Danfoss FC-301 VFD Parameter Settings with Wiring Diagram

Danfoss FC-301 VFD Parameter Settings for External Start/Stop, Trip Relay & Potentiometer Speed Control

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article has been prepared for educational and informational purposes. Some content was refined with the assistance of AI for grammar, readability, and organization. The technical information, parameter settings, wiring details, and explanations have been researched and verified by the author using official Danfoss documentation and other reliable technical references. Always verify parameter settings and wiring before commissioning equipment, as requirements may vary depending on the application and drive version.

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Danfoss FC-301 Overview

• The Danfoss FC-301 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is widely used in industrial and building automation for controlling AC motor speed, improving energy efficiency, and protecting motors during operation. Proper parameter configuration is essential to ensure reliable performance and safe operation.
• Whether you're an automation engineer, technician, student, or beginner, this tutorial will help you commission the Danfoss FC-301 VFD safely and efficiently.
• If you are new to the Danfoss FC-301 VFD or are configuring its parameters for the first time, we recommend reading this article from start to finish. It will help you understand the parameter settings clearly and make the VFD commissioning process easier.
• If you have a personal computer, you can also download the Danfoss Simulator software from this article🔗 Danfoss FC-102 LCP Simulator Tool. Practicing the parameter settings in simulation mode is a safe and effective way to gain confidence before commissioning the actual VFD.

Application Overview

These Danfoss FC-301 VFD drive parameter settings are intended for the following functions:

1. Manual ON/OFF operation using external START and STOP push buttons.
2. Trip indication lamp to provide a visual warning or alarm indication during abnormal operating conditions.
3. External RESET push button for resetting VFD warnings or alarms.
4. External potentiometer for adjusting the VFD output frequency and controlling the motor speed.

Required Components:

Danfoss FC-301 VFD, 3-Phase Induction Motor, START Push Button (NO) with element, STOP Push Button (NC) with element, RESET Push Button, 10 kΩ Linear Potentiometer, Indicator or Trip Lamp, Single pole MCB for control supply, three pole MCB for VFD drive power, Contactor (if required), Control Cable, Shielded (power) Signal Cable.

Danfoss FC-301 Terminal Description

1. Terminal 12 is +24 Volt DC Output,
2. Terminal 13 is +24 Volt DC Output,
3. Terminal 27 is Digital Input/Output (Digital I/O),
4. Terminal 18 is Digital Input,
5. Terminal 32 is Digital Input,
6. Terminal 50 is +10 Volt DC Output,
7. Terminal 53 is Analog Input,
8. Terminal 55 is Analog Input Common (COM),

Relay 1 (Terminals 01, 02, 03)

• 02 is Common (COM)
• 01 is Normally Open (NO)
• 03 is Normally Closed (NC)

Wiring Connections

External START/STOP Push Button Wiring:

• Connect the +24 V DC Output from Terminal 12 to Terminal 18 (Digital Input).
• Install a jumper between Terminal 12 and Terminal 27.
• This wiring enables external START and STOP push button control of the VFD.

External Alarm RESET Push Button Wiring:

• Connect the +24 V DC Output from Terminal 13 to Terminal 32 (Digital Input).
• This connection allows the alarm to be reset using an external push button.

External Speed Control Potentiometer Wiring:

• Connect the +10 V DC Output from Terminal 50 to Terminal 1 of the potentiometer.
• Connect Terminal 55 (Analog Input Common) to Terminal 3 of the potentiometer.
• Connect the wiper (regulated output) of the potentiometer to Terminal 53 (Analog Input) of the VFD.
• This wiring allows the motor speed to be controlled using an external potentiometer.

Trip Signal Wiring

• Use Relay-1 to provide the VFD trip indication signal.
• The VFD relay outputs are dry (potential-free) contacts. They do not supply 230 VAC or any other voltage internally. An external power supply must be connected to the relay contacts.

