Author: Brian Hughes

Brian Hughes is a passionate electrical and content developer for MRO Electric. His main interests are in analog circuit design and solid state physics. Brian's professional background includes working on power system designs for commercial and industrial projects.

Distributed Control System (DCS) Explained

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A Distributed Control System (DCS) is a type of automated industrial control system (ICS) used to control geographically distributed processes, such as those in factories, power plants, and other large industrial settings. DCS systems rely on a network of controllers distributed across a facility, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of multiple processes simultaneously. These systems are integral in industries where precise, continuous control is essential. Read on to learn more about the meaning of DCS.

What is a DCS?

A Distributed Control System (DCS) is a computerized control system that streamlines the functionalities of industrial devices used throughout a workspace. A DCS utilizes a wide range of controllers to permit all the parts to converse with one another just as PCs do. These controllers are distributed geographically across a plant to allow for high-speed communication to the control process. When utilizing various kinds of modules, the framework may require diverse correspondence norms, for example, Modbus and Profibus.

What is a Distributed Control System
Distributed Control System Layout
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Common UNI1405 Fault Codes

Brian Hughes 1 Comment

Below is a table of common Unidrive faults found within the Control Techniques Unidrive series, more specifically, the UNI1405. MRO Electric offers core credit on exchanges for new and refurbished units, and have a wide selection of option cards such as the UD51, UD73, and UD77. We also repair Unidrives in-house. Contact us if you are interested in finding a new machine so we can keep your downtime to a minimum!

HF81Software Error (odd address word)
HF82Large option module removed
HF83Power Board Code Failure
HF84Current Offset Trim Failure
HF85A to D failure (ES-CC step)
HF86Interrupt Watchdog failure
HF87Internal ROM check error
HF88Watchdog Failure
HF89Unused Interrupts (nmi as source)
HF90Stack Overflow
HF91Stack Underflow
HF92Software Error (undefined op code)
HF93Software Error (protection fault)
HF94Software Error (odd address word)
HF95Software Error (odd address inst.)
HF96Software Error (illegal ext bus)
HF97Level 1 Noise
HF98Interrupt Crash
HF99Level 1 Crash

PLC vs. DCS: What’s the difference?

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Before we get into the differences of a PLC’s and DCS’s, we need to talk about what each of them are designed to do.

What is a PLC?

A PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller, is a computer that has been adapted to specifically meet the needs of any specific manufacturing process. These devices come in many different shapes and sizes, with many options for digital and analog I/O, as well as protection from high temperatures, vibration, and electrical noise. The invention of the PLC allowed computers to be streamlined into the industrial automation process.

A PLC can be a single device calculating and executing operations, or a rack of different modules may be used to meet whatever your automation system requires. Some of the additional components include processors, power supplies, additional IO, interfaces, and much more.  Every part works together to be able to run open or closed loop operations that are rated at high speed and high precision. Take a CNC machine for example; a PLC would be used to control positioning and motion, as well as torque control. These devices are popular because they are very inexpensive relative to the amount of power and how many hours you get out of them.

 What is a DCS?

A Distributed Control System is an automated control system that streamlines the functionalities of the various devices that are used throughout an entire work space. This type of system uses many different controllers to allow all the machining parts to talk to each other as well as computers that can input parameters and display information such as power usage, speed, and much more. These controllers are distributed geographically across a plant to allow for high-speed communication to the control room. When using different types of modules however, the system may require different communication standards such as Modbus and Profibus. DCS’s started coming to fruition throughout the 1960’s once the microcomputer was brought widespread into the market.

Then what exactly is the difference?

A PLC will probably be used to control a machine that isn’t too complex wheres the DCS can have total control of all the operations in an entire plant. The PLC is preferred in situations where the machine does not have to worry about meeting specific conditions inside the plant. These conditions typically involve operations that may need to stop or restart, as well maintaining precise temperatures. A DCS will be able to take advantage of all the aspects of an automated system, from the machines and sensors to the controllers and computers. An entire DCS is much more expensive than a few PLC’s, but each have their advantages in any given situation and certain automated systems will always require one over the other.

