Emotron FDU Drive Fault Codes List

Having trouble with an Emotron FDU flow drive? Learn how to diagnose clear-text faults, read the trip log, and safely reset pump/fan trips.

The Emotron FDU is a dedicated Flow Drive Unit designed specifically for the variable speed control of pumps, fans, and blowers in water, wastewater, and HVAC systems . Incorporating specialized features like multi-pump control, sleep mode, dry pump protection, and pump cleaning (back-flushing), this drive optimizes process efficiency while preventing pipe damag.

Emotron FDU Fault Codes Reference Table

Refer to your specific diagnostic tables to identify the exact clear-text error active on your control panel screen to isolate the system issue.

  Emotron FDU Drive Fault Codes List

Emotron FDU Drive Fault Codes List

Trip Condition Cause and Remedy
Motor I2t

“I2t”		 Cause:

I2t value is exceeded.
  • Overload on the motor according to the programmed I2t settings.


Remedy:

  • Check on mechanical overload on the motor or the machinery (bearings, gearboxes, chains, belts, etc.)
  • Change the Motor I2t Current setting in menu group [230]
PTC

Motor thermistor (PTC)		 Cause:

Motor thermistor (PTC) exceeds maximum level.

Note: Only valid if option board PTC/PT100 is used.

Remedy:

  • Check on mechanical overload on the motor or the machinery (bearings, gearboxes, chains, belts, etc.)
  • Check the motor cooling system.
  • Self-cooled motor at low speed, too high load.
  • Set PTC, menu [234] to OFF
Motor PTC

Motor thermistor (PTC)		 Cause:

Motor thermistor (PTC) exceeds maximum level.

Note: Only valid if [337] is enabled.

Remedy:

  • Check on mechanical overload on the motor or the machinery (bearings, gearboxes, chains, belts, etc.)
  • Check the motor cooling system.
  • Self-cooled motor at low speed, too high load.
  • Set PTC, menu [237] to OFF

Applicable Sizes: 002 - 105
PT100

Motor PT100 elements		 Cause:

Motor PT100 elements exceeds maximum level.

Note: Only valid if option board PTC/PT100 is used.

Remedy:

  • Check on mechanical overload on the motor or the machinery (bearings, gearboxes, chains, belts, etc.)
  • Check the motor cooling system.
  • Self-cooled motor at low speed, too high load.
  • Set PT100 to OFF, menu [234]
Motor lost

Phase loss or imbalance		 Cause:

Phase loss or too great imbalance on the motor phases.

Remedy:

  • Check the motor voltage on all phases.
  • Check for loose or poor motor cable connections.
  • If all connections are OK, contact your supplier.
  • Set motor lost alarm to OFF.
Locked rotor

Rotor blocking		 Cause:

Torque limit at motor standstill:
  • Mechanical blocking of the rotor.


Remedy:

  • Check for mechanical problems at the motor or the machinery connected to the motor.
  • Set locked rotor alarm to OFF.
Ext trip 1

External input (DigIn 1-8)		 Cause:

External input (DigIn 1-8) active:
  • active low function on the input.
Note: Exact trip message is dependent on [431] ExtTrip1 Text.

Remedy:

  • Check the equipment that initiates the external input.
  • Check the programming of the digital inputs DigIn 1-8.
Ext trip 2

External input (DigIn 1-8)		 Cause:

External input (DigIn 1-8) active:
  • active low function on the input.
Note: Exact trip message is dependent on [432] ExtTrip2 Text.

Remedy:

  • Check the equipment that initiates the external input.
  • Check the programming of the digital inputs DigIn 1-8.
Ext trip 3

External input (DigIn 1-8)		 Cause:

External input (DigIn 1-8) active:
  • active low function on the input.
Note: Exact trip message is dependent on [433] ExtTrip3 Text.

Remedy:

  • Check the equipment that initiates the external input.
  • Check the programming of the digital inputs DigIn 1-8.
Ext trip 4

External input (DigIn 1-8)		 Cause:

External input (DigIn 1-8) active:
  • active low function on the input.
Note: Exact trip message is dependent on [434] ExtTrip4 Text.

