Power-stage / output evidence record

Danfoss VLT Output Fault Evidence Record

Captures alarm 14 and alarm 16 evidence around motor cable, earth leakage, output terminals, IGBT module, gate driver and current detection.

Repair intake evidence record11 min read

Scope of this technical record

Evidence checklist for Danfoss VLT Alarm 14 and Alarm 16 repair requests, defining what must be captured before a power-output, current-sensing, gate-driver or module repair decision is made.

Safety boundary

This record is not a live-test instruction. Collect evidence under the plant's qualified isolation procedure. Do not power a drive with a suspected output short or earth fault just to reproduce the alarm for photos.

Danfoss output repair evidence route

1Type code
2Fault order
3External proof
4Drive photos
5Repair history

The record defines the evidence needed before current-sensor, gate-driver or module repair decisions.

Danfoss output repair evidence image

Danfoss VLT output repair evidence type code fault order external proof drive side photos and repair history
The evidence image defines what a support request needs before a power-output repair quote.

Output repair intake matrix

This record prevents a short alarm label from becoming an unsupported module quote.

Evidence itemDecision enabledMissing-data risk
Type code / frameCorrect hardware familyWrong board or module
Connected vs disconnected outputExternal versus internal boundaryRepeat field fault
Repair historyRepeat-failure riskAnother failed module

Why an evidence record is needed

A Danfoss VLT output-fault repair request often arrives as a short message: Alarm 14 or Alarm 16. That is not enough to decide whether to quote a module, current sensor, power board, field wiring correction or replacement drive. The evidence record turns the alarm into a service case that can be checked before parts are ordered.

The goal is to protect the repair path. A repaired power stage will not survive if the motor cable still leaks to earth or an output contactor still creates a phase short. A field installation will not be fixed by replacing the drive when the real issue is a wet motor box. Evidence controls that decision.

Minimum intake package

The record should capture identity, fault timing, external output proof and drive-side evidence where escalation is justified. Missing identity or missing connected/disconnected results usually means the support response should stay at diagnostic guidance rather than a board quote.

Alarm 14/16 intake evidence

Evidence itemPurposeAcceptable example
Nameplate / type codeConfirms frame and hardware familyClear photo of VLT type code and rating
Fault queue and timingSeparates first alarm from secondary alarmsPhoto before reset plus event description
Motor/cable resultDefines external versus drive-side pathInsulation record and drive-terminal disconnection result
Output terminal photosFinds contamination, loose strands or accessory wiringU/V/W, PE and output accessories visible
Drive-side photosSupports module, driver or current-sensor repairPower module/current sensor/power board labels and damage
Repair historyPrevents repeat failureWhat was replaced and what failed again

Decision outputs from the record

The evidence record should end with one of four outcomes: field motor/cable repair, output accessory correction, drive-side repair assessment, or replacement/retrofit planning. If the outcome is still just the alarm number, the intake is incomplete.

  • Field repair: alarm follows motor, cable, terminal box or output accessory
  • Drive repair: alarm remains with external path proven clear and drive-side evidence exists
  • Repeat-failure review: prior module or board was replaced without proving cause
  • Replacement planning: frame is obsolete, parts are scarce, or downtime risk exceeds repair value

Field record checklist

  • VLT nameplate photo
  • Fault display before reset
  • Trip timing and application state
  • Motor/cable insulation record
  • Output terminal photo set
  • Drive-side module/sensor/board evidence

Technical basis and reference documents

This is an independent editorial technical reference. Original manufacturer documentation remains controlling for installation, repair and commissioning decisions.

Top ten VFD tech support calls — Alarm 14Danfoss Drives support

Used to anchor Alarm 14 around motor/cabling isolation and the boundary where current-sensor or drive-side investigation becomes relevant.

Danfoss AC drives service tips — common alarmsDanfoss Drives

Used to anchor Alarm 14 as short-to-ground in motor/wiring and Alarm 16 as line-to-line short circuit in motor/wiring.

VLT HVAC Drive FC 102 instruction manualDanfoss technical documentation

Used as FC-family public manual context for alarm wording, DC-link safety and output-side service boundaries.

Linked circuit records

Evidence intake

Turn this record into a qualified service request

A repair decision is much more reliable when the request includes the exact identity of the drive, the first fault evidence and the machine condition when the symptom appeared.

  • Complete drive type code / MLFB or nameplate model
  • Fault code, fault value and first event before reset
  • When the event appears: power-up, enable, ramp, run, decel or stop
  • Motor/cable connected or isolated during the symptom
  • Visible board, option-card, module and connector identifiers
  • Previous repair history, replacement parts and repeat-failure pattern
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