How do I perform a Static Test Check on an Altivar Process Drive?

Resolution:

This test is done using a digital multimeter with diode test mode and resistance mode to check that the transistors and diodes are not short-circuited.

Check if your multimeter has a diode scale. You should see the diode symbol similar as shown in the image below. Consider this is just representative and both the distribution of functions and activation might differ between multimeter brands and models. In some cases, Diode tester is a secondary function. Consult your multimeter manual for further information.

If yes, please proceed to Section 1 and make sure to follow the instructions based on the size of the VFD.

1. Section 1.1 for VFDs up to 25HP
2. Section 1.2 for VFDs that are 25HP and above

If no, skip to Section 2 to use the resistance check instead as shown below, you should see the symbol Ω.

You can use "Static Test Template" attached below to record your measurements.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
ALL TESTS ARE TO BE PERFORMED WITH ALL SOURCES OF POWER REMOVED FROM THE DRIVE

Section 1. Diode check.

Use the diode tester of your multimeter for this test.

Section 1.1. For Altivar Process Drive up to 25HP

• Range: ATV630...  ATV930....

• U07M3 to D18M3 and U07N4 to D18N4

• Range: ATV650... ATV950...

• U07N4 to D18N4
• The drive utilizes all input and output bridge diodes.
  
  

Procedure:

1. Locate PA+ and PC- inputs on the drive power terminals (should be close to your power connection terminals).
2. Set your meter to the diode test mode.
3. Measure the Input diodes:
   3.a. Place the red probe on PA+ and the black probe on L1. Record the reading in the template.
   3.b. Repeat for L2 and L3, recording each reading.
   3.c. Reverse the probes, placing the black probe on PA+ and the red probe on L1, L2, and L3. Record the readings.
   3.d. Repeat steps 3.a to 3.c using PC- in place of PA+.
   Expected readings: OL in one direction and a low voltage reading in reverse (0.3 V - 0.52 V)
4. Measure the Output diodes:
   4.a. Place the red probe on PA+ and the black probe on T1. Record the reading in the template.
   4.b. Repeat for T2 and T3, recording each reading.
   4.c. Reverse the probes, placing the black probe on PA+ and the red probe on T1, T2, and T3. Record the readings.
   4.d. Repeat steps 4.a to 4.c using PC- in place of PA+.
   Expected readings: OL in one direction and a low voltage reading in reverse (0.3 V - 0.52 V)

Section 1.2. For Altivar Process Drives from 25HP and above

• Range: ATV630...  ATV930....

• D22M3 to D75M3 and D22N4 to C31N4
• Range: ATV650... ATV950...
• D22N4 to D90N4
• The drive uses SCRs in the positive input bridge, diodes in the negative input bridge, and diodes throughout the output bridge.
  
  

Procedure:

1. Locate PA+ and PC- inputs on the drive power terminals (should be close to your power connection terminals).
2. Set the meter to diode scale.
3. Measure theInput SCRs and diodes:
   3.a. Place the red probe on PA+ and the black probe on L1. Record the reading in the template.
   3.b. Repeat for L2 and L3, recording each reading.
   3.c. Reverse the probes, placing the black probe on PA+ and the red probe on L1, L2, and L3. Record the readings.
   Expected readings: >1.0 V to OL in both directions. The reading may start at 1.0V and gradually increase to OL if the meter remains connected.
   3.d. Repeat steps 3.a to 3.c using PC- instead of PA+.
   Expected readings: OL in one direction and a low voltage reading in reverse (0.3 V - 0.52 V)
4. Measuring the Output diodes:
   4.a. Place the red probe on PA+ and the black probe on T1. Record the reading in the template.
   4.b. Repeat for T2 and T3, recording each reading.
   4.c. Reverse the probes, placing the black probe on PA+ and the red probe on T1, T2, and T3. Record the readings.
   Expected readings: OL in one direction and a low voltage reading in reverse (0.3 V - 0.52 V)
   4.d. Repeat steps 4.a to 4.c using PC- instead of PA+.
   Expected readings: OL in one direction and a low voltage reading in reverse (0.3 V - 0.52 V)
   

The image below shows how the measurements should be taken.

Section 2. Resistance check.

Use the resistance meter of your multimeter for this test.

Procedure:

1. Locate PA+ and PC- inputs on the drive power terminals (should be close to your power connection terminals).
2. Set the meter to resistance.
3. Measure the Input SCRs and diodes:
   3.a. Place the red probe on PA+ and the black probe on L1. Record the reading in the template.
   3.b. Repeat for L2 and L3, recording each reading
   Expected readings: You will see a spike in the resistance and it will slowly decrease. This is an indication that the DC Bus Voltage capacitors are being charged with the multimeter’s battery. This is an acceptable behavior.
4. Reverse the probes, placing the black probe on PA+ and the red probe on L1, L2, and L3. Record the readings.
   Expected readings: High resistance values in the order of kΩ or MΩ. Some multimeters do not have high resolution in their lectures, so they might get OL.
5. Repeat the measurements and recordings for the output diodes. The expected values should be similar.
6. If there is a value near 1Ω or 0Ω, this will be an indication of a short circuit in the rectifier or the inverter respectively.

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