Schneider ATV320 Fault Codes: OCF, SOF, EPF1, LFF3 and More
Table of Contents
The good news is that most ATV320 fault codes are not mysterious once you connect the code to the operating condition.
This guide focuses on common Altivar Machine ATV320 faults such as OCF, SOF, EPF1, LFF3, and related codes technicians often meet in the field.
ATV320 Fault Code Scope
This article covers Schneider Electric Altivar Machine ATV320 variable speed drives.
The ATV320 family is used on pumps, fans, conveyors, packaging machines, small hoists, and many OEM machines. Fault behavior can depend on motor data, control mode, braking hardware, I/O assignment, communication option, and application parameters.
So treat the tables below as a practical troubleshooting guide, not a replacement for the complete Schneider Electric fault table.
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Quick Reference: Common ATV320 Fault Codes
| Fault Code | Meaning | First Area to Check |
|---|---|---|
OCF | Overcurrent | Motor wiring, load, acceleration time, drive/motor sizing |
SOF | Overspeed | Motor control stability, driven load, speed feedback, braking |
EPF1 | External fault detected by logic input | External safety/auxiliary circuit, assigned input, field wiring |
LFF3 | AI3 signal loss | Analog input 3 wiring, 4-20 mA sensor, parameter assignment |
OHF | Drive overheat | Cabinet temperature, fan, airflow, heatsink |
OLF | Motor overload | Motor current, load, thermal settings, motor nameplate data |
ObF | Overbraking | Deceleration time, braking resistor, regenerative load |
PHF | Input phase loss | Incoming supply, fuses, contactor, mains balance |
OPF1 / OPF2 | Output phase loss | Motor cable, output terminals, motor connection |
SCF series | Short-circuit or ground fault type trip | Motor cable insulation, motor winding, output side wiring |
USF | Undervoltage | Supply dip, DC bus, contactor drop-out |
OSF | Overvoltage | Supply voltage, regeneration, deceleration profile |
OCF Overcurrent Fault
OCF means the ATV320 detected an overcurrent condition.
In real maintenance work, this is one of the most common ATV320 faults. It often appears during acceleration, when a machine is jammed, after motor replacement, or when the drive is asked to start a high-inertia load too quickly.
Typical causes include:
| Cause | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Acceleration time too short | Increase ramp time and test with the load connected |
| Motor cable problem | Check U/V/W wiring, insulation, loose terminals, damaged cable |
| Mechanical overload | Inspect gearbox, conveyor, pump, fan, brake, or jammed load |
| Wrong motor parameters | Compare drive settings with the motor nameplate |
| Drive undersized for the load | Check motor rated current, duty cycle, starting torque demand |
| Short circuit or ground fault | Test motor and cable insulation before resetting repeatedly |
Do not keep resetting OCF without checking the motor and output wiring.
If OCF appears immediately when the run command is given, disconnecting and testing the motor circuit safely is usually more useful than changing random parameters.
If the fault only appears under load, focus on mechanical torque demand, acceleration time, and motor current.
SOF Overspeed Fault
SOF means the drive detected an overspeed condition.
This fault is more than “the speed reference is too high.” It can happen when the motor control becomes unstable, when a driven load pushes the motor faster than expected, or when a speed feedback/control issue causes the drive to lose control of the speed loop.
Common situations include:
| Situation | Practical Fix |
|---|---|
| Load is driving the motor | Check for overhauling load or regenerative condition |
| Deceleration is too aggressive | Increase deceleration time or review braking hardware |
| Motor control is unstable | Check motor tuning, motor data, control mode, and load inertia |
| Speed feedback issue | Inspect encoder or feedback wiring if used |
| Incorrect max speed settings | Confirm frequency limits and speed reference source |
On conveyors and fans, SOF may point to unstable control settings or incorrect motor data.
On lifting, winding, or high-inertia machines, treat SOF more seriously. The load may be mechanically driving the motor, and braking design should be checked.