Remedy:

  • Check the equipment that initiates the external input.
  • Check the programming of the digital inputs DigIn 1-8.
Ext Mot Temp

External input (DigIn 1-8)		 Cause:

External input (DigIn 1-8) active:
  • active low function on the input.


Remedy:

  • Check the equipment that initiates the external input.
  • Check the programming of the digital inputs DigIn 1-8.
Internal error

Internal alarm		 Cause:

Internal alarm.

Remedy:

Contact service.
Mon MaxAlarm

Max alarm level (overload)		 Cause:

Max alarm level (overload) has been reached.

Remedy:

  • Check the load condition of the machine.
  • Check the monitor setting in section 11.4.1, page 149.
Mon MinAlarm

Min alarm level (underload)		 Cause:

Min alarm level (underload) has been reached.

Remedy:

  • Check the load condition of the machine.
  • Check the monitor setting in section 11.4.1, page 149.
Comm error

Serial communication error		 Cause:

Error on serial communication (option).

Remedy:

  • Check cables and connection of the serial communication.
  • Check all settings with regard to the serial communication.
  • Restart the equipment including the AC drive.
Encoder

Encoder loss/speed deviation		 Cause:

Lost encoder board, encoder cable or encoder pulses. Motor speed deviation in between reference and measured speed detected.

Note: Only valid if option board Encoder is used.

Remedy:

  • Check encoder board.
  • Check encoder cable and signals.
  • Check motor operation.
  • Check speed deviation settings [22G#].
  • Check speed PI controller settings [37#].
  • Check torque limit setting [351].
  • Disable encoder, set menu [22B] to OFF.
Pump

Master pump selection error		 Cause:

No master pump can be selected due to error in feedback signalling.

Note: Only used in Pump Control.

Remedy:

  • Check cables and wiring for Pump feedback signals.
  • Check settings with regard to the pump feedback digital inputs.
Over temp

Heatsink overtemperature		 Cause:

Heatsink temperature too high:
  • Too high ambient temperature of the AC drive.
  • Insufficient cooling.
  • Too high current.
  • Blocked or stuffed fans.


Remedy:

  • Check the cooling of the AC drive cabinet.
  • Check the functionality of the built-in fans. The fans must switch on automatically if the heatsink temperature gets too high. At power up the fans are briefly switched on.
  • Check AC drive and motor rating.
  • Clean fans.
  • Check / reduce switching frequency settings in [22A] / [22E1].
Over curr F

Motor peak current exceeded		 Cause:

Motor current exceeds the peak AC drive current:
  • Too short acceleration time.
  • Too high motor load.
  • Excessive load change.
  • Soft short-circuit between phases or phase to earth.
  • Poor or loose motor cable connections.
  • Too high IxR Compensation level.


Remedy:

  • Check the acceleration time settings and make them longer if necessary.
  • Check the motor load.
  • Check on bad motor cable connections.
  • Check on bad earth cable connection.
  • Check on water or moisture in the motor housing and cable connections.
  • Lower the level of IxR Compensation [352].
Over volt D(eceleration)
Over volt G(eneration)

High DC Link voltage		 Cause:

Too high DC Link voltage:
  • Too short deceleration time with respect to motor/machine inertia.
  • Too small brake resistor malfunctioning.
  • Brake chopper.


Remedy:

  • Check the deceleration time settings and make them longer if necessary.
  • Check the dimensions of the brake resistor and the functionality of the Brake chopper (if used).
Over volt (Mains)
O(ver) volt M(ains) cut

High supply voltage		 Cause:

Too high DC Link voltage, due to too high mains voltage.

Remedy:

  • Check the main supply voltage.
  • Try to take away the interference cause or use other main supply lines.
Under voltage

Low DC Link voltage		 Cause:

Too low DC Link voltage:
  • Too low or no supply voltage.
  • Mains voltage dip due to starting other major power consuming machines on the same line.


