| Motor overload | Motor and current exceed the rated current |
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ERR10 – Motor Overload
What this means
ERR10 indicates that the motor itself has exceeded its rated current limit for too long.
While ERR09 is more about overall system overload, ERR10 is specifically the VFD protecting the motor windings from overheating or damage.
Why This Happens
The VFD continuously compares actual motor current against the configured motor rated current.
If current stays above that value longer than allowed, the VFD triggers ERR10 and shuts down.
This is a protective feature designed to prevent permanent motor damage.
Most Common Causes We See
1. Cutting load exceeds motor capability (most common)
Examples:
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Large tools on smaller spindles
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Deep passes in hard materials
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Aggressive feed rates with low RPM
The motor may continue spinning, but current remains too high.
2. Motor current parameter set incorrectly
The VFD must know the correct rated current for the spindle motor.
If the rated current is set too low:
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Normal cutting can falsely trigger ERR10
If set too high:
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The motor may be damaged before the VFD protects it
This parameter is critical.
3. Locked or partially stalled rotor
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Tool jam
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Chip packing
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Mechanical binding
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Tool crash
Any condition that prevents the motor from rotating freely will rapidly increase current.
4. Extended low-RPM heavy cutting
At low RPM, spindle cooling is reduced while torque demand increases.
Sustained heavy cutting at low speed can:
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Overheat the motor
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Trigger ERR10 even with reasonable feed rates
What to Check First
Step 1: Reduce cutting load
Before changing parameters:
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Reduce depth of cut
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Reduce feed rate
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Increase RPM if tooling allows
This alone resolves most ERR10 cases.
Step 2: Verify motor rated current (P1.0.25)
Check P1.0.25 – Motor Rated Current:
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Must match the spindle’s rated current
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Do not guess or round significantly
If this value is incorrect, ERR10 behavior will be unreliable.
Step 3: Check for mechanical resistance
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Remove the tool and rotate the spindle by hand
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Verify smooth rotation
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Inspect collet, nut, and taper for contamination
Step 4: Evaluate tool and material pairing
Confirm:
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Tool diameter matches spindle size
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Material hardness is appropriate for current setup
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Engagement strategy is reasonable
What ERR10 Is Not
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Not an EMI issue
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Not a wiring fault
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Not controller-specific
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Not a software glitch
ERR10 is almost always a real load or configuration problem, not a false alarm.
When a Larger Spindle or VFD Is Required
If ERR10 occurs repeatedly during reasonable cutting conditions:
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The motor may be undersized for the work
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A higher-power spindle is likely required
This is common as users transition from hobby routing into heavier materials or production workflows.
Summary
ERR10 means the motor is drawing more current than it is rated for.
Most common causes:
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Excessive cutting load
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Incorrect motor rated current setting
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Mechanical binding or stalling
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Sustained heavy cutting at low RPM
Start by reducing load and verifying motor parameters.
If the issue persists, the application may exceed the motor’s intended capability.
