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Siemens VFD Fault Codes - F0001, G120, V20

⚡ Quick Answer

Siemens VFD fault-code guide for F0001/F00001 overcurrent, SINAMICS G120, V20, S120, Micromaster 440, A-codes, drive panels, fans, and braking resistors.

⚡ AT A GLANCEScroll down for full repair guide
What it meansSiemens VFD faults on SINAMICS G120, V20, S120, and Micromaster drives identify whether the drive stopped for overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, overtemperature, motor phase loss, ground fault, EEPROM, or fieldbus communication trouble.
Most likely causeCommon causes include incorrect motor data, short acceleration ramps, regenerative deceleration, weak supply voltage, blocked drive cooling, failed motor cable insulation, braking-resistor problems, or mismatched PROFIBUS/PROFINET telegram setup.
First checkRead the exact F-code or A-code before reset, open the fault history, note whether the fault happened during acceleration or deceleration, verify motor nameplate parameters, inspect motor cables, and check the BOP-2 or Startdrive data.
⏱Repair timePlan 20-45 minutes for code history, parameter, cooling, motor-cable, and supply checks; Control Unit, Power Module, or braking hardware diagnosis can take 1-3 hours.
🔧Part neededSINAMICS BOP-2 operator panel, G120 cooling fan, SINAMICS braking resistor.
Repair intent

Need this fixed instead of diagnosed?

Siemens VFD fault-code guide for F0001/F00001 overcurrent, SINAMICS G120, V20, S120, Micromaster 440, A-codes, drive panels, fans, and braking resistors.

Parts to price first

Check the part before you book service.

SINAMICS BOP-2 operator panel

Part: 6SL3255-0AA00-4CA1

Useful for fault acknowledgement, parameter access, and on-site diagnostics.

SINAMICS G120 cooling fan

Part: PM230 / PM240 fan

Price after confirming overtemperature and blocked-airflow faults.

SINAMICS braking resistor

Part: BRT resistor

Used when deceleration faults point to regenerative overvoltage.

Siemens VFD Fault Codes — Quick Reference

Siemens SINAMICS drives use F-codes (faults that stop the drive) and A-codes (alarms that allow continued operation). Codes are displayed on the BOP-2 operator panel or via STARTER/SINAMICS Startdrive software. The Micromaster 4xx series uses slightly different fault numbering.

CodeDriveMeaningCommon Fix
F00001G120/S120OvercurrentCheck motor; extend ramp
F00002G120/S120OvervoltageExtend decel; add brake resistor
F00003G120/S120UndervoltageCheck supply voltage
F00004G120/S120Drive overtemperatureClean fan; check ambient
F00011G120/S120Motor overcurrentCheck motor FLA parameter
F00012G120Motor overtemperatureCheck motor temp sensor
F00015G120Motor phase lossCheck motor cable
F00021G120/V20Ground faultMegger motor and cable
F00051G120Parameter EEPROM faultSave parameters; check NVRAM
F00052G120CU EEPROM faultReplace Control Unit
F00070G120Communication fault (PROFIBUS/PN)Check fieldbus connection
F1V20OvercurrentCheck motor and ramp
F4V20UnderloadCheck belt/pump; verify load
F001MM440OvercurrentReduce accel ramp; check motor
F0022MM440Hardware monitoring activeCheck motor cable and power stage

Most Common Codes

F00001: Overcurrent (SINAMICS G120/S120)

The output current exceeded the configured threshold. On G120, the fault threshold depends on the selected overload category (e.g., HO — High Overload 200% for 3 sec, LO — Low Overload 110% continuous). Verify p0640 (current limit) is set appropriately. Check motor data in p0304–p0311 matches nameplate. If the motor was replaced with a different frame size, re-run the motor identification routine (p1910 = 1 then run).

F00002: Overvoltage

Regenerative energy raised the DC bus. On G120, enable kinetic buffering (p1240) for loads that coast, or extend decel ramp (p1121). G120 drives with integrated braking chopper (Power Module PM260 or PM330) can use an external resistor — connect and enable via p1237.

