Danfoss VACON 20X Drive Fault Codes List

Access the complete reference guide for Danfoss VACON 20X decentralized drive fault codes. Learn to diagnose IP66 drive errors, use VACON Live, and troubleshoot F53 fieldbus faults.

VACON 20X Fault Codes Reference Table

VACON 20X Fault Codes Reference Table

VACON 20X Fault Codes Reference Table

Fault Code and Meaning Cause and Remedy
F1

Overcurrent		 Cause:
AC drive has detected too high a current (>4*IH) in the motor cable:
  • sudden heavy load increase
  • short circuit in motor cables
  • unsuitable motor

Remedy:
  • Check loading.
  • Check motor.
  • Check cables and connections.
  • Make identification run.
  • Check ramp times.
F2

Overvoltage		 Cause:
The DC-link voltage has exceeded the limits defined.
  • too short a deceleration time
  • brake chopper is disabled
  • high overvoltage spikes in supply
  • Start/Stop sequence too fast

Remedy:
  • Make deceleration time longer.
  • Use brake chopper or brake resistor (available as options).
  • Activate overvoltage controller.
  • Check input voltage.
F3

Earth fault		 Cause:
Current measurement has detected that the sum of motor phase current is not zero.
  • insulation failure in cables or motor

Remedy:
Check motor cables and motor.
F8 (Subcode 84)

System Fault		 Cause:
MPI communication crc error

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 89)

System Fault		 Cause:
HMI receives buffer overflow

Remedy:
Check PC-drive cable. Try to reduce ambient noise.
F8 (Subcode 90)

System Fault		 Cause:
Modbus receives buffer overflow

Remedy:
  • Check Modbus specifications for time-out.
  • Check cable length.
  • Reduce ambient noise.
  • Check baudrate.
F8 (Subcode 93)

System Fault		 Cause:
Power identification error

Remedy:
Try to reduce ambient noise. Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 97)

System Fault		 Cause:
MPI off line error

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 98)

System Fault		 Cause:
MPI driver error

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 99)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board driver error

Remedy:
Check contact in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise; Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 100)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board configuration error

Remedy:
Check contact in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise; Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 101)

System Fault		 Cause:
Modbus buffer overflow

Remedy:
  • Check Modbus specifications for time-out.
  • Check cable length.
  • Reduce ambient noise.
  • Check baudrate.
F8 (Subcode 104)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board channel full

Remedy:
Check contacts in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 105)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board memory allocation fail

Remedy:
Check contacts in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 106)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board Object queue full

Remedy:
Check contacts in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 107)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board HMI queue full

Remedy:
Check contacts in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 108)

System Fault		 Cause:
Option board SPI queue full

Remedy:
Check contacts in option board slot. Try to reduce ambient noise. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 111)

System Fault		 Cause:
Parameter copy error

Remedy:
Check if parameter set is compatible with drive. Do not remove Keypad until copy is finished.
F8 (Subcode 113)

System Fault		 Cause:
Frequency detective timer overflow

Remedy:
Check keypad contacts. Try to reduce ambient noise. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 114)

System Fault		 Cause:
PC control time out fault

Remedy:
Do not close VACON® Live when PC control is active. Check PC-Drive cable. Try to reduce ambient noise.
F8 (Subcode 115)

System Fault		 Cause:
DeviceProperty data format

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F8 (Subcode 120)

System Fault		 Cause:
Task stack overflow

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F9

Undervoltage		 Cause:
DC-link voltage is under the voltage limits defined.
  • most probable cause: too low a supply voltage
  • AC drive internal fault
  • defect input fuse
  • external charge switch not closed

NOTE! This fault is activated only if the drive is in Run state.

Remedy:
In case of temporary supply voltage break reset the fault and restart the AC drive. Check the supply voltage. If it is adequate, an internal failure has occurred. Contact the distributor near to you.
F10

Input phase		 Cause:
Input line phase is missing.

Remedy:
Check supply voltage, fuses and cable.
F11

Output phase		 Cause:
Current measurement has detected that there is no current in one motor phase.

Remedy:
Check motor cables and motor.
F13

AC drive undertemperature		 Cause:
Too low temperature measured in power unit’s heatsink or board. Heatsink temperature is under -10°C.

