Multi-Brand VFD Diagnostics fault record

OUTPUT PHASE LOSS: VFD output phase loss or motor phase missing indication

The drive reports output phase loss, motor phase loss, unbalanced output current or no torque on one phase.

Output-stage evidence route7 min read

Scope of this technical record

Output phase loss, motor phase missing, phase-current imbalance or no-torque symptoms on one VFD output phase.

Safety boundary

Do not run a loaded motor with a suspected output phase loss. Motor damage, contactor damage and power-stage stress can escalate quickly.

Why output phase loss is not only a wire problem

An output phase-loss indication can be caused by a loose terminal, bad contactor, motor lead, cable, current sensor, driver channel or IGBT/IPM phase leg. The useful split is whether the condition follows the motor/cable or stays with the drive output phase.

A repair page should connect this symptom to overcurrent and repeated-module-failure pages because a phase loss after repair may be a gate-drive or feedback problem rather than a missing wire.

Phase-loss route

The triage table keeps the investigation on the safest external evidence first, then moves inward to current feedback and driver hardware.

Output phase-loss evidence

EvidenceLikely boundaryNext decision
One motor lead openExternal motor/cableRepair cable or terminal before drive testing
Output contactor drops one phaseContactor / interlockInspect contactor contacts and control sequence
Current reading missing but torque presentCurrent feedbackReview sensor/channel evidence
No voltage/torque on one leg after module repairGate driver / phase legCheck driver command and module connection
Trip occurs only under loadLoad / motor current imbalanceReview machine and motor condition

Field record checklist

  • Which output phase is indicated
  • Whether symptom follows motor/cable
  • Output contactor and terminal evidence
  • Current feedback readings
  • Previous power-stage repair
  • Static phase-leg checks

Technical basis and reference documents

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

VFD overcurrent-at-startup workflowIndustrialDriveData

Related workflow when phase loss escalates into overcurrent.

Diagnostic workflow

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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