Below are steps to troubleshoot a Supply Fan issue on a EMB Papst motor.
Step 1: Safety First
Section 1 of the “Operating instructions” covers all the safety regulations and information related to the device. Review this document before starting any work on the device. You can find operating instructions on our website here: https://www.ebmpapst.us/en/products/operating_instructions/operatinginstructions.php
Step 2: Visual inspection
While following the safety precautions listed in section 1 of the operating instructions, visually assess the device's condition. Check for broken or bent blades, struts, or guard grilles. Check for locked rotor conditions due to “rubbing” between the rotor and its surroundings or foreign objects.
Step 3: Status LED
While the fan is still powered carefully approach it and check the Status LED located at the top of the fan motor junction box. If the LED is not visible through the junction box cover, cut power to the motor, remove the junction box cover, and restore power to the fan. Caution: The fan may start rotating. Check the LED pulses against the following list:
If there is no LED proceed to "Step 4"
| #pulses | Error (LED red) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phase failure | Automatic restart once phase failure is corrected. |
| 3 | Power module overheated | Power cycle required |
| 4 | Internal communication error between master/slave controller | Check master/slave analogue set point wiring. |
| 6 | Motor overheated | Power cycle required |
| 7 | Hall sensor error | Power cycle required. Contact OEM |
| 8 | Motor blocked | Automatic restart after blockage is cleared |
| 9 | Speed limit exceeded | Automatic restart |
| 11 | Rotor position sensor calibration error | Power cycle required |
| 13 | DC-link undervoltage | Automatic restart after undervoltage is cleared |
| #pulses | Error (LED yellow) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Current limitation in action | Current limited to prevent damage of the electronics |
| 2 | Line impedance too high | DC link voltage is instable |
| 3 | Power limiter in action | Derating is active |
| 4 | Output stage temperature high | Temperature > 105°C |
| 5 | Motor temperature high | Temperature > 130°C |
| 6 | Temperature inside electronics high | Temperature > 105°C |
| 7 | DC-link voltage high | DC-link > 850V (400V-Ver.) or 425V (200V-Ver.) |
| 8 | Braking mode | Error after 20s when motor start was not possible |
| 9 | Calibration of rotor position | Calibration of rotor position sensor in progress |
| 10 | Actual speed is lower than run monitoring speed limit | Only if set value > 0 |
| 11 | Cable break at analog or PWM input for analog set value | Check Wiring |
| 13 | DC-link voltage high | DC-link > 850V (400V-Ver.) or 425V (200V-Ver.) |
| 15 | LIne-voltage high | U1_peak > 850V DC (600Vac) |
| 16 | Shedding function active | Shedding function is active and fan is blocked |
Step 4: No LED? Check Fuses
Turn OFF the power mains or breaker box. Check all the fuses and connections. Make sure connections are on the wire strand and not on the wire insulation.
- Are the fuses OK?
- If fuses are ok, proceed to “Step 7”
- If fuses are blown, proceed to “Step 5”
Step 5: Phase Resistance
Caution: Power wires need to be removed. Make sure the power is OFF. Check resistances across the CON1 phases
Resistances should be similar for all 3 readings. Resistance readings should be greater than 2Ω.
Step 6: Resistance OK?
If resistances are ok, replace fuses. If resistances are not ok, replace the fan and check the system wiring for any faults.
Step 7: “Power cycle” the fan
Cut power to the unit by turning OFF the power mains or breaker box. Turn the Power back ON after 3 to 5 minutes to complete the power cycle. Re-check fan status. Continue to the next step if the issue is not resolved.
Step 8: Phase voltage
Check the mains voltage at each phase on the CON1 connector. Phases should all be present and similar in value. Make sure the voltage is within the acceptable voltage range as listed on the motor nameplate.
Step 9: Voltage output
Check the “Vout” output on the CON2 connector (between “Vout” and GND). If the motor is energized, but there is no 10VDC output present, the motor is damaged.
Step 10: Control signal
Check control input at the CON2 (IO2 & GND). Confirm there is a control voltage present at the CON2 connector. If there is no control signal present, contact the OEM to receive the correct wiring for this equipment.
Step 11: Status relay
Check the alarm contact NC and COM in CON2. to determine if there are any fault conditions. Check for continuity
| Condition | No Fault Condition | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| NC-COM | Closed | Open |
The table refers to conditions while the motor is actively energized.
Step 12: EC-Control
Use a Modbus/RS485 connection to determine the fault condition. The ebm-papst’s EC Control Software is available free at our website www.ebmpapst.us under the support and download section.
WARNING:
Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.