Remedy:
Check the ambient temperature.
F14

AC drive overtemperature		 Cause:
Too high temperature measured in power unit’s heatsink or board. Heatsink temperature is over 100°C.

Remedy:
  • Check the correct amount and flow of cooling air.
  • Check the heatsink for dust.
  • Check the ambient temperature.
  • Make sure that the switching frequency is not too high in relation to ambient temperature and motor load.
F15

Motor stalled		 Cause:
Motor is stalled.

Remedy:
Check motor and load. Insufficient motor power, check motor stall protection parametrization.
F16

Motor overtemperature		 Cause:
Motor is overloaded.

Remedy:
Decrease motor load. If no motor overload exists, check the temperature model parameters.
F17

Motor underload		 Cause:
Motor is under loaded

Remedy:
Check load. Check underload protection parametrization.
F19

Power overload		 Cause:
Supervision for drive power

Remedy:
Drive power is too high: decrease load.
F25

Watchdog		 Cause:
Error in the microprocessor monitoring. Malfunction. Component fault.

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. If the fault occurs again, please contact your closest VACON® representative.
F27

Back EMF		 Cause:
Protection of unit when starting with rotating motor

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F30

STO fault		 Cause:
Safe torque off signal does not allow drive to be set as ready

Remedy:
Reset the fault and restart. Should the fault re-occur, contact the distributor near to you.
F35 (Subcode 0)

Application error		 Cause:
Firmware Interface version between Application and Control not matching

Remedy:
Load a compatible application. Please contact your closest VACON® representative.
F35 (Subcode 1)

Application error		 Cause:
Application software flash error

Remedy:
Reload Application.
F35 (Subcode 2)

Application error		 Cause:
Application header error

Remedy:
Load a compatible application. Please contact your closest VACON® representative.
F41

IGBT temp		 Cause:
IGBT temperature (UnitTemperature + I2T) too high

Remedy:
  • Check loading.
  • Check motor size.
  • Make identification run.
F50

4 mA fault (Analog input)		 Cause:
Selected signal range: 4...20 mA (see Application Manual). Current less than 4 mA. Signal line broken/detached. The signal source is faulty.

Remedy:
Check the analog input’s current source and circuit.
F51

External fault		 Cause:
Error message on digital input. The digital input was programmed as an input for external error messages. The input is active.

Remedy:
Check the programming and check the device indicated by the error message. Check the cabling for the respective device as well.
F52

Keypad Communication fault		 Cause:
The connection between the control keypad and the AC drive is broken.

Remedy:
Check keypad connection and keypad cable.
F53

Fieldbus communication fault		 Cause:
The data connection between the fieldbus master and fieldbus board is broken.

Remedy:
Check installation and fieldbus master.
F54

Fieldbus Interface error		 Cause:
Defective option board or slot

Remedy:
Check board and slot.
F55

Wrong run command		 Cause:
Wrong run alarm and stop command. Run forward and backward are activated at the same time.

Remedy:
Run forward and backward are activated at the same time
F56

Temperature		 Cause:
Temperature fault. Board OPTBH is installed and measured temperature is above (or below) the limit.

Remedy:
Board OPTBH is installed and measured temperature is above (or below) the limit
F57

Identification		 Cause:
Identification alarm. Motor identification has not been successfully completed.

Remedy:
Motor identification has not been successfully completed
F63

Quick Stop		 Cause:
Quick Stop activated.

Remedy:
The drive has been stopped with Quick Stop digital input or Quick Stop command by fieldbus.
 

How to Read VACON 20X Faults via Keypad & VACON Live

Because the VACON 20X is often mounted in hard-to-reach locations (e.g., high on a conveyor or under a machine), diagnostics in 2026 require specific tools:

  • Membrane Keypad (LCD): The built-in display is the primary status indicator.
    • Active Faults: If the drive trips, the display flashes the Fault Code (e.g., F1) and the Fault ID (sub-code).
    • Fault History: Navigate to Menu M4 to view the history. This is critical for intermittent issues like “Motor Stall” or “Under Voltage” that may clear before you arrive at the machine.
  • VACON Live (PC Software): Unlike VLT drives that use MCT 10, VACON drives utilize VACON Live. Connect your laptop via the USB/RS-485 adapter cable (VACON serial interface).
    • Datalogger: Use the software to trigger recordings based on fault events. This allows you to see the DC Bus Voltage and Motor Current exactly when the trip occurred.
  • Mains Switch: Many VACON 20X units feature a large black mains isolator switch on the front. If the display is dead, ensure this switch hasn’t been locked out during maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a Fault (F) and an Alarm (A)?

