Schneider Electric Altivar 212 Variable Frequency Drive

(VFD) – Troubleshooting

(For Most Common Faults)

If a drive error is occurring on your washes HMI, first, go to your MCC 3-phase panel and check the
digital screen of your VFD’s. These will give you a much more specific fault code and a direction to head
in. If there is indeed a fault code on the face of any of these drives, follow the next steps to move
forward. (Notice, the fault code displayed on the VFD will be erased if 120VAC power is lost that
supplies the digital screen. If possible, avoid shutting off 120VAC power in order to see the actual fault
code displayed on the face of the VFD’s digital display.)
Before disconnecting the outgoing lines to the motor, follow the steps below to render ‘Output Phase
Loss’ fault inactive.

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Navigation to F--- (Parameter) Change Menu

a. In order to do this:
i. Remove any run command present on the drive, this parameter cannot be
changed if a command to run is present. Drive should show ‘RDY’ on the screen.

ii. Press ‘Mode’ until you see ‘Fr-F’.

iii. Press ‘Enter’ and scroll dial to ‘AUF’.

iv. Press ‘Enter’ and scroll to ‘F---’ menu.

v. Press ‘Enter’ and scroll to F605, press enter and set to ‘0’.
1. 0 - Function Inactive
2. 1-5 – Function Active (different variations of activity)

vi. Press ‘Esc’ until the digital screen shows ‘RDY’.

1. Remember to reverse these steps and set parameter back to its original
value when finished with troubleshooting.

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Disconnect the outgoing lines from VFD to the motor in which it controls, T1-T2-T3, and wire-nut them
off individually. Cycle the power and force the affected drive on manually through your carwash
controller.
If the above action does not relay a fault code on the digital display of the VFD itself, but instead gives
you a ‘RDY’ command when not forced on, or a ramping up and down numeric value (Hz reading) when
forced on, your VFD is functioning correctly and we can move outward to find the problem.
The next step is to reconnect the outgoing lines, T1-T2-T3, to the bottom of the VFD, and disconnect
these wires at the motor. It is very important that you wire-nut these off VERY securely, since 3-phase
power will be running through these in this step! After safely capping these wires off, force the drive on
once again. If no fault occurs on the display of the VFD, the wires can be labeled as in working condition,
and are not the problem.
After concluding that the problem is not the VFD, nor the load wires running out to the motor/gearbox
assembly, the last stop is the motor itself. The only true way to test and see if the motor is running
improperly, is to use a Megger. Most electricians will be able to do this for you and will have the tools to
do so.

(If VFD Faulted During Previous Step)

Follow the steps below if corresponding fault has occurred during testing:

CAPF – Cavitation Error

a. Possible Cause:
i. Loss of speed due to overload and/or too much torque
b. Remedy:
i. Reduce the load

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CF12 – Download Transfer Fault
a. Possible Cause:
i. Invalid configuration. The configuration loaded in the drive via the bus or
communication network is inconsistent
ii. Transfer using PC soft has not been successful due to rating differences.
b. Remedy:
i. Check the configuration loaded previously
ii. Load a compatible configuration

E-18 – VIA Signal Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. The VIA analog signal is below the level set by parameter F633
b. Remedy:
i. Check the signal at VIA and rectify the cause of the signal loss
ii. Verify that parameter F633 is set correctly

E-19 – CPU Communications Error

a. Possible Cause:
i. Communication error between control CPU’s
b. Remedy:
i. Check the environment
ii. Turn off and restart product
iii. Contact Motor City Wash Works Technical Support

E-20 – Excess Torque Boost

a. Possible Cause:
i. Torque boost parameter F402 is set too high
ii. The motor impedance is too low
b. Remedy:
i. Repeat the auto-tuning drive and reduce Auto Torque Boost F402

E-21 – CPU Error 2 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. The control board CPU is inoperable
b. Remedy:
i. Contact Motor City Wash Works Technical Support

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E-38 – EEprom Power Incompatible
a. Possible Cause:
i. EEprom power incompatible
ii. Product hardware detected fault
b. Remedy:
i. Contact Motor City Wash Works Technical Support
E-39 – InitPos Detected
a. Possible Cause:
i. An error is detected at starting. The measured current at initial position
detected at the starting is too small or large according to the inductance of
motor or output phase loss
b. Remedy:
i. Check the motor phases and the maximum current allowed by the drive
ii. Check if the inductance of motor is too small or too large

EEP1 – EEprom Error 1 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. A data writing error has occurred.
b. Remedy:
i. Cycle power to clear the detected fault

EEP2 – EEprom Error 2 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Power was removed from the drive during a parameter reset operation
resulting in a data writing error
ii. The measured current at initial position detection at the auto-tuning is too small
or large according to the inductance of motor or output phase loss
b. Remedy:
i. Cycle power to clear the detected fault and try the parameter reset operation
again
ii. If the detected fault does not clear, contact Motor City Wash Works Technical
Support

