Yaskawa GA800 E15 Fault — What It Means
E15 on a Yaskawa GA800 is a communication-related fault tied to a specific option board or control link installed in the drive. The most common interpretation is a communications error detected on the SI-F/G interface or another parameterized communication path used to send run commands or frequency references. The exact fault text depends on which communication option is fitted in your drive, so identifying the installed option card or control interface is the first step in diagnosis.
This fault is not a general drive failure. It means the drive has lost contact with the option module, received corrupted data on the communication link, or detected a parameter mismatch between the drive and the control source. The fault will persist until you remove the cause and reset the drive.
Common Causes
- Loss of communication between drive and option board or controller. The drive cannot exchange data with the installed communication module or external controller due to a broken link or missing signal.
- Incorrect parameter settings for the communication option. Drive parameters for communication source, protocol, or control mode do not match the actual installed hardware or controller settings.
- Loose, damaged, or improperly seated option card or cable connector. Physical connection problems such as bent pins, loose harness plugs, or a communication card that is not fully seated in its slot.
- EMI or electrical noise on the communication circuit. Poor cable routing, missing shield grounding, or nearby switching equipment injects noise that corrupts the communication signal.
- Missing or incorrect cable termination on the communication bus. Network termination resistors are absent, wrong value, or connected at the wrong location, causing signal reflections.
- Failed communication option module or main control board. The option card itself or the drive’s internal control board has developed a hardware fault that prevents normal data exchange.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Record the exact fault code and text displayed, then identify which communication option or interface is installed in the drive. Check the drive label, installation documentation, or parameter group to confirm the option type before proceeding.
- Power down the drive safely and lock out incoming power. Open the drive enclosure and visually inspect the communication option card, its seating in the drive slot, and all cable connectors for looseness, bent pins, corrosion, or visible damage.
- Verify all communication-related parameters in the drive against the installation wiring and controller settings. Consult your model’s parameter table and correct any mismatches in communication source, protocol selection, baud rate, or control mode settings.
- Check cable routing, shielding, and grounding of the communication link. Verify that communication cables are routed away from power wiring, shields are grounded at one end only or as specified for your protocol, and termination resistors are installed correctly at both ends of the network.
- Swap-test the communication cable or option board with a known-good spare if available. If the fault clears with the replacement part, the original cable or option card is defective.
- Reset the fault only after correcting the cause by pressing the RESET button on the keypad. Restore power and monitor the drive for several cycles to confirm the fault does not return.
- If the fault persists with verified wiring and correct parameters, replace the failed communication option card. If the fault follows the drive after option replacement, the main control board is likely faulty and should be replaced.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yaskawa GA800 communication option card | Amazon | Match the exact option type (SI-F, SI-G, Modbus, EtherNet/IP, etc.) installed in your drive and verify compatibility with your drive model. |
| Communication cable and connector assembly | Amazon | Use manufacturer-specified cable type and length for your protocol. Verify shielding and termination requirements before installation. |
| GA800 main control board | Amazon | Required only if the fault persists after option card and cable replacement. Obtain the correct board for your drive’s voltage and size rating. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified drive technician or Yaskawa service representative if the fault returns after you have verified all parameters, replaced the communication cable and option card, and confirmed correct wiring and grounding. Persistent communication faults that survive hardware replacement usually indicate a failure on the drive’s main control board or a system-level configuration error that requires specialized diagnostic tools. Also call for help if you are not trained to safely work inside energized industrial equipment or if your process cannot tolerate extended downtime for trial-and-error troubleshooting.