Troubleshooting Ground Current Factory Limit Fault on Power Flex 527 in V/Hz Frequency Mode Without Encoder

Question:

Hello everyone, I am facing an issue with my PF 527 setup that uses motion instructions in frequency mode without encoder, with the frequency mode set to V/hz. Whenever I stop the motor, I consistently encounter a "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault" (S 16). The motor is able to start and run without any issues, but the fault only occurs when it comes to a stop. In my experience, a "bad" motor (having a shorted ground to any phase) would trigger a fault as soon as you attempt to run it. So, my question is whether this issue could be due to a faulty motor, or if there are parameters or instructions that need adjusting to resolve it. Could the fault be related to the speed at which I am stopping the motor? Thank you.

Top Replies

If you disconnect the motor and initiate the same start/stop command, check if the drive still indicates a fault. This fault may be caused by a current detected in the ground path, potentially linked to regeneration. This issue could be attributed to a faulty motor, wiring, or the drive itself.

This is a fresh installation with a brand new drive that operates without a motor issue. The new wiring connected to the motor eliminates the possibility of faulty wires. Despite changing the motor to rule out any issues, the fault (S16 fault) persists, which is unusual. The fault occurs after running the motor for 10-15 minutes and stopping it.

On the contrary, the most common cause of motor issues is often attributed to newly installed wires. With just a single nick in the insulation, arcing inside the conduit can occur. Have you performed a megger test on the motor leads? If you don't have a megger on hand, consider running temporary wiring outside of the conduit to conduct a motor test. This simple step can help identify and address any potential issues with the motor's performance.

The initial step I take is conducting a MEG test on the motor and the connections between the VFD and the motor. Afterwards, I proceed to disconnect the wires at the bottom of the VFD.

Robertmee pointed out that new wires installed on a motor are often the culprit behind issues, as even a minor nick in the insulation can cause arcing within the conduit. Have you performed a megger test on the leads and motor? If not, consider running temporary wires outside the conduit for testing. It's worth noting that while the VSD and motor are likely fine as they were tested before leaving the factory, the wires from a drum that has been handled roughly for months may be the source of problems. In this scenario, the wires are the most likely component to be damaged or malfunction.

Hello! I've encountered something similar before. In your case, considering the motor runs smoothly until it's asked to stop, it doesn't seem like a bad motor situation. The "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault" is typically linked to an excessive amount of regenerative energy being dumped onto the DC bus when the motor decelerates quickly. This could be happening if you're stopping the motor at a much higher speed than it's rated for. You should review the deceleration time parameter in your setup - try increasing the deceleration time to allow the motor to stop more gradually. You might also want to verify the braking resistor settings (if applicable), to ensure it has an appropriate input to safely dissuade the excess regenerative energy. How you handle this regenerative energy may indeed be the key to solving your problem.

Based on your description, it seems that the issue might be more related to how you are stopping the motor rather than a defective motor itself. You're correct saying a "bad" motor typically triggers the fault at the start itself. One possibility could be that you're attempting to halt the motor too abruptly, causing an excess current to flow to ground. You might want to tweak the deceleration time settings to allow a more gradual stop, which may prevent such faults. If you're using any form of brake, it's also worth examining that to make sure it's not generating excessive current. Nonetheless, do make sure to check for any potential wiring issues or signs of insulation damage, as these could also cause ground faults.

Hi there, it certainly sounds like a frustrating issue you're dealing with. Given your description, it seems like this fault isn't originating from the motor, but rather from the drive mechanism. You should check the common mode chokes, which act as filters between the drive and the motor. If these chokes are damaged, they may cause a "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault". Additionally, abrupt stopping can put excessive strain on the system, leading to such faults. You may consider adjusting the deceleration rate to a more gradual slowdown. Lastly, it's worth comparing your setup parameters with the recommended settings from the manufacturer to ensure you're within the acceptable ranges. I hope this helps, and best of luck troubleshooting!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be causing the "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault" on my Power Flex 527 in V/Hz Frequency Mode without Encoder?

Answer: Answer: The fault may be related to parameters or instructions that need adjusting, rather than a faulty motor. It's possible that the fault is triggered when the motor comes to a stop, so investigating the stopping speed and other settings could help resolve the issue.

FAQ: 2. How does the "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault" differ from a typical fault caused by a bad motor in a Power Flex 527 setup?

Answer: Answer: Unlike a fault triggered immediately by a bad motor, the "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault" in this case occurs specifically when the motor stops. This suggests that the fault may be related to the stopping process or specific settings rather than an inherent motor issue.

FAQ: 3. Is there a specific troubleshooting process recommended for addressing the "Ground Current Factory Limit Fault" on a Power Flex 527 operating in V/Hz Frequency Mode without Encoder?

Answer: Answer: It's advisable to review and potentially adjust the parameters and instructions related to the motor's operation, particularly focusing on the stop sequence and speed. Checking for any anomalies in the ground connections or potential motor issues is also recommended as part of the troubleshooting process.

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