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    Tuesday, May 12, 2026 12:49:43 PM

    How to Fix E-03 and E-12 Errors on My 15 hp VFD?

    10 months ago
    Hello all,
    We recently installed an ATO 15 hp VFD on our press machine. It worked fine right out of the box without changing any parameters — just plug and play. However, the next day, we started getting E-03 (overcurrent) and E-12 (output phase loss) errors. This is critical because the press must be operational for production. Has anyone run into this before?
    15 hp VFD link: https://www.ato.com/15hp-single-phase-to-three-phase-vfd
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    10 months ago
    Wexley wrote:
    Hello all,
    We recently installed an ATO 15 hp VFD on our press machine. It worked fine right out of the box without changing any parameters — just plug and play. However, the next day, we started getting E-03 (overcurrent) and E-12 (output phase loss) errors. This is critical because the press must be operational for production. Has anyone run into this before?
    15 hp VFD link: https://www.ato.com/15hp-single-phase-to-three-phase-vfd
    Hi Wexley,
    Here’s what those errors mean:
    1. E03 means the VFD is running over the current.
    Please check whether the VFD input voltage is abnormal, and pay attention to set the acceleration and deceleration time P0.12=10 or 15 (acceleration time 15s), P0.13=10 or 15 (deceleration time 15s)
    2. E12 means that the VFD output terminal is out of phase.
    Please check whether the cables connecting the VFD output terminals U, V, and W to the motor are loose. Or if the cable is damaged, test again.
    If the issue persists, please send a photo of the VFD and motor nameplate showing the issue.
    2
    ATO.com
    10 months ago
    ATO wrote:
    Hi Wexley,
    Here’s what those errors mean:
    1. E03 means the VFD is running over the current.
    Please check whether the VFD input voltage is abnormal, and pay attention to set the acceleration and deceleration time P0.12=10 or 15 (acceleration time 15s), P0.13=10 or 15 (deceleration time 15s)
    2. E12 means that the VFD output terminal is out of phase.
    Please check whether the cables connecting the VFD output terminals U, V, and W to the motor are loose. Or if the cable is damaged, test again.
    If the issue persists, please send a photo of the VFD and motor nameplate showing the issue.
    Thanks. We tried that. The VFD still trips on E-03 after about 4 cycles of the motor. I've attached a photo of the motor nameplate for reference.


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    10 months ago
    Wexley wrote:
    Thanks. We tried that. The VFD still trips on E-03 after about 4 cycles of the motor. I've attached a photo of the motor nameplate for reference.


    Thanks. We reviewed the motor nameplate — it supports 220/380/440V. Your VFD outputs 220V 3-phase, so please confirm the motor is wired for low-voltage 220V operation.
    Additionally:
    1. Disconnect the motor and inspect for shorts or damage.
    2. Try running the VFD unloaded (no motor attached) to see if it still throws E-03.
    3. With a multimeter, check for 220V between U-V, V-W, and W-U during operation.
    4. If it runs fine without load, your motor may be miswired or faulty.
    2
    ATO.com
    10 months ago
    ATO wrote:
    Thanks. We reviewed the motor nameplate — it supports 220/380/440V. Your VFD outputs 220V 3-phase, so please confirm the motor is wired for low-voltage 220V operation.
    Additionally:
    1. Disconnect the motor and inspect for shorts or damage.
    2. Try running the VFD unloaded (no motor attached) to see if it still throws E-03.
    3. With a multimeter, check for 220V between U-V, V-W, and W-U during operation.
    4. If it runs fine without load, your motor may be miswired or faulty.
    Confirmed — we’re using 220V single-phase input, and the motor is wired correctly for 220V 3-phase. Still getting E-03 after a few operations.
    2
    10 months ago
    Wexley wrote:
    Confirmed — we’re using 220V single-phase input, and the motor is wired correctly for 220V 3-phase. Still getting E-03 after a few operations.
    Thanks for confirming. Please:
    Record the startup current shown on the VFD panel. If it exceeds the VFD’s rated current, the load may be too high or a mismatch. Again, try running the VFD without the motor to isolate the issue.
    1
    ATO.com
    10 months ago
    I just want to chime in and say I completely agree with ATO's recommendations. We had a similar case on-site where the VFD kept throwing E03 errors. It turned out the acceleration time was too short, causing a spike in current. In another instance, the motor was wired for the wrong voltage setting — visually, everything looked fine, but the internal wiring was incorrect.

    ATO’s step-by-step approach, especially the no-load test, really helps narrow things down. I strongly recommend OP follow their advice and record the startup current — that detail can make all the difference in identifying the real issue.
    0
    10 months ago
    Appreciate the suggestions! We’re going to record the startup current and test the VFD unloaded!
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