How to Fix ABB ACS580 Fault 3181 Wiring or Earth Fault Guide

Getting Fault 3181 on your ABB ACS580? Learn how to troubleshoot cross-connections, check for ground faults, and use Parameter 31.23 to clear the error.

Fixing ABB ACS580 Fault 3181: Wiring or Earth Fault Guide

If you are looking at your ABB ACS580 control panel and seeing Fault 3181, the drive has detected an issue with how the electricity is flowing through its power terminals.

In the ACS580 manual, 3181 is technically defined as a Wiring or Earth Fault. Essentially, the drive thinks either the input and output wires are swapped, or electricity is "leaking" to the ground. Let’s look at how to find the root cause without overcomplicating things.

What Causes the 3181 Fault?

There are three main reasons this code pops up on your display:

• Cross Connection: The most common on new installs. The input power lines (L1, L2, L3) were accidentally connected to the motor terminals (U2, V2, W2).
• Earth (Ground) Fault: There is a short circuit to the ground in the motor or the motor cable.
• Moisture/Contamination: Water or conductive dust in the motor terminal box is creating a path to the earth.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Double-Check Your Terminals (The "Oops" Test)

If this is a new installation or you just moved the drive, check the labels on your power wires:

• Input Power must go to L1, L2, and L3 (or U1, V1, W1).
• Motor Cables must go to T1, T2, and T3 (or U2, V2, W2).

If these are swapped, the drive's internal protection logic will trigger 3181 immediately to prevent a catastrophic short circuit.

2. The "Isolation" Test

To find out if the problem is inside the drive or out in the field:

1. Disconnect the motor cables from the drive's output terminals.
2. Try to start the drive (it may show "Motor Phase Loss," which is fine).
3. If 3181 clears: The drive is healthy. The fault is in your cable or motor.
4. If 3181 stays: There may be an internal hardware failure in the drive's current sensors.

3. Check the Motor and Cable Insulation

If the fault is in the field, use a Megger (Insulation Tester) to check the motor and cable.
Crucial: Always disconnect the cable from the drive before using a Megger, or you will fry the drive’s transistors!

• Check phase-to-phase resistance.
• Check phase-to-ground resistance. Any reading below 1 Megohm usually indicates a problem.

4. Adjust Parameter 31.23 (Wiring Fault)

Sometimes, in very specific power grids or with very long motor cables, the drive can give a "nuisance" 3181 trip due to capacitive leakage.

• Navigate to Parameter 31.23 (Wiring Fault).
• You can set this to [0] Disable to see if the fault clears.
• Warning: Only disable this if you have 100% confirmed your wiring is correct and there are no ground faults. Disabling this on a real short circuit can damage the drive.

Summary: How to Reset

1. Correct any swapped wires or fix the ground fault in the motor.
2. Press the Reset button on the keypad.
3. If the fault was caused by moisture, ensure the motor terminal box is completely dry before restarting.

Final Thoughts

The ABB ACS580 3181 fault is an essential guardrail. Whether it's a simple wiring mix-up during a late-night shift or a motor winding beginning to fail, this code prevents further damage. Follow the isolation test first—it’s the fastest way to save time on the job site.