Motor Overload

What does F7 mean?

This fault indicates that the motor connected to the drive has experienced an internal electronic overload trip, meaning it has drawn excessive current for an extended period. This is often caused by an excessive mechanical load on the motor, leading to overheating and potential damage to the motor windings. The drive’s internal electronic overload protection attempts to prevent motor damage. Continuous overloading will shorten the motor’s lifespan and can lead to winding burnout.

• Mechanical binding or excessive friction in the driven equipment (e.g., seized bearing, jammed conveyor) increasing motor load.
• Motor operating continuously above its rated capacity, leading to sustained high current draw.
• Incorrect motor full load amperage (FLA) parameter (e.g., P3-08) set in the drive, causing premature overload trip.
• Motor cooling fan failure or obstructed airflow around the motor, leading to thermal overload.
• Motor winding degradation (e.g., inter-turn short) causing inefficient operation and increased current for the load.

Click steps to track your progress.

1. 1

   Measure actual motor current (amps) during operation and compare it to the motor nameplate FLA and the drive's P3-08 setting.

2. 2

   Inspect the mechanical load for binding, excessive friction, or blockages, ensuring free movement of the driven equipment.

3. 3

   Verify the motor's full load amperage (FLA) on its nameplate and confirm it matches the drive parameter P3-08.

4. 4

   Check for proper motor cooling, ensuring the motor fan is operational and cooling fins are clear of debris.

5. 5

   Perform an insulation resistance test (megohm test) on the motor windings to ground and phase-to-phase to detect insulation degradation.