VFD, Pump & Basket Strainer Startup & Troubleshooting Tips

1. VFD Programming and Setup

   
   

   • Lenze AC Tech VFDs are typically pre-programmed at the factory and shipped to site ready for installation.

   • ABB VFD models, on the other hand, generally require on-site commissioning to configure operating parameters.

     
     

2. Wiring Reference

Refer to the diagram below for a typical wiring schematic illustrating the connections between the VFD and associated equipment.

3. Initial Start-Up Procedure

After completing all wiring connections:

1. Switch on the power. The VFD will initiate a soft-start sequence automatically.a) The motor will ramp up gradually from 0 Hz to the programmed operating frequency (commonly 20 Hz).b) The drive is frequency modulated with a maximum output of 60 Hz for full power.

2. For a visual demonstration, please refer to the accompanying instructional video.

4. Air Removal from Basket Strainer

Once the VFD starts, air trapped in the suction piping may begin to collect in the primed basket strainer.

a) Use the air vent on the strainer lid to release trapped air (see video for demonstration).

b) You may need to repeat the venting process several times to completely remove all trapped air from the system.

5. Adjusting Flow and Jet Height

Use the UP/DOWN (▲/▼) buttons on the VFD to gradually adjust the output frequency (Hz) until the desired jet height and flow rate are achieved.

Additional air may enter the basket strainer during adjustment — use the air vent again as needed to reprime the system.b) The VFD speed range is 0–60 Hz.c)

⚠️ Caution: Do not operate the pump below 20 Hz for extended periods. Low speeds may reduce motor cooling and cause damage.

6. Troubleshooting – Check Pump Rotation

Always verify the pump’s rotation direction. Observe the fan at low speed — water may still flow with incorrect rotation, but performance will be poor and could lead to long-term motor damage.b) To reverse pump rotation, swap any two of the three output wires from the VFD to the motor (see diagram below).

Note: Swapping input power wires will not change motor rotation.

7. Troubleshooting – Pump Shaft Stuck

a) If the pump motor has been idle for an extended period, the shaft may seize. Remove the fan cover and carefully rotate the fan by hand to free the shaft — this may require patience.

b) If the motor still fails to turn, arrange for a certified pump service technician to inspect the unit.

8. Troubleshooting – VFD Does Not Start

a) In Auto Mode, the VFD is interlocked with the time clock and water level sensor. It will not start if either is inactive (e.g., timer off, low water level, wiring fault, or sensor malfunction).

b) For brief testing purposes, you may bypass the interlocks using one of the following methods. Be sure to restore original settings afterward:

Option 1: Temporary Jumper

• Install a jumper wire between terminals 1 and 4 on the VFD to bypass the interlock.

  
  

Option 2: Manual Mode

• Press M

• Navigate to P100 using ▲/▼

• Press M, set the value to 0, and press M again to confirm.

Reference Videos:

• Setup video: https://youtube.com/shorts/lz5kVSThIis

• Startup video: https://youtube.com/shorts/ocONTSECWUU

9. Troubleshooting – “Err” Message on Display

Symptom: When in “Auto” mode, pressing “Stop” may cause the LED screen to display “Err”, preventing further input.b) Solution: Power off the VFD at the switch or breaker, then turn it back on. The fault should clear automatically.c) Workaround: Use the time clock to control ON/OFF functions instead.

• Turn the white dial to “1” (always ON) to start.

• Turn it to “0” (always OFF) to stop.

10. Standard Setup Programming (Auto-Start / Auto-Restart)

Reference Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/6VoaGMRIn98

Detailed Instructions:

1. Enable Terminal Strip Control

   • Press M

   • Navigate to P100 using ▲/▼

   • Press M, set the value to 1, and press M to confirm.

2. Set Motor Overload Protection

   • Press M

   • Navigate to P108

   • Press M, use ▲/▼ to select the motor overload percentage (per nameplate data), and press M to confirm.

3. Set Auto Restart Function

   • Press M

   • Navigate to P110 using ▲/▼

   • Press M and set to desired restart mode (per system requirement).