EPF1 External Fault
EPF1 is an external fault detected through a logic input.
This means the ATV320 is reacting to an external signal. The drive is usually not the root cause by itself.
Typical sources include:
| External Source | What to Inspect |
|---|---|
| Emergency stop or safety relay auxiliary contact | Confirm the safety circuit state and wiring |
| Thermal switch or motor protection contact | Check motor temperature and protection device |
| Machine interlock | Inspect guard switches, pressure switches, limit switches |
| PLC fault output | Confirm PLC logic and output condition |
| Loose logic input wiring | Check terminal tightness, 24 V control supply, common wiring |
A good diagnostic habit is to open the drive I/O monitor and confirm which logic input is assigned to external fault.
If the input changes state unexpectedly, troubleshoot the external device and wiring first.
For Kwoco customers replacing an ATV320 or matching a spare drive, this is one place where a cabinet photo and parameter backup are very helpful. The physical drive model is only half the story; the I/O assignment often decides whether the replacement starts cleanly.
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LFF3 AI3 Signal Loss
LFF3 indicates a loss of signal on analog input 3, commonly related to an analog reference or feedback input.
In many applications, AI3 may be used for a 4-20 mA speed reference, pressure feedback, flow command, tension signal, or PLC analog output.
Typical causes include:
| Cause | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Broken analog signal wire | Inspect AI3 wiring and shield termination |
| Sensor or transmitter failure | Measure the current/voltage signal at the drive terminal |
| PLC analog output fault | Confirm the PLC output channel and scaling |
| Wrong input configuration | Check whether AI3 is configured for the actual signal type |
| Signal below detection threshold | Verify 4-20 mA loop power and transmitter range |
| AI3 assigned but not used | Remove or correct the assignment if the input is no longer required |
Do not bypass LFF3 just to restart production unless you understand what AI3 controls.
If AI3 is a speed reference, the machine may not run correctly without it.
If AI3 is process feedback, disabling the fault can make a pump, fan, or tension system behave unpredictably.
OHF Drive Overheat
OHF means the drive temperature is too high.
Start with cabinet conditions before blaming the drive.
Check:
- Cabinet ambient temperature
- Cooling fan operation
- Blocked air path around the drive
- Dust on heatsink or filter
- Drive mounting clearance
- Overload current or high switching frequency
- Nearby heat sources
If the drive runs normally with the cabinet door open but trips after the door is closed, airflow and enclosure temperature are the real suspects.
OLF Motor Overload
OLF points to motor thermal overload.
This is different from a short overcurrent spike. It usually means the motor has been running too hard for too long according to the drive’s thermal model.
Check the motor nameplate current, motor thermal parameter settings, load condition, and duty cycle.
If a conveyor has become harder to turn, or a pump impeller is blocked, increasing the overload setting only hides the real problem.
ObF Overbraking Fault
ObF is commonly seen during deceleration.
The motor regenerates energy back into the drive when the load has high inertia or when the deceleration ramp is too short. If the drive cannot absorb or dissipate that energy, it trips.
Practical fixes include:
- Increase deceleration time
- Check whether the load is mechanically driving the motor
- Verify braking resistor selection and wiring if installed
- Review braking parameters
- Check DC bus overvoltage conditions
For machines with frequent stop/start cycles, the braking resistor must be selected for the actual duty cycle, not only for the motor power rating.
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PHF, OPF, and Output-Side Faults
PHF relates to the input power side. Check incoming phases, fuses, contactors, supply imbalance, and loose terminals.
OPF1 or OPF2 points toward the output side. Check the motor cable, U/V/W terminals, motor connection, and whether the motor is connected when the drive expects it.
For SCF type trips, stop and test carefully. Short-circuit and ground-fault trips can involve damaged cable insulation, motor winding failure, moisture in the terminal box, or wiring mistakes.
Power down, wait according to Schneider’s safety instructions, verify absence of voltage, then inspect and test. Never megger a motor while it is still connected to the drive output terminals.