EEP3 – EEprom Error 3 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. A data reading error has occurred
b. Remedy:
i. Cycle power to clear the detected fault

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EF2 – Ground Fault
a. Possible Cause:
i. Ground fault in motor or motor cables
b. Remedy:
i. Cycle power to clear the detected fault

EPH0– Output Phase Loss Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Loss of one or more output phases
b. Remedy:
i. Determine the cause of the missing output phase (such as a bad connection, an
output disconnect, or an open winding in the motor) and clear it
ii. Check parameter F605

EPH1 – Input Phase Loss Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Loss of one input phase
b. Remedy:
i. Determine the cause of the missing input phase and clear it
ii. Check parameter F608

EPtF – Threshold Error

a. Possible Cause:
i. Condition for overheating reached, exceeded threshold F353
b. Remedy:
i. Check the system for overheating and rectify

Err1 – Speed Ref. Error Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Parameters F202, F203, F210 or F212 are set improperly
b. Remedy:
i. Set the parameters to the correct settings

Err2 – RAM Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. The control board RAM is inoperable
b. Remedy:
i. Contact Motor City Wash Works Technical Support

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Err3 – ROM Fault
a. Possible Cause:
i. The control board ROM is inoperable
b. Remedy:
i. Contact Motor City Wash Works Technical Support
Err4 – CPU Fault 1
a. Possible Cause:
i. The control board CPU is inoperable
b. Remedy:
i. Contact Motor City Wash Works Technical Support

Err5 – Com RJ45 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Serial communication error
b. Remedy:
i. Check network control devices and cables
ii. Check the setting of the communication timeout parameter F803
iii. Check the remote graphic display option cable
iv. Check the setting of F829 parameters

Err7 – Current Sensor Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. A motor current sensor is inoperable
b. Remedy:
i. Replace the drive

Err8 – Network Error Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Network communication error
b. Remedy:
i. Check the network control devices and cables

Err9 – Remote Keypad Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Graphic display option cable disconnected
b. Remedy:
i. Check the RJ45 cable

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Etn1 – Auto-Tuning Fault
a. Possible Cause:
i. Parameters F401 to F494 are incorrectly set
ii. The motor is too large for the drive
iii. The motor cable gauge is too small
iv. The motor is still rotating at the start of the auto-tune
v. The drive is not powering a 3-phase induction motor
vi. The measured current at initial position detection at the auto-tuning is too small
or large according to the inductance of motor or output phase loss
b. Remedy:
i. Set parameters F401-F494 correctly
ii. Use a larger drive
iii. Use a larger gauge motor cable
iv. Verify that the motor is stopped before starting an auto-tune
v. Use the drive to power only a 3-phase induction motor

EtYP – Drive Fault

a. Possible Cause
i. The main control board is inoperable
b. Remedy:
i. Set parameter tYP to 6 (parameter reset)
ii. If this does not clear the detected error, replace the drive

Fd1 – Closed Damper 1 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Damper is locked in closed position
b. Remedy:
i. Set F583 (damper flt behavior) to 0
ii. Check the FL relay connection
iii. Check the relay configuration

Fd2 – Closed Damper 2 Fault

a. Possible Cause:
i. Damper blocked open or soldered
b. Remedy:
i. Set F580 (damper fdb type) to 0
ii. Check the FL relay connection
iii. Check the relay configuration

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N020 – Total Input Power
a. Possible Cause:
i. The accumulated input power value is more than 999.999 kWh
b. Remedy:
i. Clear the accumulated input power value using logic input function 51, or
parameter F748

OC1 – Overcurrent During Acceleration

a. Possible Cause:
i. The acceleration time is too short
ii. The setting of parameter Pt is incorrect
iii. The drive is starting into a rotating load
iv. The drive is powering a low impedance motor
v. Ground fault
b. Remedy:
i. Increase the acceleration time parameters ACC or F500
ii. Select the correct setting for parameter Pt
iii. Enable catch on the fly, parameter F301
iv. Adjust the switching frequency parameter F300
v. Set parameter F316 to 1 or 3

OC1P – Short Circuit or Ground Fault During Acceleration

a. Possible Cause:
i. Short circuit or ground fault during acceleration
b. Remedy:
i. Using a 1000V testing too Megger, check the motor and motor cables for
ground faults

OC2 – Overcurrent During Deceleration

a. Possible Cause:
i. The deceleration time is too short
ii. Ground fault
b. Remedy:
i. Increase the deceleration time parameters dEC or F501
ii. Set parameter F316 to 1 or 3

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OC2P – Short Circuit or Ground Fault During Deceleration
a. Possible Cause:
i. Short circuit or ground fault during deceleration
b. Remedy:
i. Using a 1000V Megger, check the motor and motor cables for ground faults

OC3 – Overcurrent During Constant Speed

a. Possible Cause:
i. Abrupt fluctuations in load
ii. Abnormal load condition
b. Remedy:
i. Reduce the load fluctuations
ii. Check the load
iii. Set parameter F316 to 1 or 3