Remedy:

  • Make sure all three phases are properly connected and that the terminal screws are tightened.
  • Check that the mains supply voltage is within the limits of the AC drive.
  • Try to use other mains supply lines if dip is caused by other machinery.
  • Use the function low voltage override [421].
LC Level

Liquid cooling level low		 Cause:

Low liquid cooling level in external reservoir. External input (DigIn 1-8) active:
  • active low function on the input.
Note: Only valid for AC drive types with Liquid Cooling option.

Remedy:

  • Check liquid cooling.
  • Check the equipment and wiring that initiates the external input.
  • Check the programming of the digital inputs DigIn 1-8.
OPTION

Option specific trip		 Cause:

If an Option specific trip occurs.

Remedy:

Check the description of the specific option.
Desat / Desat U± / Desat V± / Desat W± / Desat BCC

Output stage failure		 Cause:

Failure in output stage:
  • desaturation of IGBTs.
  • Hard short circuit between phases or phase to earth.
  • Earth fault.
  • For size B - D also the Brake IGBT.


Remedy:

  • Check on bad motor cable connections.
  • Check on bad earth cable connection.
  • Check on water and moisture in the motor housing and cable connections.
  • Check that the rating plate data of the motor is correctly entered.
  • Check the brake resistor, brake IGBT and wiring.
  • For size H and up, check the cables from the PEBBs to the motor, that all are in correct order in parallel connection.

Applicable Sizes: 002 - 105 (Standard Desat), 090 & Up (Desat Phase / BCC trips)
DC link error

Voltage ripple high		 Cause:

DC link voltage ripple exceeds maximum level.

Remedy:

  • Make sure all three phases are properly connected and that the terminal screws are tightened.
  • Check that the mains supply voltage is within the limits of the AC drive.
  • Try to use other mains supply lines if dip is caused by other machinery.
Power Fault

Undetermined Power Fault		 Cause:

One of the PF (Power Fault) trips below has occurred, but could not be determined.

Remedy:

Check the PF errors and try to determine the cause. The trip history can be helpful.
PF Fan Err *

Fan module error		 Cause:

Error in fan module.

Remedy:

Check for clogged air inlet filters in panel door and blocking material in fan module.

Applicable Sizes: 090 & Up
PF HCB Err *

Controlled rectifier error		 Cause:

Error in controlled rectifier module (HCB).

Remedy:

Check mains supply voltage.

Applicable Sizes: 060 & Up
PF Curr Err

Current balance error		 Cause:

Error in current balancing:
  • between different modules.
  • between two phases within one module.


Remedy:

  • Check motor.
  • Check fuses and line connections.
  • Check the individual motor current leads with an clamp on amp meter.

Applicable Sizes: 430 & Up
PF Overvolt

Power module overvoltage		 Cause:

Error in voltage balancing, overvoltage detected in one of the power modules (PEBB).

Remedy:

  • Check motor.
  • Check fuses and line connections.

Applicable Sizes: 430 & Up
PF Comm Err *

Internal communication error		 Cause:

Internal communication error.

Remedy:

Contact service.
PF Int Temp *

Internal temperature high		 Cause:

Internal temperature too high.

Remedy:

Check internal fans.
PF Temp Err *

Temperature sensor malfunction		 Cause:

Malfunction in temperature sensor.

Remedy:

Contact service.
PF DC Err *

DC-link / Mains supply fault		 Cause:

DC-link error and mains supply fault.

Remedy:

  • Check mains supply voltage.
  • Check fuses and line connections.

Applicable Sizes: 060 & Up
PF Sup Err *

Mains supply fault		 Cause:

Mains supply fault.

Remedy:

  • Check mains supply voltage.
  • Check fuses and line connections.
PF PBuC *

Powerboard microcontroller reset		 Cause:

Powerboard micro controller reset by watchdog.

Remedy:

Not specified.
Brake

Brake fault / engagement fail		 Cause:

Brake tripped on brake fault (not released) or Brake not engaged during stop.

