12

Brake chopper supervision

Vacon · NX All-in-One Application

What does 12 mean?

This fault indicates an issue with the dynamic braking circuit. Possible causes include the absence of a brake resistor, a physical break in the brake resistor element, or a malfunction within the brake chopper itself. This condition prevents the drive from effectively dissipating regenerative energy generated by the motor during deceleration.

Common Causes

  • Fault detected in the brake chopper circuit (resistor or IGBT).
  • Overheating of the brake chopper components.
  • Short circuit or open circuit in the brake chopper's switching element.
  • Incorrect parameter settings related to regenerative braking (e.g., P6-01).
  • Brake resistor failure or disconnection.

Repair Steps & Checklist

Click steps to track your progress.

  1. 1

    Verify that a brake resistor is physically connected to the drive's designated brake terminals (+UDC/R-, R+).

  2. 2

    Measure the resistance of the brake resistor directly at its terminals — verify the measured value matches the resistor's specified nominal resistance.

  3. 3

    Inspect the cabling between the drive's brake terminals and the brake resistor for continuity, secure connections, and any signs of damage.

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Verified technical data. Last updated: March 2026

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Source: Vacon NX All-in-One Application