Earth (ground) fault

What does 14 mean?

There is a current leakage from the output phase to ground, which could be located in the cable between the frequency converter and the motor, or within the motor itself. The drive's current transducers detect this by measuring a significant deviation between the output and input currents.

• Insulation breakdown in the motor windings, causing a leakage path from a phase to the motor frame (ground).
• Damage to the motor cable insulation (e.g., chafing, crushing) causing a phase conductor to contact conduit or ground.
• Water ingress or contamination within the motor or terminal box creating a conductive path to ground.
• Faulty current transducer or ground fault detection circuit within the frequency converter.
• Poor grounding practices, allowing circulating currents to be detected as a fault.

Click steps to track your progress.

1. 1

   Power down the drive and disconnect the motor leads (U, V, W) from the drive's output terminals.

2. 2

   Perform an insulation resistance test (Megger test) on each motor phase to ground (PE) for both the motor cable and the motor windings, checking for values below 1 MOhm.

3. 3

   Inspect the entire length of the motor cable for physical damage, cuts, or signs of water ingress.

4. 4

   Inspect the motor's terminal box for moisture, corrosion, or loose connections that could bridge to ground.

5. 5

   With the motor cable disconnected, power up the drive; if the fault clears, the issue is external (motor/cable).