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Bus Error Codes

VE.Bus Error Codes

General

During first installation, and in case of problems, update all devices to the latest firmware. This
includes the latest VE.Bus firmware and also the latest firmware in the GX device.

Firmware update instructions:

1. for VE.Bus products

2. for Color Control GX

To restart a system, first switch all units off, one by one. And then switch all units on again. Do this
with the On / Off / Charger-only rocker-switch on the front of the device.

*WARNING*: The steps and instructions explained here, are intended to be carried to be carried out
by trained professionals. AC (and also DC) Voltages can be lethal. And certain settings and firmware
updates require experience and training as well.

Network cable quality

Make sure to use industrially made network cabling. Using self crimped RJ45 cables is a known cause
of various of below list of errors.

This applies to network cables for split-, three phase and parallel systems as well as connecting a GX
Device or other accessory on the VE.Bus network.

VE.Bus Error Codes

Error 1 - Device is switched off because one of the other phases in the

system has switched off

One of the phases in a multi-phase system has failed. Commonly because of a Low battery, Overload
or High temperature alarm. When this happens, the other phases will show VE.Bus Error Code 1.

Trouble shooting: Look for the failing phase, which will be the phase that is not showing VE.Bus Error
Code 1. And check the LEDs on that phase to find out what the reason was for the shut down.

Diagnosing on VRM First make sure that Automatic alarm monitoring is enabled; that is necessary to
create the Overload and Temperature errors in the log. You will see Overload and Temperature alarms
occurring at the same time as VE.Bus Error 1.

Note for split- and three-phase systems: VRM, nor the CCGX, will indicate on which phase the overload
or the temperature alarm occured. To find out on which unit the error occurs, go to system after it has
switched off. And look on the LEDs. The unit with the overload or temperature alarm, will have the

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corresponding alarm LED lit continuously. The other units will indicate a VE.Bus error, indicating that
they miss one unit.

Error 2 - New and old types MK2 are mixed in the system

This should never happen, contact Victron service.

Error 3 - Not all, or more than, the expected devices were found in the
system

Possible causes and solutions:

1. This error often follows VE.Bus Error 1. Solution: solve the cause for VE.Bus Error 1. Note that
when using an older CCGX (version before v1.40), it can be that the first error is not reported on
the Alarm log on VRM. So even when it only lists VE.Bus Error 3, it can very well be that that
error was preceeded by VE.Bus Error 1.
2. The system is not properly configured: all VE.Bus devices connected to the VE.Bus network
must be configured as one parallel, split- and/or three-phase system. Do not connect two
separate VE.Bus systems together.
3. Communication cable error: Check the communication cables. Make sure to use commercial
patch leads and not hand-crimped cables - VE.Bus cabling is very sensitive to physical wiring
faults.
4. DC fuse blown of one or more units in the system: When mains is available all units seems to
work correctly, but as soon as mains fails, or as soon as the system decides to switch to Island
mode for any other reason, the non powered units are disconnected from the system.

Error 4 - No other device found

The master device is configured to run in a parallel-, split- and/or three-phase system, but cannot find
other devices on the bus.

Multiple possible causes:

1. During a system restart

Error 4 can be seen temporarily while the system restarts after an error. Not a real error in that case,
no need to investigate.

2. Because of issues in cabling

Faulty cables. Check the communication cables. Don't use self made cables.

Error 5 - Overvoltage on AC out

This problem can occur when the AC wiring of one of the slave units is not connected properly, or not
connected at all.

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Check the AC wiring.

Error 6 - Error in DDC Program

This means: error in an Assistant. To solve, follow these steps:

1. update VE.Bus firmware in all devices to the latest firmware. Instructions here.
2. download the latest VEConfigure and make sure it has downloaded all the latest Assistants.
3. re-configure the system

Error 7 - VE.Bus BMS detected, but not configured

A VE.Bus BMS device is connected but there is no Assistant loaded which handles the VE.Bus BMS.

Solution: configure the use of the VE.Bus BMS in one of the Assistants.

Error 8 - Ground relay test failed

Indicates a failed automatic Ground relay self-test on the MultiPlus-II or EasySolar-II relays.