Remedy:

  • Check Brake acknowledge signal wiring to selected digital input.
  • Check programming of digital input DigIn 1-8, [520].
  • Check circuit breaker feeding mechanical brake circuit.
  • Check mechanical brake if acknowledge signal is wired from brake limit switch.
  • Check brake contactor.
  • Check settings [33C], [33D], [33E], [33F].
AnIn<Offset

Analogue input signal low		 Cause:

An analogue input signal is below 75% of the configured minimum value.

Remedy:

  • Check cables and connections of the analogue inputs.
  • Check the configured minimum values for the analogue inputs.
  • Disable AI Flt Mode in menu [51D].

How to Safely Reset an Emotron FDU Trip

Make sure you have identified and corrected the root cause before attempting to reset a fault . The drive can be reset using four standard methods:

  1. Keypad Reset: Press the red RESET key on the front control panel .
  2. Digital Input Reset: If your system uses remote control, you can map any of the digital inputs (DigIn 1-8 under Menu [520]) to the "Reset" function to clear trips remotely .
  3. Trip Autoreset: For self-clearing transient anomalies (like minor line voltage drops), you can configure automatic reset attempts and delay times in Menu Group [250] (parameters [251] and [252]) .
  4. Power Cycle (Mains Disconnection): Disconnect the incoming AC power supply . Safety Requirement: Residual voltage remains stored in the intermediate DC-link capacitors . You must wait at least 7 minutes before opening the drive, performing maintenance, or re-applying mains voltage .

Common FDU-Specific Faults and Troubleshooting

Because the Emotron FDU is designed for flow applications, its fault profiles are highly specific to fluid dynamics and pumps :

1. Dry Run / Underload Protection

This trip occurs when the drive detects that the motor torque has dropped significantly below the expected operating curve . In pump systems, this is a clear indication that the pump is running dry (loss of fluid), which can rapidly overheat and destroy the pump seals.

  • Diagnostic: Verify that the pump is properly primed and there is fluid flowing through the intake lines. Check for blocked suction valves or a closed supply pipe.

2. MaxPumpClean (Pump Cleaning Alarm)

The FDU includes automatic pump cleaning (back-flushing) logic that reverses the pump direction to clear impellers clogged with debris . If the pump fails to clear the clog after the maximum number of attempts, the drive trips on MaxPumpClean .

  • Diagnostic: Isolate the pump and manually check the impeller for rags, solid fibers, or debris buildup . Verify the settings in Menu Group [392] to ensure the cleaning trigger parameters are set correctly .

3. Overcurrent / Desat (IGBT Desaturation)

Overcurrent trips actuate to protect the drive's power transistors . In pump systems, this is frequently caused by solid debris completely locking the pump impeller, or an electrical short circuit in the output cabling .

  • Diagnostic: Disconnect the motor leads and perform a test run . If the overcurrent fault persists with no motor connected, the internal power module (IGBT) may require service. If it clears, check the motor's insulation resistance and ensure the pump shaft spins freely.

4. Motor I2t (Thermal Overload)

The FDU calculates motor heat buildup using a mathematical thermal curve based on running current .

  • Diagnostic: Ensure that the motor parameters configured in the drive match the motor's physical nameplate ratings. Check if the pump is operating against high head pressures or closed discharge valves, forcing the motor to draw high current continuously.

Best Practices to Avoid FDU Drive Trips

Implementing basic preventive practices helps ensure consistent operations and prevents premature component failure:

  • Clean Internal Cooling Fans: Flow drives are often installed in damp or dusty pump rooms . Regularly blow out dust and clean the internal fans and heatsinks to avoid thermal overtemperature trips .
  • Maintain Proper Grounding: Always ensure the motor cable shielding is grounded correctly at both ends to minimize electromagnetic interference . This prevents false feedback signals on the control terminals.
  • Keep Parameter Backups: The control panel has a memory copy function that allows you to save your parameter map . Keeping an up-to-date backup of your pump control configurations ensures fast recovery in the event of drive replacement.

By understanding what the Emotron FDU is communicating and following a proactive maintenance routine, you can ensure reliable operation and minimize process interruptions .

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