Diagnostic workflow

VFD overcurrent-at-startup workflow

Entry symptom: Overcurrent trip appears immediately at run command, during acceleration or before stable speed is reached.

Safety controls before proceeding
  • Avoid repeated resets on an immediate overcurrent trip.
  • Isolate and discharge before motor-cable or module checks.
  • Follow the drive manual before any motor-disconnect test.

Investigation sequence

1

Separate timing

Record whether the trip occurs at enable, at first PWM output, during ramp, at a speed threshold or only under mechanical load.

2

Inspect external output path

Check motor cable, terminal box, output contactors, reactors and load lock evidence before board-level conclusions.

3

Verify parameter and feedback conditions

Wrong motor data, short acceleration time, encoder mismatch or incorrect control mode can force a trip without a failed module.

4

Check static inverter evidence

Before energizing, check for obvious phase-leg shorts, damaged bus parts and repeat-failure signs using qualified bench methods.

5

Escalate to driver/current sensing

If external and parameter evidence is clean, inspect gate-drive supply, gate components, desaturation/current feedback and power module condition.

Stop conditions

  • Trip becomes a short-circuit indication
  • Module measures shorted
  • Motor insulation is suspect
  • Unknown previous repair history

Linked records