How to Read ATV320 Fault History
The ATV320 stores fault information that can help you avoid guessing.
Useful information normally includes the current fault, previous fault history, drive state, and operating values around the trip depending on the display or commissioning tool used.
When troubleshooting, record:
- Exact fault code on the display
- When it happens: power-up, start, acceleration, constant speed, deceleration, stop
- Motor current at trip
- Speed or frequency command
- Load condition
- Recent parameter or wiring changes
- Whether the fault resets immediately or returns at the next run command
This small record often saves hours.
A fault that appears instantly at run command is usually different from a fault that appears after 20 minutes of operation.
Safe Reset Procedure
Reset only after the fault cause is understood or removed.
A basic reset may be done from the drive keypad, control input, communication command, or power cycle depending on how the ATV320 is configured.
Before resetting:
- Confirm the run command is off
- Make sure the machine cannot restart unexpectedly
- Check whether the fault is external, electrical, thermal, or mechanical
- Record the fault code first
- Do not repeatedly reset overcurrent, short-circuit, or overheating faults
Schneider Electric manuals include important warnings about stored energy in the DC bus. Before wiring or inspection, isolate power, wait the required time, and verify voltage according to the installation manual.
Practical Troubleshooting Sequence
Use this order when the cause is not obvious.
1. Record the exact code.
Do not translate OCF, SOF, EPF1, and LFF3 into vague notes like “drive alarm.” The exact code matters.
2. Identify when the fault occurs.
Power-up faults point toward configuration, supply, or internal hardware. Run-command faults often point toward motor/output wiring. Acceleration faults often involve current and torque. Deceleration faults often involve regeneration.
3. Check recent changes.
Most inverter faults after maintenance are caused by changed wiring, replaced motor, modified parameters, swapped sensor, or changed PLC logic.
4. Check power and wiring.
Inspect incoming supply, grounding, motor cable, shield, terminal torque, contactors, and analog/control wiring.
5. Check motor and load.
Separate the electrical drive problem from the mechanical load problem. A jammed gearbox can look like a drive problem if you only read the display.
6. Review parameters.
Confirm motor nameplate data, ramp times, current limits, control mode, analog input assignment, logic input assignment, and communication settings.
7. Replace only after evidence points there.
If the drive has repeated internal faults, visible damage, failed fan, damaged terminals, or trips with a known-good motor and wiring, replacement may be justified.
When sourcing a replacement through Kwoco, send the full ATV320 model number, motor nameplate, application type, current fault code, and parameter backup if available. That makes model matching and accessory checking much safer than choosing only by kW rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
OCF means overcurrent. Check the motor cable, motor insulation, mechanical load, acceleration time, motor data, and drive sizing before resetting the fault repeatedly.
SOF during stopping is often related to overspeed or instability during deceleration. Check whether the load is driving the motor, increase deceleration time, and review braking hardware or motor control settings.
Usually no. EPF1 is an external fault input, so the cause is normally an external device, PLC signal, interlock, safety auxiliary contact, or logic input wiring.
Only if AI3 is not required for safe or correct machine operation. LFF3 means analog input 3 signal loss, so first check the sensor, loop wiring, PLC analog output, and input assignment.
Not by kW alone. Match the exact voltage class, current rating, frame style, control wiring, communication option, braking needs, motor data, and parameter set before replacing the drive.
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When Replacement Makes Sense
An ATV320 replacement may be reasonable when:
- The drive has internal fault codes that return after wiring and load checks
- The cooling fan or power section is damaged
- The drive has suffered water, conductive dust, or surge damage
- Terminals are burned or mechanically damaged
- The machine needs a spare quickly and downtime cost is high
But do not replace the drive before checking the motor cable, load, analog signals, and external fault input.
Many “bad drive” cases turn out to be a broken 4-20 mA loop, loose motor terminal, failed cooling fan, or a PLC input condition triggering EPF1.
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