Visit MRO Electric and Supply’s website to see all of our available Programmable Logic Controllers. If we don’t have what you need listed on the site, contact us at sales@mroelectric.com or (800)691-8511 and we will be happy to help.

ATV11-ATV12 Substitution Chart

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Below is a chart that shows the direct replacement from ATV11 to ATV12 drives. MRO Electric and Supply carries new & refurbished ATV11 and ATV12 units by Schneider Electric.

ATV11 EUROPAATV11 USAATV11 ASIAATV12
-ATV11HU05F1UATV11HU05F1A→ATV12H018F1
ATV11HU05M2EATV11HU05M2UATV11HU05M2AАТУ12Н018М2
-ATV11HU05M3UATV11HU05M3A→АТУ12Н018М3
-ATV11HU09F1UATV11HU09F1AATV12H037F1
-ATV11PU09F1UATV11PU09F1A→ATV12P037F1
AN11HU09M2EATV11HU09M2UATV11HU09M2AATV12H037M2
AN11PU09M2EATV11PU09M2UATV11PU09M2A→ATV12P037M2
-ATV11HU09M3UATV11HU09M3AATV12H037M3
-ATV11PU09M3UATV11PU09M3A→ATV12P037M3
ATV11HU12M2E--ATV12H055M2
ATV11PU12M2E--→ATV12P055M2
-ATV11HU18F1UATV11HU18F1AATV12H075F1
ATV11HU18M2EATV11HU18M2UATV11HU18M2A→АTV12H075М2
ATV11PU18M2EATV11PU18M2UATV11PU18M2AATV12P075M2
-ATV11HU18M3UATV11HU18M3A→АTV12H075М3
-ATV11PU18M3UATV11PU18M3AATV12P075M3
ATV11HU29М2ЕATV11HU29M2UATV11HU29M2A→ATV12HU15M2
-ATV11HU29M3UATV11HU29M3AATV12HU15M3
ATV11HU41M2EATV11HU41M2UATV11HU41M2A→ATV12HU22M2
-ATV11HU41M3UATV11HU41M3AATV12HU22M3

MagneTek GPD503 Fault Codes

Brian Hughes 1 Comment

Below is a chart with fault codes regarding the MagneTek G3 GPD503 series drives. MRO Electric and Supply offers free evaluations on units. You can find our RMA form on our repair page. Follow us on Twitter @MROElectric for updates on new products and find any deals we may have.