See Error 11 for details & instructions.

Error 10 - System time synchronisation problem

This typically happens during a system restart, and is then not a real error; no need to investigate.

For example this screenshot from the Color Control GX:

The real problem is Error 1. In this example it was caused by switching device L2 off with the front
toggle switch. It was then quickly followed by Error 3. And when switching device L2 back on, briefly
Error 10 is visible, followed by full recovery.

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Note: System restarts can also be triggered when using Remote VEConfigure.

Other possibility: DC fuse blown of one or more units in the system. When mains is available all units
seems to work correctly, but as soon as mains fails, the non powered units are disconnected from the
system.

Error 11 - Relay Test Fault - Installation error or possibly relay failure

Error 11 indicates a failed automatic self-test of the MultiPlus-II or EasySolar-II relays. It is often a
result of an installation or wiring issue, though it can also be triggered by a hardware failure (eg
inoperable relays).

If a grid code is selected in VEConfigure, then the backfeed relays are tested every time before
connecting to the mains.

Ground relays are also tested and can trigger an Error 11. During inverter operation, disconnected
from mains, the relay is continuously tested to be closed. And it is tested to open properly during
switchover to mains. The ground relay tests are always performed: with or without a configured grid
code. Unless the relay is disabled in VEConfigure. See product manual for more information regarding
the ground relay.

Steps to take:

Step 1: Make sure that the units have been updated to the latest firmware version. There have been
various VE.Bus error 11 related improvements in the firmware. This may correct the error, and if it
does not, it will provide additional information to assist troubleshooting.

Step 2: Verify that system is properly wired to your installation and your local codes. Remember to
check the earth connection on the unit AC input. Earth should be grounded according to your local
grid rules. Do not connect Earth to Neutral in the unit itself. This will create a safety hazard and may
prevent RCD devices from working. Contact another licensed electrician if in doubt.

Step 3: Disconnect the L and N wiring from the ACout terminals on each inverter/charger. Which, in
case of a parallel or three phase system, isolates the ACout connections for each unit. If the system
then starts normally there might be a problem with a connected load (e.g. a leakage between load,
neutral and ground).

Step 4: Check your Neutral-out connection. In most cases there should be no external connection
between ACin-Neutral to ACout-Neutral, or to Earth.

In Australia, it is possible if required to install with a connection between Neutral-in and Neutral-out
using AS4777.2:2015. Select either design configuration in the grid code section while programming
the MultiPlus-II with firmware 466 and above.

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After configuration, always confirm that the system is safe with routine electrical safety checks in
both modes (eg test RCD operation with AC input connected and disconnected).

Step 5: Neutral and line input might be inverted. Check the input connections, swap them if needed
and retry. In this case, “Failing step: 8” will show.

Detailed diagnosis of Error 11

After updating your VE.Bus inverter/charger to firmware 454 or higher; and running Venus OS v2.23
or later, a detailed VE.Bus Error 11 report is available in the GX device menu, under MultiPlus → Alarm
Status → VE.Bus Error 11 report.

Examples of information in the GX Device menus:

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The information shown is:

A six digit number; which contains all the details

An error ID (#16 for example). Note that this does not count the the number of VE.Bus errors;
its just a unique ID that can help recognizing that a new error has occured.
Flags
The failed step; it counts backwards: step 9 → 8 → 7 and so forth.

Common causes:

Failing step #8: check that line and neutral have not been swapped. Unlike non-grid code
installations; line and neutral need to be wired correctly.
PE2 closed error or GND Relay Error: check that AC-out Neutral is not wired to ground, or AC-in
Neutral + ground. Short circuiting them is not allowed without specific firmware and grid code.
Also, check that there is no leakage between Neutral and ground, for example because broken
consumer. Start by disconnecting all loads: open all the circuit breakers. Then test to confirm
there is no continuity between ACin-Neutral and ACout-Neutral.
AC0/AC1 mismatch and UMains error: this is fixed in VE.Bus inverter/charger firmware version
455.

Other shown error details, listed below, are not related to any known installation issue and can be
caused by a faulty unit or configuration issue. In any case, also when one of below errors shows, to go
through all the above steps for any error 11 issue.