Wiring Procedure

1. Connect the 230 VAC live supply from the control panel to Relay-1 Common (COM) terminal 02.
2. Connect Relay-1 Normally Open (NO) terminal 01 to the Trip Indicator Lamp.
3. Connect the other terminal of the trip lamp to the Neutral supply.

Operation

Normal Condition: 

• When Relay-1 is OFF, the COM (02) and NO (01) contacts remain open, so the trip lamp stays OFF.

Trip Condition: 

• When Relay-1 is ON, the COM (02) and NO (01) contacts close, allowing the external 230 VAC to energize the trip lamp. 
• The illuminated lamp indicates that the VFD has generated a trip, warning, or alarm, depending on the relay configuration.

📒Note: 

• For improved safety, it is recommended to use 24 VAC as the relay switching voltage instead of 230 VAC. 
• The 24 VAC output can be used to energize an external interposing relay, which can then switch the higher-voltage circuit. 
• This approach improves safety and helps protect the VFD relay contacts.

How to Factory Reset Danfoss FC-301 VFD

To restore the Danfoss VFD to its factory default settings:

1. Switch OFF the main power supply to the VFD.
2. Switch ON the main power supply.
3. Immediately press and hold the Status, Main Menu, and OK buttons simultaneously during power-up.
4. Continue holding the buttons until the reset process is complete.

The VFD will then be restored to its factory default settings.

📒Note: 

Performing a factory reset will erase all user-configured parameters. Back up the parameter settings before resetting the drive, if required.

Pre-Commissioning Inspection Checklist

After completing all the required wiring as shown in the wiring diagram, perform the following inspections before switching on the VFD.

Wiring

• Verify that all control wiring is connected correctly according to the wiring diagram.
• Inspect the control wiring for any damaged or broken wires and ensure that all terminal connections are secure.
• Ensure that the control wiring is routed separately from the power and motor cables to minimize electrical noise.
• Verify that the control signal voltage sources are correct, if applicable.
• Use shielded cables or twisted-pair cables for control wiring whenever possible, and ensure that the cable shields are properly terminated.
• Ensure that the motor cables and control cables are separated, shielded, or installed in separate metallic conduits to reduce high-frequency interference.

Switchgears

• Check that all fuses and circuit breakers are correctly rated and in good working condition.
• Ensure that all fuses are securely installed and that all circuit breakers are in the OFF (Open) position before applying power.
• Do not rely on the conduit or the mounting panel as the protective earth connection. 
• A dedicated grounding conductor must be used.
• Check the power wiring and ensure that the mains supply cables and motor cables are installed separately and that all power terminal connections are tight.
• Verify that all switches, disconnectors, and isolators are in the correct operating position.

Other Conditions

• Verify that all grounding (earthing) connections are secure, clean, and free from corrosion or oxidation.
• Ensure that there is sufficient clearance above and below the VFD to allow proper airflow for cooling.
• Inspect the inside of the VFD to ensure it is free from dust, metal chips, moisture, and corrosion.
• Verify that the VFD is securely mounted on a clean, unpainted metal surface to ensure proper grounding and heat dissipation.

After completing the above inspection and confirming that all wiring and connections are correct, switch on the VFD and configure the parameters according to the settings provided in the following section.

