VFD Fault Codes and Troubleshooting - AC Tech Lenze SMV Series

VFD Fault Codes and Troubleshooting - AC Tech Lenze SMV Series


Drive Display

Description

Cause

Troubleshooting Procedure
Stop or XX.X
No fault
Normal operation
Normal operation
F_OF
Output Fault: Transistor Fault
This can be caused by several issues:
  1. The drive output could be short circuited
  2. There could be a severe motor overload due to the fan being jammed
  3. The programmed boost values may be too high
  4. The motor cables used may be too high capacitance
  5. The output transistors of the drive may have failed
Power down the drive and ensure there are no mechanical issues jamming the motor or fan.

Next, check to ensure there is no short circuit between the output phases of the drive to the motor.

Once done, check the cable install using the notes below.
  1. Motor wires from each VFD to its respective motor MUST be run in a separate steel conduit away from control wiring and incoming AC power wiring to avoid noise and crosstalk between drives.
  2. If the distance between the VFD and the motor exceeds 300 feet, an output reactor must be installed between the VFD and the motor. The output reactor should be sized according to the amperage requirements.
  3. If the distance between the VFD and the motor is between 500 and 1000 feet, a dV/dT filter must be installed between the VFD and the motor.
  4. No contactor, switch or starter should be installed between the drive and the motor. Operating such a device while the drive is running can potentially cause damage to the power components of the drive. 
  5. When a disconnect switch is installed between the drive and motor, it should only be operated when the drive is in a STOP state.
  6. Ensure input power to the drive and output power wiring to the motor are correctly wired to the respective terminals in the enclosure. Wiring any input power phase to an output terminal will damage the drive and require that drive to be replaced. 
Next, power down the drive, wait the specified time*, and unwire the motor output wires from the enclosure terminals and cap them. Reapply power and try to run the drive. 

If the drive still faults with an OF trip with no motor leads attached, the drive has failed and will need to be replaced. 

If the drive runs without the motor leads attached the drive is most likely good and there could be a downstream issue such as a faulty wire, motor, or similar.

If the drive runs without the motor wiring attached and the problem persists beyond the above troubleshooting, inspect and test the motor windings.
F_OF1
Ground Fault
Either there is a grounded motor phase or the motor cable used may be too high capacitance.
Check for a grounded motor phase and correct the wiring. Once corrected, power cycle the drive to recover the fault.

F_AF
High Drive Temperature
Drive to hot inside.
Reduce drive load.

Improper drive cooling.  If drive is located in a kitchen, there is a panel cooling fan on the enclosure with filter screen.  Clean the foam filter screen and ensure fan operation.

Check drive mounting location is not subject to extreme temperatures.

VFDs 3HP and larger have an internal cooling fan that runs continuously when VFD is powered.  Verify fan is operational.


F_rF
Flying Restart Fault
The drive was unable to re-synchronize with the spinning motor during a restart attempt. If P110 = 5 or 6.

Verify VFD Parameter P110 = 3 and cycle power to the drive to recover the fault condition.

F-HF
High DC Bus Voltage
Either the mains incoming line voltage is too high, P107 is set incorrectly, or the drives deceleration rate is programmed too short, causing regeneration.
First check mains voltage at L1, L2, L3 in the enclosure panel to ensure voltage is within specification:
  1. For 120 VAC Single Phase (1/N/PE) (90... 132V), 240 V Single Phase (2/PE0 (170...264V); 48...62Hz
  2. For 240VAC models: Mains = 240V Single Phase (2/PE) (170...264V), 240V Three Phase (3/PE) (170...264V); 48...62Hz Single Phase (2/PE) (170...264V); 48...62Hz
  3. For 400...480VAC models: 400...480V Three Phase (3/PE) (400V: 340...440V), (480V: 340...528V); 48...62Hz
  4. For 600VAC models: 600V Three Phase (3/PE) (425...660V); 48...62Hz
If Mains voltage is 120 or 208VAC, set P107 =0. If mains voltage is 230, 480, or 575VAC, set P107 = 1.

Also ensure correct model drive is installed for the mains voltage available (voltage rating of drive is printed on the drive's data plate on the side of the drive).

