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Inverter Fault Codes and Troubleshooting Guide

Inverter Fault Codes Explained and Troubleshooting Guide

I. Purpose of Inverter Fault Codes

Inverters are equipped with self-diagnostic systems that display fault codes on the control panel whenever an abnormal condition occurs during startup or operation. These codes help engineers quickly identify and resolve issues. Common faults involve:

  • Power abnormalities (overvoltage, undervoltage)

  • Motor overload or overheating

  • Output short circuit or grounding faults

  • Communication failures

  • Control board or power module malfunctions
    Understanding these codes is essential for efficient maintenance.

II. Common Inverter Fault Codes and Meanings (General Overview)

Although fault codes vary by brand, their core logic is similar. Common examples include:

  • OC (Over Current): Occurs during startup or sudden load changes.

  • OV (Over Voltage): High DC bus voltage due to braking failure, power issues, or short deceleration time.

  • UV (Under Voltage): Caused by unstable power supply or control power issues.

  • OH (Over Heat): Internal overheating due to poor ventilation, high ambient temperature, or fan failure.

  • OL (Overload): Motor overload or incorrect parameter settings.

III. Fault Code Examples from Major Brands

  1. Siemens Inverter (SINAMICS series)

  • F0001: Overcurrent — check motor, cables, and parameters.

  • F0020: Bus overvoltage — inspect power voltage and braking resistor.

  • F0035: Overheating — check ventilation and temperature sensors.

  1. Mitsubishi Inverter (FR-E/F/A series)

  • E.OC1: Overcurrent during acceleration — heavy load or improper settings.

  • E.OV3: Overvoltage during braking — adjust deceleration time or check braking unit.

  • E.THT: Module temperature too high — clean the heat sink and inspect fan.

  1. Delta Inverter (VFD series)

  • OC: Overcurrent — inspect load current.

  • OV: Overvoltage — caused by unstable power or load fluctuation.

  • OH1/OH2: Fan error or module overheating — clean dust or replace fan.

  1. INVT Inverter (MD series)

  • EF: Ground fault — inspect motor and output cables.

  • OC.A: Overcurrent during acceleration — check parameters or load inertia.

  • OHt: Heat sink overheating — caused by poor ventilation or excessive ambient temperature.

IV. Troubleshooting Suggestions

Follow these steps to diagnose inverter faults:

  1. Identify the Code: Refer to the user manual or manufacturer’s fault list.

  2. Initial Checks: Verify stable power supply and normal ambient temperature.

  3. Load Inspection: Check motor condition and load variation.

  4. Parameter Review: Ensure acceleration/deceleration settings are reasonable, and overload limits are set appropriately.

  5. Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean heat sinks, replace cooling fans, and tighten electrical connections.

V. Conclusion

Inverters are crucial to industrial automation systems, and their diagnostic capabilities can greatly improve maintenance efficiency. Knowing the meaning of common fault codes and how to address them reduces downtime and ensures production continuity.

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