Danfoss FC-301 Parameter Configuration

📂 Parameter	⚙️ Setting	📝 Description
0-02	1	Motor Speed Unit (Hz)
1-20	22 kW	Motor Power [kW]
1-21	18 HP	Motor Power [HP]
1-22	415 Volt	Motor Voltage
1-23	50 Hz	Motor Frequency
1-24	23 Amps	Motor Current
1-25	1450 Rpm	Motor Speed
3-00	0	Reference Range (Min – Max)
3-01	3	HZ
3-02	0 Hz	Minimum Reference
3-03	50 Hz	Maximum Reference
3-04	[0] Sum	Reference Function
3-10	[0] 0.00 %	Preset Reference
3-11	5.0 Hz	Jog Speed [Hz]
3-12	0.00 %	Catch up/slow Down Value
3-13	0	Reference Site
3-14	0.00 %	Preset Relative Reference
3-15	1	Reference Resource 1 (Analog Input 53)
3-16	20	Reference Resource 2 (Digital pot meter)
3-17	11	Reference Resource 3 (Local Bus Reference)
3-18	[0] No function	Relative scaling Reference Resource
3-41	30 s	Ramp 1 Ramp Up Time
3-42	30 s	Ramp 1 Ramp Down Time
4-12	0.0 Hz	Motor Speed Low Limit [Hz]
4-14	50 Hz	Motor Speed High Limit [Hz]
5-00	[0] PNP	Digital I/O mode
5-01	[0] Input	Terminal 27 mode
5-10	[8] Start	Terminal 18 Digital Input
5-11	[10] Reversing	Terminal 19 Digital Input
5-12	[2] Cost Inverse	Terminal 27 Digital Input
5-14	[1] Reset	Terminal 32 Digital Input (External PB)
5-15	[0] No function	Terminal 33 Digital Input
5-40	10 (Alarm)	Function Relay
5-41	0.01 S	On Delay, Relay
5-42	0.01 S	Off Delay, Relay
6-10	0.0 V	Terminal 53 Low Voltage
6-11	10.0 V	Terminal 53 High Voltage
6-14	30 Hz	Terminal 53 low ref / feed back
6-15	40 Hz	Terminal 53 High ref / feed back
8-50	2 (logic AND)	Costing
8-51	3 (Logic OR)	Quick stop
8-52	3 (Logic OR)	DC Brake
8-53	3 (Logic OR)	Start Select
8-54	3 (Logic OR)	Reversing Select
8-55	3 (Logic OR)	Set up select
8-56	3 (Logic OR)	Preset Reference Select
16-62	10.0	Analog Input 53 (Actual reference Volt)

✔️ Terminal 6-10 and 6-11

In this project, the minimum reference frequency is set to 30 Hz and the maximum reference frequency is set to 40 Hz for energy-saving operation. These values may vary depending on your application. Set the minimum and maximum reference frequency limits according to your project requirements.

✔️ Parameter 16-62

Displays the current analog input signal (0–10 V) applied to Terminal 53 from the external potentiometer. This parameter is intended for monitoring and diagnostic purposes only and does not affect drive operation.

Commissioning Tips

• In the Motor Parameter Settings section, enter the motor specifications exactly as shown on the motor nameplate to ensure proper operation and optimum performance.

• Enter the parameters exactly as shown in the table to avoid malfunctions and other operating errors.
• These parameter settings are suitable only for manual ON/OFF operation and manual frequency control using an external potentiometer.

Applications: 

These settings are suitable for: Pumps, Fans, Blowers, Compressors, Conveyors, Cooling Towers, AHUs, Industrial Machines.

Conclusion

• The Danfoss FC-301 VFD is a reliable and versatile drive for industrial motor control. By configuring the parameters and wiring correctly, you can implement manual START/STOP control, external RESET, trip indication, and precise motor speed control using a potentiometer.
• Always verify the motor nameplate data, inspect all wiring before energizing the drive, and follow recommended safety practices during commissioning. 
• Proper parameter configuration not only improves system performance but also enhances the safety and reliability of your installation.
• If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with other automation engineers, technicians, and students. 
• Explore more VFD programming guides and industrial automation tutorials on the Insight Control System blog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is my Danfoss FC-301 not starting?

Check the digital input wiring, parameter settings, and START signal.

2. Which potentiometer should I use?

A 10 kΩ linear potentiometer is commonly recommended for the 0–10 V analog input.

3. Can I use Relay-1 to switch 230 VAC?

Yes. Relay-1 provides potential-free contacts. An external voltage source must be supplied.

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