Deceleration time is set to 30 seconds (P105=30.0) for kitchen applications. Ensure VFD Parameter P105=30.0.

F_LF
Low DC Bus Voltage
Either the mains voltage is too low, P107 is set incorrectly, or the wrong mode drive is installed for the mains voltage available.
First check mains voltage at L1, L2, L3 in the enclosure panel to ensure voltage is within specification:
  1. For 120VAC models: 120V Single Phase (1/N/PE0 (90...132V), 240V Single Phase (2/PE0 (170...264V); 48...62Hz
  2. For 240VAC models: Mains = 240 Single Phase (2/PE) (170...264V), 240V Three Phase (3/PE) (170...264V); 48...62Hz Single Phase (2/PE) (170...264V); 48...62Hz
  3. For 400...480VAC models: 400...480V Three Phase (3/PE) (400V: 340...440V), (480V: 340... 528V); 48...62Hz
  4. Fort 600VAC models: 600V Three Phase (3/PE) (425...660V; 48...62Hz
If mains voltage is 120 or 208VAC, set P107 = 0. If mains voltage is 230, 480, or 575VAC, set P107 = 1.

This fault is commonly from low incoming voltage to the building such as brownouts.

This fault can also occur if the motor is failing and shorting out.

F_PF
Thermal Overload
The motor is drawing too much current for an extended period of time.
Ensure the motor overload parameter P108 is properly set.  This is set from the factory and does not require further adjustment unless the VFD was replaced or not ordered as an assembly with the fan on one order.

P108 = Motor FLA x 100 / Drive Output Rating

230V/480V motors can be wired for either voltage. Check the motor to ensure the motor is wired for the correct voltage applied.

Ensure the fan is spinning in the correct direction.

Ensure the fan and belt if applicable have no mechanical problem (including if the fan is unbalanced/vibrating).

Check the input power rating on the data plate of the drive. If the drive is rated for 3 phase power only, ensure that 3 phase voltage is present on all three input phases to the drive.

Check the output phases of the drive with an amps clamp to ensure the motor is pulling current evenly on all three phases.

If it is not, check the phase to phase output voltage of the drive on all three phases to make sure the output voltage is balanced while the drive is running at a constant speed.

If the motor is drawing unevenly; however the phase to phase output voltage of the drive is balanced, replace the motor.

If the output phase to phase voltage has one or two phases off by half the measured voltage of the remaining phase while the drive is running at constant speed, replace the drive.

F_GF
OEM Fault
Drive is powered up with P199=1 and OEM settings are not stored in the EPM.

If the fault occurs in the field, set P199 = 0 and reprogram the drive to factory parameters as shown on the wiring schematic, then power cycle the drive to recover the fault condition and save the settings.

F_IL
Illegal Setup
The drive's programmable inputs (TB13x) are set up in conflict (bad settings for P121, P122, P123, and/or P124).
For suffix -531 VFD models: CaptiveAire's application only requires TB13A be configured for Network enable.

The remaining programmable inputs are unused. Ensure P121=9, P122=0, P123=0, and P124=0 (If the drive has P124), then power cycle the drive to recover the drive from the fault condition.

For suffix -571 models (with native CAT-5 ports): CaptiveAire's application the programmable inputs are unused.

Ensure P121=0,P122=0, P123=0, and P124=0 (If the drive has P124), then power cycle the drive to recover the drive from the fault condition.

F_dbF
Dynamic Break Over Temperature
Dynamic breaking resistors are overheating.
 DB resistors are not utilized, so this fault should never occur within this application.

F_SF
Single Phase Fault
A mains phase has been lost.
Check the incoming line mains voltage at the drive terminals and fusing/breakers in the panel

Drive models rated for three phase input power only can be run on single phase input power if they are derated by 50%, with exceptions for models 2HP and lower which are rated for single phase input.

This means that the motor must be rated for 50% of the drive's rated output power or less and must not be loaded to draw beyond the rating. 

If you are running a three phase only model drive on single phase input power check the amps draw of the motor with a meter on all three phases to ensure it is drawing 50% or less of the drive's rated output current (from the drive's data plate).

