Ground Fault

What does F13 mean?

This fault indicates that the drive has detected a leakage current path from one or more of its output terminals to earth ground. This typically points to a compromised insulation in the motor windings or the motor wiring, creating an unintended electrical path to ground. A ground fault is a serious safety concern, posing a risk of electric shock and potential damage to the motor or drive if not promptly addressed.

• Motor winding insulation breakdown to the motor frame (earth ground).
• Damage to the motor cable insulation (U, V, W) causing a short circuit to cable shielding or conduit.
• Accumulation of moisture, oil, or conductive dust inside the motor terminal box or motor windings.
• Short circuit between a motor phase and the drive's output ground (PE) terminal.
• Improper or compromised grounding of the motor frame or cable shielding.

Click steps to track your progress.

1. 1

   Disconnect all motor leads (U, V, W) from the drive output terminals.

2. 2

   Power cycle the drive. If the fault clears with the motor disconnected, the fault is external to the drive (motor or cable).

3. 3

   Using a megohmmeter (insulation tester), measure insulation resistance from each motor phase (U, V, W) to the motor frame ground. Expect >1MΩ.

4. 4

   Visually inspect the motor cable for any signs of physical damage to the outer jacket or conductor insulation.

5. 5

   Check the motor terminal box for moisture, condensation, or loose strands of wire causing a short to ground.

6. 6

   Verify proper grounding of the motor frame to the common protective earth (PE) bus, and ensure cable shielding is correctly terminated.