When a Siemens SINAMICS drive trips and the display shows a code like F30001 or F07900, the clock starts on unplanned downtime. This guide explains how SINAMICS fault and alarm codes are organised, what the most common ones mean, their most likely causes, and what to check before you decide to repair, re-parameterise, or replace the unit.
It applies across the SINAMICS family, including G120, S120, S110 and G130/G150, since they share the same diagnostic framework.
Faults vs. alarms: what the first letter tells you
Every SINAMICS message begins with a letter that signals how serious it is:
- F (Fault). Triggers a protective reaction and usually switches the drive off. It will not run again until the cause is cleared and the fault is acknowledged.
-
A (Alarm). A warning only. The drive keeps running and the alarm clears itself once the condition disappears. Many codes exist in both forms (for example
A01910andF01910). - N. A message with no, or a configurable, stop reaction.
How SINAMICS code numbers are grouped
The five-digit number points to the part of the drive system that raised the message. Identifying the group narrows things down before you even open the List Manual:
| Number range | Source area |
|---|---|
01000 to 01999 |
System, internal & closed-loop control |
06000 to 06999 |
Infeed (line module, pre-charging) |
07000 to 07999 |
Drive: closed-loop control & motor |
30000 to 30999 |
Power unit |
31000 to 32999 |
Encoder evaluation (Encoder 1 / Encoder 2) |
SINAMICS drive operator panel showing a fault code.Power unit faults (F300xx)
These originate in the power stage: the rectifier, DC link and IGBT output. They are the codes most likely to point at failed hardware.
| Code | Meaning | Likely causes | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
F30001 |
Overcurrent | Output short-circuit or earth fault; wiring fault; missing line reactor; motor oversized for the unit; incorrect control parameters | Test motor and cables for a short/ground fault; verify wiring, cable length and motor data |
F30002 |
DC-link overvoltage | Supply voltage too high; regenerated energy with no or undersized braking resistor; ramp-down too fast | Check mains voltage and the braking resistor/chopper; extend the deceleration ramp |
F30003 |
DC-link undervoltage | Supply too low or dropped out; phase loss; infeed problem | Check the incoming supply across all phases and the infeed/pre-charge circuit |
F30004 |
Heat-sink overtemperature | Blocked airflow; failed fan; high ambient temperature; clogged filters | Clear the cooling path, check the fan(s), lower the cabinet temperature |
F30005 |
I²t overload | Sustained load above the unit's thermal rating; drive undersized for the duty cycle | Reduce the load/duty cycle; confirm the unit is correctly sized |
F30011 |
Line phase failure | Missing or imbalanced input phase; blown fuse; loose terminal | Check input fuses, contactor and terminals on all three phases |
SINAMICS S120 / G120 power module Drive and motor faults (F07xxx)
These relate to the motor, its feedback and the closed-loop control rather than the power stage itself.
| Code | Meaning | Likely causes | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
F07011 |
Motor overtemperature | Overload; high ambient temperature; cooling problem; faulty temperature sensor | Check motor load and cooling; verify the temperature sensor wiring and parameter |
F07900 |
Motor blocked / speed controller at its limit | Mechanically jammed load; brake not releasing; inverted or faulty encoder feedback; torque limit set too low | Confirm the shaft turns freely; check the holding brake and the encoder connection/direction |
F07901 |
Motor overspeed | Speed exceeded the configured limit; feedback or pre-control issue | Review speed setpoints, limits and the feedback signal |
F07902 |
Motor stalled | Incorrect motor data; failed motor identification; current limits too low to magnetise the motor | Re-run motor identification; verify motor data and current limits |
Communication and system faults
| Code | Meaning | Likely causes | Check first |
|---|---|---|---|
F01910 |
Fieldbus setpoint timeout | Bus cable interrupted; PLC/controller stopped or switched off; PROFINET/PROFIBUS/Modbus comms error; monitoring time set too short | Check fieldbus cabling and connectors; confirm the controller is in cyclic operation; review the monitoring time (p2040) |
F01000 |
Internal software error | Firmware/internal exception; corrupted parameter set; failing Control Unit | Power-cycle the drive; if it recurs, back up parameters, as the Control Unit may be failing |
F06000 |
Infeed pre-charging time exceeded | No line supply during pre-charge; line contactor not closing; DC-link fault | Check the incoming supply and the line contactor |
How to acknowledge (reset) a SINAMICS fault
Acknowledging clears the latched fault; it does not fix the underlying cause, so always remove the cause first. A fault can be acknowledged in three ways:
- From the operator panel (BOP-2 / IOP) using the acknowledge function.
- Over the fieldbus, with a rising edge on the relevant bit of the control word.
- With a full power-off / power-on, required for certain safety-related faults.
If the same fault returns immediately after acknowledgement, the cause is still present.
When a fault code means it's time to replace the hardware
Many SINAMICS faults are parameter, wiring or mechanical issues you can clear on site. But some point at end-of-life hardware:
- A power-unit fault (
F30001,F30004,F30005) that returns instantly on power-up or under no load, after you have ruled out cabling, supply, cooling and the motor, usually means a damaged power stage (IGBT/power module). - Repeated
F01000after a power-cycle and parameter check often indicates a failing Control Unit. - On older or discontinued SINAMICS hardware, a like-for-like tested replacement is typically faster and more cost-effective than board-level repair.
Need a replacement SINAMICS unit? We stock tested SINAMICS power modules, Control Units, Line Modules and Motor Modules, ready to ship across the EU.
Browse Drives & Servos or search our SINAMICS stock. Not sure which part you need? Send us the fault code and the unit's article number (MLFB) and we will match it.
Related reading: SIMODRIVE 611 troubleshooting guide, common HEIDENHAIN encoder problems, Schneider Altivar fault codes, Rexroth IndraDrive error codes, and how to choose used industrial spare parts. For manufacturer documentation, see the official Siemens website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an F and an A code on a SINAMICS drive?
An F code is a fault that stops the drive and must be acknowledged after the cause is cleared. An A code is an alarm: a warning that lets the drive keep running and clears itself once the condition is gone.
What does SINAMICS fault F30001 mean?
F30001 is a power-unit overcurrent fault. The drive shut the output off to protect itself after detecting current above the safe limit, commonly from an output short-circuit or earth fault, a wiring problem, or incorrect control parameters.
What does F07900 mean?
F07900 means the motor is blocked or the speed controller has hit its limit: the motor ran at the torque limit below the speed threshold for too long. Check for a mechanical jam, a brake that isn't releasing, or an inverted/faulty encoder signal.
Can a SINAMICS fault code mean the drive is dead?
Yes. When a power-unit fault recurs immediately after you've ruled out external causes, the power stage is most likely damaged and the unit needs repair or replacement.
Where can I find the complete SINAMICS fault list?
Siemens publishes a full List Manual for each SINAMICS model (G120, S120, and so on) that contains every fault and alarm with its parameters. Always confirm a code against the manual for your specific unit and firmware version.
This guide is for general maintenance reference. Always follow Siemens documentation and your site's electrical safety procedures when working on live drive systems.
