What Is the Indramat F818 Fault Code?

Understanding the F818 Fault on Indramat Drives

Indramat servo drives, once a cornerstone of advanced motion control systems, are still actively used in legacy industrial machinery due to their reliability, robust design, and long lifespan. Despite Indramat being defunct and now part of Bosch Rexroth, many industries continue to rely on these high-performance drives.

Over time, fault codes may be triggered due to age, wear, or environmental conditions. One such critical alert is the F818 fault code, which indicates a Drive Overtemperature Shutdown condition.

What Triggers the F818 Fault Code?

The F818 code is a fatal temperature-related error, signaling that the internal temperature of the drive has exceeded its maximum allowable limit. This error is typically preceded by warning code E250, which flashes on the status indicator for approximately 30 seconds before escalating to the F818 fault.

Error Display Format

On the H1 status indicator:
F8 → 18 alternating pattern

User Manual Definition

F818 – Drive Overtemperature Shutdown

When this fault is triggered, the drive immediately shuts down to prevent heat-related damage to itself and other system components.

Common Causes of F818 Fault

Overheating in servo drives is most often tied to insufficient cooling, improper installation, or environmental challenges. The most common root causes include:

• Malfunctioning or damaged internal blower

• Failed air conditioning or ventilation in the control cabinet

• Incorrect cabinet size or poor airflow design

• Dust or debris clogging ventilation paths

These conditions reduce the system's ability to dissipate heat effectively, pushing the drive beyond its thermal limits.

How to Resolve the F818 Fault Code

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

1. Check the Internal Blower Fan
   Inspect whether the blower is functioning. If the fan motor has failed or the blower itself is physically damaged, the entire drive may need to be replaced.

2. Verify the Control Cabinet Air Conditioning
   If the cabinet’s cooling system has failed, do not resort to makeshift fixes like opening the panel or placing a fan externally. Repair or replace the AC unit to restore proper ventilation.

3. Evaluate Cabinet Size and Ventilation Design
   Drives installed in undersized or poorly ventilated enclosures may retain heat longer than expected. Consider upgrading to a larger cabinet with improved airflow or rerouting hot air exhaust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I reset the F818 code manually?

No. The fault must be resolved at the root cause (cooling failure) before the drive can be safely restarted.

Can the F818 fault be fixed in-house?

It depends. If the issue is a clogged vent or easily accessible cooling failure, in-house maintenance may suffice. However, blower replacement or advanced electrical inspection should be done by professionals.

Final Thoughts

The Indramat F818 Fault Code is a critical warning that should never be ignored. Overheating not only halts production but also poses long-term risks to your control systems. Understanding this fault, acting quickly, and contacting professionals like Wake Industrial can help minimize downtime and protect your investment.

For more information , contact PLG Automation:Email: sales@plgautomation.comPhone: 800-906-9271