F_EF
External Fault
One of the programmable (TB13x) inputs has been configured for external fault and is tripped.
For suffix -531 models:

Application only requires TB13A be configured for Network enable.

The remaining programmable inputs are unused. Ensure P1221=9, P122=0, P123=0, and P124=0 (If drive has P124), then power cycle the drive to recover the drive from the fault condition.

For suffix -571 models:

Application the programmable inputs are unused. Ensure P121=0, P122=0, P123=0, and P124=0 (If the drive has P124), then power cycle the drive to recover the drive from the fault condition.

F_CF
Control Fault
The installed EPM is either blank or is corrupted.
Cycle Power

If drive still does not recover, reset the drive to factory default by setting P199=3, and the reprogram the drive.

If the problem persists, open a ticket.  A replacement EPM chip may be required.

F_UF
Start Fault
This fault occurs if the drive has a start command present within 2 seconds of power up and if P110=0 or 2.
Standard application uses Auto Restart, so if P110 is properly configured, this fault will never occur.

Verify P110=3 and cycle power to the drive to recover the fault condition.

F_cF
Incompatibility Fault
The installed EPM contains data from an incompatible drive firmware revision.
Cycle power.

If drive still does not recover, reset the drive to factory default by setting P199=3, and then reprogram the drive.

If the problem persists, open a ticket.  A replacement EPM chip may be required.

F_F0
Internal Fault 0
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F1
EPM Fault
The EPM is either missing from the drive or it is defective.
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance. A replacement EPM chip may be required.

F_F2
Internal Fault 2
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F3
Internal Fault 3
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F4
Internal Fault 4
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F5
Internal Fault 5
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F6
Internal Fault 6
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F-F7
Internal Fault 7
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F8
Internal Fault 8
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F9
Internal Fault 9
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F10
Internal Fault 10
Ripple on internal power supplies from loss of power phase, poor drive grounding, erratic supply.


Make sure VFD is properly grounded. Check line voltage connections on VFD and quick connectors. Make sure VFD control wiring including CAT5 cable is routed away from VFD load wiring. If fault continues, replace VFD.

If problem persists, Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F11
Internal Fault 11
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_F12
Internal Fault 12
Drive internal error
Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_bF
Personality Fault
This is typically a drive hardware problem.
Cycle power.

If drive still does not recover, reset the drive to factory default by setting P199=3, and then reprogram the drive.

If problem persists, Open a Ticket to Contact Technical Support for further guidance

F_JF
Remote Keypad Lost
The drive is configured to use the SMVector remote keypad unit and it has been disconnected from the drive.
Standard application does not use the SMVector remote keypad unit. Ensure P400=2, then power cycle the drive to recover the fault.

F_AL
Assertion Level Fault
Assertion level switch or P120 was changed while drive was running.
Ensure P120=2 and the Assertion Level Switch (located just above terminal 4 on the drive) is set to + (the left) then power cycle the drive to recover from the fault.

F_FoL
Follower Lost
This indicates the drive is configured to monitor a 4-20 mA signal wired to TB25 (P163 is not set to 0).
Standard application does not use this feature.

Ensure P163=0, then power cycle the drive to recover the fault condition.

F_ntF
SPI Time Out
The drive can no longer communicate to the Modbus option module.
This error should only occur with suffix -531 drives equipped with Modbus communication option modules under the lid of the VFD enclosure.   These products are no longer supported (NLS).

Power down the drive. Wait two minutes. Ensure the connection cable for the Modbus communication module is fully seated in the drive's port.

Power the drive. If the fault persists, try replacing the Modbus communication module. If the fault still persists, replace the drive.

F_Fnr
Control Configuration Fault
Either P100 or P400 are set incorrectly for the application (their settings are in conflict with each other).
For CaptiveAire's application Set P100=1 and P400=2, then cycle power to the drive to recover the fault.

F_nF1
Network Time-Out
Drive was under Modbus network control and Modbus communication has been lost.
Ensure that a 120 Ohm termination (End of Line resistor (EOL)) is installed at the controller and at the last drive on the Modbus network. 

Ensure network termination resistors are not installed on any other drive other than the last one on the network.

