ACS355 VFD showing 0012 MOTOR STALL fault, what should I check?

Question

I have an ACS355 VFD that keeps tripping with a 0012 MOTOR STALL fault. The motor seems to be running fine sometimes, but then it just stops. What should I check first to troubleshoot this?

Top answer · Written by InduQT from the manufacturer manuals cited below · Nov 4, 2026

A 0012 MOTOR STALL fault on an ACS355 drive indicates the motor is operating in a stall region, often due to excessive load or insufficient motor power. This means the motor is trying to turn but cannot overcome the resistance, leading to a rapid increase in current. You should first check the mechanical load on the motor and verify the drive and motor ratings.

Likely causes and checks

1Excessive Mechanical Load

Points to it
The motor is trying to operate but cannot move, or is moving very slowly, while drawing high current. This is the most common reason for a stall.
Check
Isolate and lock out the equipment. Manually try to turn the driven equipment to check for binding, seized bearings, or obstructions. Verify that the process load has not increased beyond the motor's capacity.

2Insufficient Motor Power or Undersized Drive

Points to it
The motor may be struggling to start or maintain speed under normal load, indicating it's not powerful enough for the application, or the drive is undersized for the motor.
Check
Compare the motor's rated power and current to the drive's output ratings. Ensure the motor is correctly sized for the application. Check the drive's fault function parameters 3010...3012 related to motor stall settings.

Next check: After checking the mechanical load and drive/motor sizing, review the drive's fault function parameters 3010...3012. If the issue persists, consider checking for electrical interference or issues with motor connections.

What it typically looks like in the data

Trip 0012 MOTOR STALL0 s10 s20 s30 s40 s50 s60 s36.18.8Stall LimitMotor Current (A)50.30Output Frequency (Hz)14620Motor Speed (RPM)
Motor current rises sharply and output frequency drops as the motor stalls, triggering a fault. Illustrative, synthetic data showing the typical pattern, not a recording from a real machine; values vary by machine and settings.
Work on fuel trains, burners, pressure vessels and electrical equipment must be done by qualified personnel following the manufacturer’s documentation and local codes. Never bypass a safety device or interlock.

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