F00004: Drive Overtemperature

The drive’s internal temperature (heatsink or ambient) exceeded limits. On G120 with PM230/240/250/260 Power Modules, the cooling fan is located in the PM. Pull the PM module and check the fan for dust buildup. On PM330 and larger, the fan is field-replaceable. Siemens specifies maximum 40°C ambient for rated operation; above 40°C, the drive must be derated.

F00021: Ground Fault (G120)

Ground current detected in the output phase. Disconnect motor and megger test. On G120, also check the PM module’s output terminals for moisture or arc tracking — these modules are IP20 rated and should not be exposed to condensation.

F0022: Hardware Monitoring Active (Micromaster 4)

F0022 is a Micromaster hardware-monitoring trip. Start with motor cable insulation, output terminals, braking hardware, input supply, and cabinet heat before replacing the drive. Use the Siemens Micromaster F0022 guide when the search or display shows the older Micromaster fault format.

F00070: Communication Fault (PROFIBUS/PROFINET)

The drive lost communication with the PLC/controller over the fieldbus. On G120 with PROFINET, verify the GSDML file version matches the firmware on the drive’s Communication Unit (CU250S-2, CU240E-2). A version mismatch causes telegram configuration errors that appear as F00070 on startup.

F4 (V20): Underload

SINAMICS V20 unique — the drive detected motor current significantly below expected. Common causes: belt breakage on a conveyor or fan, pump cavitation, or the motor became disconnected. Enable underload monitoring via P2195 and set trip level per application.

F00051 / F00052: EEPROM Fault (G120)

The non-volatile memory used to store drive parameters has a fault. For F00051 (Parameter memory), try saving all parameters again (p0977 = 1). If fault persists, the CU memory may be failing — back up parameters via STARTER before the data is lost. For F00052, the Control Unit itself needs replacement.

Acknowledging and Resetting Faults

Parts Often Needed

PartNotes
Control UnitG120 CU240E-2, CU250S-2 — match order code
Power Module fanPM230/240 frame B–F fans available separately
Braking resistorSINAMICS BRT or equivalent
BOP-2 panel6SL3255-0AA00-4CA1

Technician Tips

When diagnosing VFD faults, always check the drive’s fault history before resetting. Modern drives store the last 5-10 faults with the drive state at the time (running, accelerating, decelerating, stopped). An overcurrent fault that occurs only during acceleration points to incorrect motor data or mechanical binding. The same fault during deceleration suggests regeneration issues. A ground fault that clears after disconnecting the motor and returns when reconnected means the motor or cable insulation has failed.

Prevention: Schedule annual infrared scanning of drive cabinets. Loose power connections and failing capacitors produce heat long before they cause faults. A 5-minute scan can prevent hours of unplanned downtime.

Focused Parts Searches

Before ordering, match the drive part to the model number, electrical rating, and failure symptom.

When to Call a Pro

F00052 (CU EEPROM fault) and any fault requiring Power Module (drive output stage) replacement should be handled by Siemens-trained drive service. PM replacement on G120 drives in Panel Through-Mounting configurations also requires electrical panel work.

Quick FAQ

Is Siemens F0001 the same as F00001?

Searchers often omit a zero, but SINAMICS G120 and S120 manuals typically show the overcurrent fault as F00001. Treat F0001 searches as an overcurrent lookup and verify the exact code on the drive display.

What does Siemens VFD F00001 mean?

F00001 means the drive output current exceeded the configured threshold. Check motor data, acceleration ramp, mechanical load, and motor cable before replacing drive hardware.

What causes Siemens SINAMICS F00002 overvoltage?

F00002 usually happens when regenerative energy raises the DC bus during deceleration. Extend the decel ramp or verify the braking resistor setup for loads that coast or overrun.

How do you reset a Siemens SINAMICS fault?

After fixing the cause, acknowledge the fault from the BOP-2 panel, a configured digital input, STARTER or Startdrive software, or by cycling control power where the manual allows it.


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