Ensure that bias resistors are only installed at the controller and not on any drive's Modbus terminals.

Ensure all network cables are securely fastened to all Modbus connectors

F_cFt
Forced Translation Fault
The installed EPM is from an old drive with old firmware.
Press the mode button (M) twice to reset the fault.

F_nld
No Motor ID Fault
An attempt to run the drive in vector mode was made without performing a calibration to the motor.
Standard application does not run in vector mode.

Ensure P300=1, then power cycle the drive to recover the fault condition.

F_FAU
TB5 (0-10V) Signal Threshold Fault
This indicates the drive is configured to monitor a 0-10VDC signal wired to TB5 (P157 is not se to 0).
Standard application does not use this feature.

Ensure P157=0, then power cycle the drive to recover the fault condition.


Drive runs in the forward direction without issue but will not run in reverse and does not fault when commanding drive to run in reverse.
This most likely is causes by improperly setting P112 (Rotation direction).
Set P112=1 (Forward and reverse).


Drive does not respond to Modbus commands.
This can be a variety of issues from cabling to network termination, to drive configuration.
Ensure P400=2, P411=2, P425=20.0, and P426=3.

Ensure P410 is set to the desired Modbus address the controller is trying to poll.

On legacy suffix -531 models ensure P121=9 and that TB13-A is wired to TB-4. Also ensure TB1 is jumped to TB-4.

Ensure that a 120 Ohm termination is installed at the controller and at the last drive on the Modbus network.

Ensure network termination resistors are not installed on any other drive other than the last one on the network.

Ensure that bias resistors are only installed at the controller and not on any drive's Modbus terminals.

Ensure all network cables are securely fastened to all Modbus connectors.

Ensure on the suffix -531 models P194 is set to 225 and on the -571 models P194 is set to 0. Cycle power to clear the fault condition.


Power is applied to drive; however display is blank.
This can be either the power to the drive is mis-wired or the drive may be bad.
Verify the phase to phase output wiring at the drive output terminals directly.

If the drive shows it is running at speed and no output voltage is present, replace the drive.


Drive display shows it is running at speed; however there is no output voltage from the drive to the motor.
The drive may be bad or the output of the drive may be mis-wired in the panel.
Verify the phase to phase output wiring at the drive output terminals directly.

If the drive shows it is running at speed and no output voltage is present, replace the drive.


Motor runs jerky at low speeds.
Either the motor may have a bad phase or the drive may have failed half of an output phase.
Check the output phase of the drive with an amps clamp to ensure the motor is pulling current evenly on all three phases. 

If it is not, check the phase to phase output voltage of the drive on all three phases to make sure the output voltage is balanced while the drive is running at a constant speed.

If the motor is drawing unevenly, and the phase to phase output voltage of the drive is balanced, replace the motor.

If the output phase to phase voltage has one or two phases off by half the measured voltage of the remaining phase while the drive is running at constant speed, replace the drive.



WARNING - High Voltage!
VFD Troubleshooting could be carried about by licensed electrical contractors only!

**All operations concerning transport, installation, and commissioning as well as maintenance must be carried out by qualified, skilled personnel who are familiar with the installation, assembly, commissioning, and operation of variable frequency drives and application for which it is being used.**
**Capacitors retain charge for approximately 180 seconds after power is removed. Allow at least 3 minutes for discharge of residual charge before touching the drive.**
**Drive models rated for three phase input power only can be run on single phase input poer if they are derated by 50%. This means that the motor must be rated for 50% of the drive's rated output power or less and must not be loaded to draw beyond the rating. If you are running a three phase only model drive on single phase input power, check the amps draw of the motor with a meter on all three phases to ensure it is drawing 50% or less of the drive's rated output current (from the drive's data plate). Additionally, as the drive's software does not know the input power is single phase (because the drive is insensitive to phase loss while it is running at the derated value), the motor overload parameter P108 must be scaled to limit the output current. Make sure the motor overload parameter for the drive is set according to the drive's true output rating, not the derated value. From example above, let's say the motor's FLA is 32 on a 50HP drive. You would set P108 to 48% (32/65 amps).**