Drive cooling fan
Common heat-related VFD and servo-drive failure point.
ABB VFD Fault Codes — Quick Reference
ABB drives display fault codes on the integral keypad panel as four-digit numbers or abbreviated text. Faults cause the drive to trip and stop the motor; alarms display but don’t stop the drive. The fault history is stored in the drive’s memory and can be retrieved via the control panel or Drive Composer software.
| Fault Code | Meaning | Common Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 0001 | Overcurrent | Check motor/cable; reduce accel ramp |
| 2201 | Overcurrent (short circuit) | Motor winding short or cable fault |
| 2310 | Overcurrent (peak) | Check for mechanical jam |
| 3130 | Input phase loss | Check all 3 input phases |
| 3210 | DC bus overvoltage | Extend decel ramp; add brake resistor |
| 3300 | DC bus undervoltage | Check input power supply |
| 4110 | Drive overtemperature | Clean cooling fan; check ambient temp |
| 5010 | Overload | Reduce continuous load; check motor FLA |
| 7121 | Analog I/O fault | Check signal wiring |
| 9300 | Communication fault | Check fieldbus adapter or wiring |
| AF10 | Heatsink overtemperature | Clean fan; check airflow |
Most Common Codes
Fault 3130: Input Phase Loss
One of the three supply phases (L1, L2, or L3) is missing or has significantly reduced voltage. Check the input fuses (one per phase) — a blown fuse on one phase is the most common cause. Also check the main contactor (if installed) for a burned contact. Measure phase-to-phase voltage at the drive’s L1/L2/L3 input terminals.
ABB drives will attempt to run on two phases briefly before tripping 3130. If the fault appears intermittently, check for a loose terminal screw or a contact with high resistance under load.
Fault 2310: Overcurrent (Peak)
An instantaneous overcurrent trip — the drive output current exceeded the trip threshold. Causes: motor winding short, cable insulation failure, locked rotor (mechanical jam), or too-fast acceleration ramp. Start by megger-testing the motor and cable for insulation resistance (should be >1 MΩ at 500V). If insulation is good, check for mechanical issues and extend the acceleration time.
For model-specific checks, use the ABB ACS580 fault 2310 guide before replacing the drive.
Fault 3210: DC Bus Overvoltage
Regenerative energy from a decelerating motor raised the DC bus above the trip threshold. Solutions: (1) extend the deceleration ramp in parameter group 23 (ACS550) or 01.13 (ACS880), (2) enable the flux braking feature (available on ACS880 — uses motor resistance to dissipate energy), (3) install a dynamic braking resistor and chopper module for high-inertia loads.
Fault 3300: DC Bus Undervoltage
Input supply voltage dropped too low. Check incoming voltage at the drive terminals under load. On ACS550 and ACS880 with a 380–480V supply, the minimum is approximately 270V DC bus (~338V AC input). A weak transformer, long cable runs, or undersized input conductors all contribute.
Fault 4110: Drive Overtemperature
The drive’s IGBT heatsink exceeded its temperature limit. Open the drive cabinet and inspect: (1) internal cooling fan — is it spinning? A failed fan is the #1 cause, (2) heatsink fins — clear with compressed air if clogged with dust, (3) ambient temperature — ACS550/ACS880 are rated to 40°C ambient without derating. Above that, the drive must be derated or better ventilation provided.
Fault 0001 / 2201: Overcurrent
The drive output stage detected overcurrent above trip level. On ACS880, separate cause analysis is needed: fault 2201 (overcurrent on ground fault or winding short) is more serious than fault 0001 (transient overcurrent during starting). For 2201, use a megger before restarting — a shorted motor winding can damage the drive’s output IGBTs.
Fault 9300: Communication Fault
On ACS550/ACS880 drives with fieldbus adapters (Profibus, EtherNet/IP, Modbus), fault 9300 indicates loss of communication with the master. Check: adapter module is seated securely, fieldbus cable is connected, PLC/master is running and communicating. Fault 9300 can also mean the communication response time exceeded the configured watchdog timeout.
Retrieving Fault History
On ACS550: Navigate to parameter group 14 (FAULT HISTORY). Parameters 14.01–14.03 show the three most recent faults with time stamps.
On ACS880: Use the Drive Composer PC tool for the full fault log, or navigate to Menu > Diagnostics > Fault Log on the control panel.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Input fuses | ABB class J or gR fuses; size per drive catalog |
| Braking resistor | ABB catalog OHBR or third-party sized per drive kW |
| Cooling fan | Drive-specific; ABB part for ACS550 fan: 68518560 |
| Fieldbus adapter | FCAN-01 (CAN), FPBA-01 (Profibus), FENA-21 (EIP) |
Need Replacement Parts?
Before ordering, match the drive part to the model number, electrical rating, and failure symptom. Check current prices on Amazon - prices and availability change frequently.
When to Call a Pro
Faults 2201 (short circuit overcurrent) and any fault accompanied by a burning smell or blown fuses require qualified drive service. ABB’s regional service centers offer warranty and post-warranty repair.