Emotron VFX Drive Fault Codes List

Troubleshoot your Emotron VFX variable frequency drive. Learn how to diagnose clear-text errors, read the fault logger, and safely reset DTC trips.

The Emotron VFX is a high-performance variable frequency drive (VFD) designed for dynamic and demanding industrial applications, such as cranes, hoists, crushers, mixers, and conveyor systems . Utilizing Direct Torque Control (DTC) technology, the drive responds rapidly to load changes to maintain precise speed and torque control . To protect the motor, associated machinery, and the drive’s internal power stages, it incorporates a sensitive real-time diagnostic and protection framewor.

Emotron VFX 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 VFX Drive Fault Codes List

Emotron VFX 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 145.
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 145.
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.
Crane Deviat

Motor operation deviation		 Cause:

CRANE board detecting deviation in motor operation.

Note: Only used in Crane Control.

Remedy:

  • Check encoder signals.
  • Check Deviation jumper on Crane option board.
  • Check the settings in menus [3AB] & [3AC].
CraneComm

Crane communication lost		 Cause:

Lost communication with CRANE board.

Note: Only used in Crane Control.

Remedy:

  • Check CRIO board.
  • Check CRIO cable and signals.
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.
Over speed

Maximum speed exceeded		 Cause:

Motor speed measurement exceeds maximum level. 110% of max speed (all parameter sets).

Remedy:

  • Check encoder cables, wiring and setup.
  • Check motor data setup [22x].
  • Perform short ID-run.
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 a 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].

Retrieving Diagnostic Records (Menu 800)

When troubleshooting a trip, you can retrieve logs directly from the drive's memory using the HMI control panel . Navigate to Menu [800] - View Diagnostics to access these parameters :

  • Menu [810] (Trip Log / Fault Logger): This log records details of the most recent trips sequentially . It stores the trip name, operating hours, mains voltage, and motor speed at the exact millisecond of the trip .
  • Menus [811] to [819]: Record historical trips, allowing you to trace recurring transient problems .
  • Parameter [820] (Reset Trip): Allows you to execute a parameter-based reset of the active fault .

How to Safely Reset an Emotron VFX Fault

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, 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 .

Most Common Emotron VFX Faults and Troubleshooting

While the internal diagnostics monitor many protections, several common codes represent the majority of typical service calls :

1. Overcurrent / Desat (IGBT Desaturation)

These trips trigger when current draw exceeds safe inverter safety limits . This typically points to an output short circuit between the motor phases, a ground fault in the motor windings, or a mechanical block in the shaft .

  • Diagnostic: Power down the drive and disconnect the motor cables . Check the insulation resistance of the motor and cables . If the drive continues to display Overcurrent with nothing connected to the output terminals, the internal power module (IGBT) may require service.

2. Overvoltage / Undervoltage

These faults indicate that the intermediate DC bus voltage has slipped outside safe operating limits :

  • Overvoltage: Usually triggered when a high-inertia load decelerates too quickly, feeding power back into the drive . Try increasing the deceleration ramp time or verify that the dynamic braking resistor is correctly sized and intact .
  • Undervoltage: Often points to a line voltage drop, power sag, or blown input fuse . Check incoming mains power under loaded conditions.

3. Comm Error (Communication Failure)

The drive trips on Comm Error if it loses communication with the master PLC, SCADA system, or serial option module for a period longer than the configured timeout .

  • Diagnostic: Check the serial communication cables and connectors for damage . Ensure that the communication settings (baud rate, parity, address) on the drive match those configured in your master controller .

4. Brake Fault (Brake Error)

Specific to crane and hoist installations, this fault is triggered when the mechanical brake feedback signal does not match the drive’s commanded state .

  • Diagnostic: Inspect the mechanical brake coil, output contactors, and associated wiring . Verify the programming of the digital input mapped to the brake feedback signal .

Best Practices to Avoid VFX Drive Trips

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

  • Monitor Heatsink Temperatures: Check the thermal levels via the HMI . Keep the cooling fans clean and clear of dust . Dust accumulation on heatsink fins can restrict airflow, triggering thermal overload trips.
  • Secure Grounding: Ensure the motor cable shielding is grounded correctly at both ends to reduce electromagnetic noise . This prevents false feedback trips in the control and encoder circuits.
  • Maintain Parameter Backups: The control panel has a copy function that allows you to store parameter configurations . Keeping an up-to-date backup ensures quick recovery in the event of hardware replacement .

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

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