bbExternal Base Block command
Base Block command at multi-function terminal is active, shutting off GPD 503 output (motor coasting). Temporary condition, cleared when input command is removed.
bUSTransmission error
Control data cannot be received normally for longer than 2 seconds.
CALLCommunication ready
Drive is waiting for the PLC to establish communication.
CPF00Transmission error or control function hardware fault (including internal RAM, external RAM or PROM)
Transmission between GPD 503 and remote operator is not established within 5 seconds after the power supply is turned on. (Displayed on the remote operator.)
CPF01Transmission error
Transmission error occurs 2 seconds or more after transmission has first been established.
CPF02Base block circuit failure
GPD 503 failure.
CPF03NV-RAM (S-RAM) fault
GPD 503 failure.
CPF04NV-RAM (BCC, Access Code)
fault
GPD 503 failure. This fault may be caused after changing EPROM chips. Perform a Sn-03 Reset operation to attempt to clear this fault.
CPF05A/D converter failure in CPU
GPD 503 failure.
CPF06Optional connection failure
Improper installation or wiring of option card.
CPF20A/D converter failure
Defective option card.
CPF21Transmission interface card (option) self-analysis function fault
Defective option card. Check option card connector for proper installation.
CPF22Model code fault
Defective option card. Check option card connector for proper installation.
CPF23Mutual-analysis function fault
Defective option card. Check option card connector for proper installation.
EF (blinking)Simultaneous forward and reverse operation commands
Fwd Run and Rev Run commands are both closed for more than 500 ms. Removing one command will allow drive operation.
EF0External fault
GPD 503 is in Stop mode.
EF3Ext. fault signal at term. 3
A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF5Ext. fault signal at term. 5
A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF6Ext. fault signal at term. 6
A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF7Ext. fault signal at term. 7
A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF8Ext. fault signal at term. 8
A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
ErrConstant write-in fault
Temporary display, in Program mode, indicating that constant setting was not written into EPROM memory.
FAnCooling fan failure
GPD 503 is in Stop mode.
FUFuse blown
DC Bus fuse has cleared. Check for short circuit in output, and check main circuit transistors.
GFGround fault protection
Ground current > approx. 50% of the GPD 503 rated current.
oCOvercurrent
GPD 503 output current exceeds 200% of GPD 503 rated current, or ground fault has occurred, with ground current exceeding 50% of GPD 503 rated current.
oHHeat sink overheated
Fin temperature exceeds 90° C (194° F)
oH2 (blinking)External overheat
External temperature monitoring circuit(s) detected an overtemperature condition and produced an input signal.
oL1Overload
Thermal motor overload protection has tripped.
oL2Overload
GPD 503 overload protection has tripped.
oL3 (blinking)Overload
GPD 503 output torque exceeds the set Overtorque Detection level, but GPD 503 is programmed for continued operation at overtorque detection.
oL3Overload
GPD 503 output torque exceeds the set Overtorque Detection level, and GPD 503 is programmed for coast to stop at overtorque detection.
oPE01kVA constant setting fault
Sn-01 setting is incorrect.
oPE02Constant setting range fault
An-XX, bn-XX, Cn-XX, or Sn-XX setting range fault.
oPE03Constant set value fault
Sn-15 to -18 (multi-function input) set value fault.
oPE04Constant set value fault
PG constant, number of poles, or PG division rate set incorrectly.
oPE10Constant set value fault
Cn-02 to -08 (V/f data) set incorrectly.
oPE11Constant set value fault
One of the following conditions was detected: • Cn-23 > 5 KHz and Cn-24 5 KHz or • Cn-25 > 6 and Cn-24 > Cn-23
ou (blinking)Overvoltage
Internal monitor of DC Bus voltage indicates that input AC power is excessively high, while GPD 503 is in stopped condition.
ouOvervoltage (OV)
Detection level: Approx. 400V for 230V; Approx. 800V for 460V; Approx. 1000V for 575V.
rrRegenerative transistor Failure
Dynamic Braking resistor has failed.
rHBraking resistor unit overheated
Dynamic Braking resistor has overheated.
Uu (blinking)Low voltage (Power UV)
Internal monitor of DC Bus voltage indicates that input AC power is below Undervoltage detection level, while the GPD 503 is in stopped condition.
Uu1 Low voltage (Power UV)Occurs two seconds after detection of low voltage.
Uu2 Low voltage UVControl circuit voltage levels drop below acceptable levels during operation.
Uu3 Low voltage (MC-ANS fault)Main circuit magnetic contactor does not operate correctly.

Yaskawa P1000 Fault Codes

Brian Hughes 2 Comments

Below is a table of common fault codes found on Yaskawa P1000 units. If problems continue to occur, it may be worth replacing your unit. MRO Electric specializes in Yaskawa repair, as well as unit distribution, if you are interested in obtaining a new or refurbished P1000 unit.

