Yaskawa GA800 E44 Fault — What It Means
E44 does not appear in verified Yaskawa GA800 documentation. The GA800 uses fault codes in the oFA and bUS families for option-card and communications errors, not E44. The most common option-card fault on the GA800 is a Communication Option Card Connection Error at the CN5-A connector, which means the drive cannot communicate with an installed option card. If your display shows E44, double-check the exact text on the keypad or consult your model’s manual, because this code may belong to a different Yaskawa series or be a misread of another fault. The GA800 troubleshooting flow for option-card faults focuses on connector seating, physical damage to the card, and card replacement.
Before You Replace Anything
Technicians sometimes replace the entire drive when the option card or connector is the real culprit. Always inspect and re-seat the card, and check for bent pins or physical damage before ordering a new drive.
Common Causes
- Option card not fully seated The communication option card at CN5-A is not pushed completely into the connector or has worked loose over time.
- Failed option card The option card itself has failed due to age, heat, or electrical stress and no longer communicates with the drive.
- Bent or damaged pins Physical damage to the connector pins on the card or drive socket prevents a solid electrical connection.
- Network cable or connector damage On Ethernet or fieldbus option cards, damaged network cabling or connectors at the card can trigger communication faults.
- Code from different Yaskawa series E44 may be a fault code from a different Yaskawa drive family that was confused with the GA800.
Quick Diagnosis
Answer these to narrow it down fast.
Is an option card installed in the CN5-A connector slot on your GA800?
No: Verify the exact fault code on the keypad display. E44 is not a standard GA800 code, so consult your manual or contact Yaskawa support with your model and serial number.
Does the option card sit flush in the connector with no visible gaps or tilting?
No: The card is not fully seated. De-energize the drive, press the card firmly into the connector until it clicks, and re-test.
Does the fault clear after re-seating the option card and power-cycling the drive?
No: The option card or connector is damaged. Replace the card and, if the fault persists, contact Yaskawa Technical Support with the drive model, serial number, and option-card part number.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Verify the exact fault code on the GA800 keypad display and write down the complete text, because E44 is not documented as a standard GA800 fault.
- De-energize the drive by turning off the disconnect and waiting at least five minutes for capacitors to discharge before opening the cover or touching the option card.
- Locate the option card installed in the CN5-A connector slot, typically on the front or side of the drive depending on the model and frame size.
- Inspect the card and connector for bent pins, cracks, burn marks, or any visible physical damage on both the card edge and the drive socket.
- Remove and re-seat the card by gently pulling it straight out, then pushing it firmly back into the connector until it clicks or seats flush with no gaps.
- Re-energize the drive and power-cycle by turning the disconnect back on, then observe the keypad for any fault codes during startup.
- If the fault remains, replace the option card with a known-good spare or new card of the same part number, and re-test. If the fault still does not clear, record the drive model number, serial number, and all installed option-card part numbers and contact Yaskawa Technical Support for further diagnostics.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yaskawa GA800 Communication Option Card | Amazon | Match the exact part number for your installed card type (Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus, etc.) and order from Yaskawa or an authorized distributor. |
| Network Cable (if Ethernet option) | Amazon | Use shielded Cat5e or better rated for industrial environments if the existing cable shows damage. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified industrial electrician or Yaskawa-certified technician if you are unfamiliar with variable-frequency drives, if the fault does not clear after re-seating or replacing the option card, or if you need to verify proper network configuration and parameters. VFDs operate at high voltage and store energy in capacitors even after power is removed, so improper handling can cause serious injury or equipment damage. A technician can safely inspect the CN5-A connector, test with diagnostic equipment, and coordinate warranty or advanced support with Yaskawa if the drive itself is faulty.
Rough cost: A pro service call runs about $150-400.