Diagnostic workflow

Schneider ATV61 / ATV71 OCF and SCF Diagnostic Workflow

Entry symptom: ATV61/ATV71 trips on OCF overcurrent or SCF short circuit at start, ramp or load.

Technician workflow13 min read

Scope of this technical record

Step-by-step Altivar ATV61 / ATV71 workflow for OCF and SCF output-side cases, separating settings/load, motor/cable, transistor-test and drive-side power-stage evidence.

Safety boundary

This workflow assumes qualified industrial-drive service. If insulation testing, output isolation or internal bridge checks cannot be performed safely, stop and collect identity evidence instead of repeating starts.

OCF / SCF workflow route

1Preserve fault
2Classify timing
3Prove field path
4Check bridge
5Choose route

The workflow turns short fault codes into a field-to-bench evidence package.

Workflow outcome matrix

The workflow must end in a clear action: field correction, controlled re-test, workshop repair evidence or replacement planning.

Evidence outcomeNext actionAvoid
Settings/load issueCorrect commissioning or machine conditionPower-board replacement
Motor/cable faultRepair external output pathAnother powered start
External proof clean and bridge suspiciousPrepare workshop repair evidenceFull-power test without driver checks

Workflow objective

The workflow is built to prevent two common mistakes: treating OCF as a guaranteed bad board, and treating SCF as a resettable nuisance. Both faults can destroy hardware if the technician repeats powered starts without identifying whether the problem is machine-side, cable-side or drive-side.

The sequence below is deliberately narrow. It only covers the OCF/SCF output fault cluster. OSF/USF voltage faults and command-reference issues belong to different paths.

Step sequence

Run the workflow in order. Do not skip directly to power-board diagnosis because a previous repairer replaced a module, and do not stop at parameter checks when the trip is an instant SCF.

ATV61 / ATV71 OCF-SCF workflow

StepActionWhat a good answer proves
1Preserve fault evidence before resetExact code, first fault, timing and operating state are known
2Classify timingEnable, first PWM, ramp, load, brake release or after repair
3Check motor data and machine load for OCFSettings/load are plausible or corrected before internal work
4Prove motor/cable/output path for SCFInsulation, terminals and output accessories are documented
5Use transistor/static checks only after safe isolationDrive-side bridge suspicion is based on evidence, not assumption
6Review gate-driver and current-feedback boundaryA module will not be powered without driver/root-cause proof
7Choose field correction, workshop repair or replacementThe next action matches the proven boundary

Decision table

The practical outcome should be one of four actions. The page should never leave the technician with only “contact support.” It should tell them what evidence changes the next move.

Outcome after workflow

Evidence outcomeLikely next actionDo not do this
Motor data or ramp is wrongCorrect commissioning/settings and re-test under controlled loadReplace power board first
Brake/load is heldFix machine-side release or load issueIncrease current limit blindly
Motor/cable insulation is poorRepair cable/motor/output installationFit another drive or module
External path proven and bridge test suspiciousPrepare workshop power-stage evidenceFull-power test without driver checks
Fault follows previous repairAudit gate-driver/current-feedback and root causeInstall another IGBT as a diagnostic tool

Evidence package for the repair bench

A bench technician needs more than the fault label. The package should say how the fault appeared in the field, what external evidence was proven, what settings were checked, what board or module work has already been done and what stopped further powered testing.

  • Fault queue photos before reset
  • Motor nameplate and key motor-control values
  • Load/brake/ramp evidence for OCF
  • Insulation and output-terminal evidence for SCF
  • Static/transistor-test observations if performed safely
  • Board/module label photos and previous repair notes

Field record checklist

  • First fault preserved
  • Timing classified
  • Settings and load checked
  • Motor/cable proved
  • Static/driver boundary documented
  • Outcome selected

Technical basis and reference documents

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

Getting an OCF fault on ATV61 or ATV71 driveSchneider Electric FAQ FA252998

Used to anchor OCF around hardware current limitation, motor data, high inertia, excessive load and mechanical blockage.

SCF1 motor short circuit faults on ATV61 and ATV71Schneider Electric FAQ FA178883

Used to anchor SCF1 around drive output short/grounding, motor cable checks, motor insulation and transistor test routing.

ATV71 Programming manualSchneider Electric document 1755855

OEM programming and fault-reference context for Altivar 71 diagnostic pages.

ATV71 Installation ManualSchneider Electric document 1755843

OEM installation and wiring context for safe output and motor-cable evidence collection.

Linked 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
Prepare request →