bATDigital Operator Battery Voltage Low - The digital operator battery is low Replace the digital operator battery.
boLBraking Transistor Overload Fault - The wrong braking resistor is installed Select the correct braking resistor.
bUSOption Communication Error - No signal was received from the PLC. Check for faulty wiring.
CE MEMOBUS/Modbus Communication Error - Faulty communications wiring or an existing short circuit.
CEMEMOBUS/Modbus Communication Error - Faulty communications wiring or an existing short circuit.
CPF02A/D Conversion Error - Control circuit is damaged. Replace the control board or the entire drive.
CPF03Control Board Connection Error - Turn off the power and check the connection between the control board and the drive.
CPF06EEPROM Memory Data Error - Turn off the power and check the connection between the control board and the drive.
CPF07Terminal Board Connection Error - Faulty connection between the terminal board and the control board. Turn off the power and reconnect the terminal board.
CPF08Terminal Board Connection Error - Faulty connection between the terminal board and the control board. Turn off the power and reconnect the terminal board.
CPF11Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF12Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF13Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF14Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF15Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF16Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF17Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF18Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF19Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF20Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF21Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF22Hybrid IC Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF23Control Board Connection Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF24Drive Unit Signal Fault - The drive capacity cannot be detected correctly. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF25Terminal Board Not Connected - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF26Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF27Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF28Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF29Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF30Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF31Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF32Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF33Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF34Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF35Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF40Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF41Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF42Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF43Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
E5SI-T3 Watchdog Timer Error - Data has not been received from the PLC Execute DISCONNECT or ALM_CLR, then issue a CONNECT command or SYNC_SET command.
EF0Option Card External Fault - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes.
EF1External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF2External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF3External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF4External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF5External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF6External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF7External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF8External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
ErrEEPROM Write Error - Noise has corrupted data. Cycle power. Correct the parameter.
FAnInternal Fan Fault - Internal cooling fan has malfunctioned. Check for fan operation.
FbHExcessive PID Feedback - PID feedback input is greater than the level set to. Check parameter.
FbLPID Feedback Loss - Check parameter. There is a problem with the feedback sensor.
GFGround Fault - A current short to ground exceeded 50% of rated current on the output side of the drive. Check motor/cables.
LFOutput Phase Loss - Phase loss on the output side of the drive. Check motor/cables.
LF3Power Unit Output Phase Loss 3 - Phase loss on the output side of the drive. Check motor/cables.
nSENode Setup Error - A terminal assigned to the node setup function closed during run.
oCOvercurrent - Output current greater than the specified overcurrent level. Check parameter. Check motor.
oFA01Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA03Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA04Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA05Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA06Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA10Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA11Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA12Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA13Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA14Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA15Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA16Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA17Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA30Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA31Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA32Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA33Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA34Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA35Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA36Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA37Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA38Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA39Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA40Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA41Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA42Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA43Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb00Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb01Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb02Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb03Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb11Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb12Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb13Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb14Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb15Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb16Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb17Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC00Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC01Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC02Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC03Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC11Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC12Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC13Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC14Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC15Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC16Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC17Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC50Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC51Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC52Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC53Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC54Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC55Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oHHeatsink Overheat - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oH1Heatsink Overheat - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oH4Motor Overheat Fault (PTC input) - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oH5Motor Overheat Fault (NTC input) - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oL1Motor Overload - Load heavy. Increase accel or decel time.
oL2Drive Overload - Load heavy. Increase accel or decel time.
oL3Overtorque Detection 1 - current has exceeded the value set for torque detection. Check parameter setting.
oL4Overtorque Detection 2 - current has exceeded the value set for torque detection. Check parameter setting.
oL7High Slip Braking oL - Use braking resistor. Reduce decel time.
oPrOperator Connection Fault - The external operator has been disconnected from the drive.
ovOvervoltage - Deceleration time is too short and regenerative energy is flowing from the motor into the drive. Increase decel time.
PFInput Phase Loss - Drive input power has an open phase or has a large imbalance.
rFBraking Resistor Fault - The resistance of the braking resistor is too low.
rHDynamic Braking Resistor - Deceleration time is too short and excessive regenerative energy is flowing back into the drive.
rrDynamic Braking Transistor - The braking transistor is damaged. Cycle power to the drive and check for reoccurrence of the fault.
SCIGBT Short Circuit or Ground Fault - IGBT failure. Cycle power to the drive and check for reoccurrence of the fault.
SErToo Many Speed Search Restarts - Parameters related to Speed Search are set to the wrong values.
TdETime Data Error - An error has occurred in the real-time clock. Replace digital operator.
THoThermistor Disconnect - The thermistor that detects motor temperature has become disconnected.
TIETime Interval Error - An error has occurred in the real-time clock. Replace digital operator.
TIMTime Not Set - Set time in parameter o4-17.
UL3Undertorque Detection 1 - Current is below the minimum set value. Check parameter setting.
UL4Undertorque Detection 2 - Current is below the minimum set value. Check parameter setting.
UL6Motor Underload - Current is below the minimum set value. Check parameter setting.
UnbCCurrent Unbalance - Current flow has become unbalanced. Check for damaged transistors.
Uv1Undervoltage - DC Bus Undervoltage. Check parameter setting. Input phase loss.
Uv2Control Power Supply Undervoltage - Voltage is too low for the control drive input power. Ride-through power loss.
Uv3Soft Charge Circuit Fault - Precharge relay or resistor fault. Bad precharge.
Uv4Gate Drive Board Undervoltage - Voltage drop in the gate drive board circuit. Cycle power to see if fault reoccurs.
voFOutput Voltage Detection Fault - Problem detected with the voltage on the output side of the drive.
vToLVT Overload - The output current of the drive has been elevated for a set length of time.

