VFD Keeps Tripping? Here’s What It Could Mean
VFD Keeps Tripping? Here’s What It Could Mean
When a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) starts tripping unexpectedly, it’s not just frustrating—it can shut down your entire operation. Fortunately, VFD faults are usually trying to tell you something. Here’s how to diagnose the issue quickly and avoid unnecessary downtime.
🔍 What Is a VFD Trip?
A “trip” occurs when the VFD detects a fault and shuts down to protect itself, the motor, or the load. These trips are triggered by sensors and logic inside the drive and are your first clue in diagnosing the problem.
📊 Most Common VFD Trip Causes
Based on field diagnostics, here are the most frequent trip codes we encounter in Colorado industrial systems:
- Overcurrent: Often caused by sudden load increases or locked rotors
- Undervoltage: Usually due to poor supply or long cable runs
- Overvoltage: Common during deceleration without braking resistors
- Overtemperature: Indicates poor ventilation or fan failure
- Phase Loss: A missing input or output phase connection
- Ground Fault: Caused by insulation failure or short circuits
🛠️ What You Can Do First
- Note the exact error code and reference the VFD manual
- Check all wiring for looseness or visible damage
- Inspect cooling fans and ventilation around the drive
- Look at load conditions—did something jam or change?
- Reset the drive and monitor how quickly the trip reoccurs
🚚 When to Call the Experts
If your VFD continues to trip or displays multiple fault codes, it’s time to bring in trained technicians. Colorado Electric Motors offers:
- On-site VFD troubleshooting across Colorado
- Drive replacements and upgrades
- Load balancing and motor-pairing checks
- Power quality analysis for stable operation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my VFD keep tripping?
Common causes include overcurrent, undervoltage, overtemperature, or phase loss. Each trip type protects your equipment from potential failure.
What is an overcurrent trip?
This fault means your motor is pulling too much current—often due to a jammed load or electrical imbalance.
Can I reset my VFD and keep running it?
Sometimes, but repeated trips signal a deeper issue. Always investigate the cause, especially if faults occur frequently.
Do you offer VFD support on-site?
Absolutely. We provide diagnostics, repairs, replacements, and VFD tuning across Colorado. Contact us here.