A:

  • Fault (F): The drive stops modulation immediately. The motor coasts to a stop. You must acknowledge the fault to restart.
  • Alarm (A): The drive continues running but warns of an abnormal condition (e.g., A50 “Over Temperature”). If the issue is not resolved, it usually escalates to a Fault.

Q: How do I reset a VACON 20X fault?

A:

  1. Press the Reset button on the membrane keypad.
  2. Toggle the Digital Input assigned to “Fault Reset” (typically DIN3 or DIN4).
  3. Cycle the main power (turn the front isolator switch to OFF, wait for the screen to die, then turn ON).

Q: Why do I get “F53” (Fieldbus Fault)?

A: The VACON 20X is often networked via PROFINET or EtherNet/IP.

  • F53 means the drive lost communication with the PLC.
  • Check the M12 communication cables; vibrations on conveyors can loosen these connectors.
  • Verify the PLC is in “Run” mode.

Q: What does “F1” (Overcurrent) usually mean at startup?

A: F1 is a hard trip indicating current exceeded the hardware limit.

  • Check for a short circuit in the motor cable (water ingress is common in IP66 applications).
  • Ensure the Acceleration Time is not too short for the load.
  • If the motor is spinning when the drive starts (windmilling fan), enable the “Flying Start” function.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Allen Bradley Kinetix 5500 Drive Fault Codes List

Complete guide to Allen Bradley Kinetix 5500 fault codes. Troubleshoot FLT codes, Single-Cable (DSL) feedback errors, shared bus faults, and perform diagnostics via Studio 5000. Kinetix 5500 Fault Codes Reference Table Kinetix 5500 Fault Codes Reference Table Kinetix 5500 Fault Codes Reference Table Fault Code and Meaning Cause and Remedy FLT S03 – MTR OVERSPEED FL Motor Overspeed Factory Limit Fault Cause: Motor speed has exceeded 125% of its maximum speed. Remedy: Check control loop tuning. FLT S04 – MTR OVERSPEED UL Motor Overspeed User Limit Fault Cause: Motor speed has exceeded motor overspeed user limit. Remedy: Check control loop tuning. Increase the Motor Overspeed UL attribute value. FLT S05 – MTR OVERTEMP FL Motor Overtemperature Factory Limit Fault Cause: Calculations based ...
Read more

Danfoss VACON 100 FLOW Drive Fault Codes List

Access the complete reference guide for Danfoss VACON 100 FLOW drive fault codes. Learn to diagnose Multipump communication errors, dry run faults, and use Vacon Live software. VACON 100 FLOW Fault Codes Reference Table VACON 100 FLOW Faults and Alarms VACON 100 FLOW - Fault Tracing Fault Code and Meaning Cause and Remedy Fault Code 1, ID 1 Overcurrent (Hardware Fault) Cause: There is too high a current (> 4 × IH) in the motor cable. a sudden heavy load increase a short circuit in the motor cables the motor is not the correct type the parameter settings are not properly made Remedy: Check the loading. Check the motor. Check the cables and connections. Make an identification run. Set the acceleration time longer (P3.4.1.2 and P3.4.2.2). Fault Code 1, ID 2 Overcurrent (Software Fault...
Read more

ABB ACH580 Drive Fault Codes List

Access the complete reference guide for ABB ACH580 HVAC drive fault codes. Learn to diagnose issues via the Hand-Off-Auto panel, BACnet integration, and Fireman’s Override. The ABB ACH580 is the industry-standard flagship drive for HVACR applications. Designed to control air handling units, cooling towers, and chillers, it ensures critical comfort and safety in buildings. When a malfunction occurs, the dedicated Hand-Off-Auto (HOA) control panel displays a 4-digit code alongside plain-text diagnostics, often integrated directly into the Building Management System (BMS). This guide provides the most updated reference to help you interpret these codes and maintain building environmental standards. ACH580 Fault Codes Reference Table Use the search bar below or browse the table to identify your specific error code: ABB ACH580 Drive Fault Codes List ABB ACH580 Drive Fault Codes List Fault Code and Meaning Cause and Remedy A2B1...
Read more