatibility problems
Motor/Load Faults
- Motor overload
- Output phase loss
- Overcurrent during acceleration
- Ground/earth faults
Troubleshooting Best Practices
When troubleshooting drive fault codes, always follow these best practices:
- Document the exact fault code and conditions when it occurred
- Check for simple issues first (loose connections, overloaded motor)
- Verify input power quality and stability
- Inspect the motor and load for mechanical issues
- Examine environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, dust)
- Consult manufacturer documentation for specific guidance
Popular Drive Manufacturers
Our database includes fault codes from leading drive manufacturers including:
- ABB
- Siemens
- Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation
- Schneider Electric
- Danfoss
- Yaskawa
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Eaton
- Emerson
- Fuji Electric
For additional resources on drive maintenance and troubleshooting, check out our Drive Maintenance Guide and Motor Sizing Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset a drive fault code?
Most drives can be reset by pressing the reset/stop button on the control panel. However, it's crucial to identify and fix the underlying issue before resetting. Some faults require a power cycle (turning the drive off and on) to reset. For persistent faults, consult the manufacturer's manual for specific reset procedures.
What causes overcurrent faults in drives?
Overcurrent faults can be caused by several factors including: motor overload, rapid acceleration/deceleration rates, short circuits in motor windings or cables, ground faults, incorrect motor parameters in the drive settings, or mechanical issues like seized bearings or jammed loads.
What's the difference between AC and DC drives?
AC drives (Variable Frequency Drives or VFDs) control AC motors by varying the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to the motor. They're typically used in applications requiring variable speed with good efficiency. DC drives control DC motors by adjusting the armature voltage and field current. DC drives are often used in applications requiring high starting torque and precise speed control over a wide range.
Can I view fault history on a drive?
Yes, most modern drives store a fault history that can be accessed through the control panel menu. This history typically includes the last 5-10 faults with timestamps. Some advanced models store more detailed information like operating conditions at the time of the fault. This history is invaluable for diagnosing intermittent issues.
How can I prevent common drive faults?
To prevent common drive faults: ensure proper installation with adequate ventilation, use appropriate motor cables and grounding, protect from environmental factors (dust, moisture, heat), perform regular maintenance including cleaning cooling fans and heat sinks, check for loose connections, configure appropriate acceleration/deceleration times, and verify that the drive is properly sized for the application.