Encounter a fault code on your Yaskawa P1000 drive?

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ATS48 Soft Start Troubleshooting and Introduction

Brian Hughes 13 Comments

The Altistart 48(ATS48) series of soft starters by Square D and Schneider Electric allows for consistent start/stop rates that are independent of motor loads. These devices are more advanced than the standard drives that cannot control the applied motor torque. Featuring contact wiring and control, the soft starter allows for near-seamless integration with existing operations. Many preset parameters are included with the device and they cover a large spectrum of operations. Additional parameters may also be loaded up to meet specific needs. Available power ratings include:

  • 3 – 200 HP @ 208VAC, 60 Hz
  • 5 – 250 HP @ 230VAC, 60 Hz
  • 10 – 500 HP @ 460VAC, 60 Hz
  • 15 – 600 HP @ 575VAC, 60Hz

The ATS48 series features a dual configuration of two motors which allows for a cascaded start/stop in many operations. Using the Torque Control System(TCS) the unit can minimize wear on gears which allows for less time servicing the unit.

The Altistart 48 series takes advantage of the PowerSuite™ software for programming of your drive or soft starter.  With this software, you will be able to monitor and document all of your operations. Configurations are easily saved via hard disk, CD-ROM, flash memory, etc. Using Ethernet technology, the user is able to configure and monitor operations on the go, and a constant feed of information allows for real-time opportunity to modify and adjust configuration files on the fly.

Troubleshooting can be an issue for people when so many different things are going on. It just isn’t feasible to stop operations every time an error occurs. Below is a list of fault codes for the ATS48 Soft Start series that will help determine most issues:

Fault CodeDescription
nLP
rdY		Soft start without run command and:
• Line power not supplied
• Line power supplied
tbSStarting time delay not elapsed
HEAMotor preheating in progress
(Use SUP menu to set up monitoring
parameter. Factory setting: Motor Current.)		Soft start with run command
brLSoft start braking
StbWaiting for a command (RUN or STOP) in
cascade mode
CFF Invalid configuration on power-up
CFI Invalid configuration
CLFLoss of Control Power
EEFInternal memory fault
EtFExternal fault
ErFLine frequency out of tolerance
InFInternal fault
LrFLocked rotor fault
OCFOvercurrent fault
OHFSoft start overheating fault
OLCCurrent overload fault
OLFMotor overload/ground fault
OtFMotor thermal fault detected by PTC probes
PHFLoss of line or motor phase
PIFPhase reversal fault
SLFSerial link fault
StFExcessive starting time
ULFMotor underload fault
USFLack of AC line power on a run command

MRO Electric and Supply carries all models of this unit and has a fast and easy repair service to get your unit fixed and back into your hands as soon as possible.

Struggling with your ATS48 Soft Starter?

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