OC3P – Short Circuit or Ground Fault During Constant Speed

a. Possible Cause:
i. Short circuit or ground fault during constant speed operation
ii. The drive cooling fan is not working
b. Remedy:
i. Using a 1000V Megger, check the motor and motor cables for ground faults
ii. Check the fan operation

OCA – Short Circuit Inverter at Start

a. Possible Cause:
i. Ground fault
b. Remedy:
i. Using a 1000V Megger, check the motor and motor cables for ground faults

OCL – Short Circuit Motor Cable at Start

a. Possible Cause:
i. Phase to phase output short circuit
b. Remedy:
i. Using a 1000V Megger, check the motor and motor cables for ground faults

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OH – Drive Overtemperature
a. Possible Cause:
i. The drive cooling fan is not working
ii. The ambient temperature is too high
iii. An enclosure air vent is blocked
iv. A heat source is too close to the drive
v. The drive heatsink temperature sensor is malfunctioning
b. Remedy:
i. Restart operation by resetting the drive detected fault after cool-off
ii. Decrease the ambient temperature by increasing the free space around the
drive and removing any heat generating source from the proximity of the drive
iii. Check fan operation

OH2 – PTC Overheating

a. Possible Cause:
i. The external PTC embedded in the motor windings indicates a motor
overtemperature condition
b. Remedy:
i. Correct the motor overload condition
ii. Check the PTC for correct operation

OL1 – Drive Overload

a. Possible Cause:
i. The acceleration time is too short
ii. The DC injection current level is too high
iii. The setting of parameter Pt is incorrect
iv. The drive is starting into a rotating load
v. The load is too large
b. Remedy:
i. Increase the acceleration time parameters ACC or F500
ii. Reduce the setting of parameters F251 and/or F252
iii. Select the correct setting for parameter Pt
iv. Enable catch on the fly, parameter F301
v. Set parameter F302 to 2
vi. Use a drive with a higher power rating

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OL2 – Motor Overload
a. Possible Cause:
i. The setting of parameter Pt is incorrect
ii. The motor is jammed
iii. Low-speed operation is performed continuously
iv. Excessive load is applied to the motor

OP1 – Overvoltage During Acceleration

a. Possible Cause:
i. The input voltage is fluctuating abnormally
ii. The power network is greater than 200 kVA
iii. The power factor capacitor is switching
iv. SCR switching on power network
v. The drive is starting into a rotating load
vi. Intermittent output phase fault
b. Remedy:
i. Install a line reactor
ii. Enable catch on the fly, parameter F301
iii. Set parameter F302 to 2
iv. Determine the cause of the missing output phase (such as a bad connection, an
output disconnect, or an open winding in the motor) and rectify the trouble

OP2 – Overvoltage During Deceleration

a. Possible Cause:
i. The deceleration time is too short
ii. Overhauling load
iii. The input voltage is fluctuating abnormally
iv. Power network is greater than 200 kVA
v. Power factor capacitor switching
vi. SCR switching on power network
vii. The drive is starting into a rotating load
viii. Intermittent output phase fault
b. Remedy:
i. Increase the deceleration time parameters OEC or F501
ii. Enable parameter F305
iii. Install a line reactor
iv. Check the input and output circuits for phase loss detection and rectify
v. Enable catch on the fly, parameter F301

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OP3 – Overvoltage During Constant Speed
a. Possible Cause:
i. The input voltage is fluctuating abnormally
ii. Power network is greater than 200 kVA
iii. Power factor capacitor switching
iv. SCR switching on power network
v. The drive is regenerating – the load causes the motor to run at a frequency
higher than drive output frequency
vi. Intermittent output phase fault
b. Remedy
i. Install a line reactor
ii. Check the input and output circuits for phase loss detection and rectify
Ot – Over Torque
a. Possible Cause:
i. The calculated motor torque has reached the level set by parameter F616
b. Remedy:
i. Adjust the settings of parameters F615 and F616 as needed
ii. Verify machine operation

PSrF – Prestart Speed Error

a. Possible Cause:
i. Prestart speed not reached
ii. The load is too high
b. Remedy:
i. Reduce the load

SOUt – PM Motor Step-Out

a. Possible Cause:
i. The motor is jammed
ii. Output phase loss
iii. Impact load
b. Remedy:
i. Check the load and correct the jammed condition
ii. Check the condition of the motor and load wiring

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UC – Underload
a. Possible Cause:
i. The measured motor current has dropped below the level set by parameter
F611
b. Remedy:
i. Check parameters F610-F612 for the correct settings

UP1 – Undervoltage
a. Possible Cause:
i. The input voltage is too low
b. Remedy:
i. Check the input voltage and rectify the issue
ii. Select the correct setting for parameter F627
iii. Enable catch on the fly, parameter F301
iv. Set parameter F302 to 2

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To Restore Factory Settings:

Set to 3.

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