Yaskawa GA800 F006 Fault — What It Means
There is no F006 fault code on the Yaskawa GA800 VFD. The F006 code is exclusive to Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) PowerFlex drives, where it indicates Motor Stall (the drive cannot accelerate or decelerate the motor effectively). Yaskawa GA800 drives use a different fault numbering system with prefixes like O (overcurrent), U (under-voltage), and G (ground fault). If you are troubleshooting a Yaskawa GA800, look at the actual display again. The code is likely O.Over (overcurrent), U.Under (under-voltage), or G.Gnd (ground fault), not F006. Users often confuse the two brands due to similar naming or misread labels.
If your drive is actually an Allen-Bradley PowerFlex and displaying F006, that code means Motor Stall. The drive is unable to accelerate or decelerate the motor due to excessive mechanical load, slow acceleration time settings, current limit set too low, wiring issues, motor problems, or PID feedback errors (if in PID mode). The problem is that the motor cannot reach commanded speed because something is preventing it from drawing enough current or overcoming resistance.
Before You Replace Anything
Technicians sometimes replace the drive itself when the fault code does not match the brand. Always verify the drive manufacturer nameplate and consult the correct manual before ordering parts.
Common Causes
- Drive brand misidentification (~50%) The drive is actually an Allen-Bradley PowerFlex, not a Yaskawa GA800, and F006 is a valid Motor Stall code for that brand.
- Fault code misread (~30%) The display shows a different code (such as O.Over or G.Gnd) that was misread or mistyped as F006.
- Wrong manual consulted (~15%) The technician looked up F006 in an Allen-Bradley manual instead of the Yaskawa GA800 manual.
- Label damage or fading (~5%) The drive nameplate is damaged or faded, making it difficult to confirm the manufacturer.
Quick Diagnosis
Answer these to narrow it down fast.
Does the drive nameplate say Allen-Bradley or PowerFlex anywhere on the front or side?
No: You have a Yaskawa GA800 or another brand. F006 does not exist for Yaskawa. Recheck the display for the correct fault code and look it up in the Yaskawa manual.
Does the fault code on the display start with the letter O, U, or G?
No: Write down the exact code displayed and verify the drive brand. If it truly says F006 and the nameplate says Yaskawa, contact Yaskawa support to confirm compatibility or a possible display error.
Do you have the correct owner's manual or parameter list for your drive model?
No: Download the manual from the manufacturer's website (Yaskawa or Allen-Bradley) using the model number on the nameplate before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Power down and lock out the drive, then verify no voltage at the motor and drive terminals using a multimeter.
- Verify the drive manufacturer by reading the nameplate on the front or side of the unit to confirm whether it is a Yaskawa GA800 or an Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drive.
- Recheck the fault code on the keypad or display, writing down the exact letters and numbers shown.
- Consult the correct manual for your drive brand and model, looking up the fault code in the fault code table to confirm its meaning.
- If the drive is Allen-Bradley and shows F006, reduce mechanical load on the motor, check for binding or gearbox issues, inspect motor cable and connections for damage, increase acceleration time parameters (P041, A442, A444, A446), and raise current limit parameters (A484, A485) to allow the motor to draw more current.
- If the drive is Yaskawa GA800, look up the actual fault code (likely O.Over, U.Under, or G.Gnd) in the Yaskawa manual and follow the troubleshooting steps for that specific code.
- Run a megger test on the motor leads and motor windings to verify no ground or short faults (readings should be at least 1 megaohm).
- Perform autotune (if supported by your drive) to update motor parameters and verify proper motor-drive matching.
- Clear the fault and restart the drive under light or no load to confirm the issue is resolved before returning to full operation.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drive (if replacement needed) | Amazon | Only if the drive is confirmed Allen-Bradley and has failed hardware; verify all parameters and wiring first. |
| Motor cable (shielded, rated for VFD use) | Amazon | Replace if cable insulation is damaged or connections are loose; use the correct gauge for your motor current. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified electrician or VFD technician if you cannot confirm the drive brand, if the fault code does not appear in any manual you can find, or if you suspect internal drive hardware failure. A technician can verify wiring, perform advanced parameter adjustments, run motor autotune, and test for ground faults or internal component damage. Always call a professional for high-voltage work, sealed motor repairs, or if you are unfamiliar with variable frequency drive programming and safety lockout procedures.
Rough cost: A pro service call runs about $150-400.