Failing steps #2-7.

AC0 /AC1 mismatch.
Communication error.
UMains mismatch.
Period Time mismatch.
Drive of BF relay mismatch.
PE2 open error.

Unable to solve?

When the error persists after the all above steps, or when any other Failed step or extra explanation

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shows, then the unit may be faulty. Follow the support procedure and contact your dealer. Make sure
to document full system wiring in a diagram, all steps and tests taken to diagnose and rule out
installation error, and provide a photo of the error details shown on the GX Device menu.

Error 12 - Config mismatch with 2nd mcu

Some Multi models (e.g. MultiPlus-II) have two microcontrollers.

Certain configuration settings, as done with VEConfigure, have to be stored in both microcontrollers.
In very rare situations it can happen that the stored configurations do not match and that the
mismatch cannot be handled automatically. In this case error E12 will be generated.

To solve this error, connect the device to VEConfigure 3, verify/correct the settings and press 'Send
Settings'.

Make sure to select the option 'all settings' instead of 'modified settings'.

Error 14 - Device cannot transmit data

Most probably a short circuit in the communication cables.

Another possibility, very rare though, is a broken component on the board. Return the device to the
nearest service point for repair.

Error 16 - VE.Bus dongle is missing

Update firmware to latest version: VE.Bus dongles are no longer necessary.

Instructions here.

Error 17 - Phase master missing

Error 17 shows on slaves (only). The slaves in a system will report this error when the communication
with the phase-master has timed out.

This error can only occur on systems with multiple devices installed per phase. For example a single
phase installation with two or more devices in parallel, or a three-phase installation with six or more
devices.

Steps to take:

1. In some cases this error can be seen temporarily while using Remote VEConfigure to write a
new configuration.
Solution: ignore the error; the system will recover by itself.
2. The most likely cause is a cable-related communication issue on the VE.Bus network:
Solution: First check the network cables sockets. If that doesn't solve it, replace all network
cables, including the cable to the GX Device. Make sure to also inspect the female RJ-45

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sockets, instead of only the cabling: sometimes badly mounted RJ45 cable connectors prevent
the spring-contacts in the female RJ45 connectors on the Multis to properly make contact. Make
sure to machine-made cabling. Do not use self-crimped cables.
3. DC fuse blown. In this case, all units can in some situations seem fine and work well as long as
mains is available. And then when there is no longer AC available on the input (mains fails or
generator is stopped) the non powered units are disconnected from the system.
Solution: Check the fuse in all units; replace the broken one.
4. Update firmware and Assistants of the inverter/chargers. And of the GX Device.
Solution: (1) Update the Inverter/charger firmware - (2) Update the Assistants - (3) Update the
GX Device firmware.

Systems with multiple slaves per phase

Error 17 can show on one or more slaves in a phase (visible by looking at the LEDs, not on VRM or GX
Device). If the slaves can still communicate with each other; then the error will only show on one
slave: all slaves that can see on the network that another slave is already showing Error 17 will not
show the error as well.

Unable to solve it?

If after all above steps you are still experiencing a VE.Bus Error 17, contact your dealer whom will
contact Victron repairs; please provide photos of the installation and network cabling. Depending on
the situation, they might advice to replace the GX device and the inverter/chargers. We advise to first
replace cables, and if that doesn't help then thereafter only the GX device at first, since that is less
work than replacing the inverter/chargers.

Error 18 - AC Over-voltage on the output of a slave while switched off

Solution: check if AC wires are not swapped by accident. There can never be voltage on the AC out
when a unit is switched off.

Error 19 - Slave does not have AC input!

Common cause - System is configured with multiple synchronised inverter/chargers but AC input (e.g.
from a generator) is only connected to one of the Inverter/Chargers.

Solution: Either connect the AC input to all units, or change the configuration of the synchronised
units in VE.Bus System Configurator (note not VEConfigure), and disable the 'Switch as Group'
Function. This setting will allow only a single Inverter/Charger to charge without error. Note this
setting is not adjustable in an ESS system.

Error 22 - This device cannot function as a slave

This device is an obsolete and unsuitable model. It should be replaced.

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Error 24 - Switch-over system protection initiated

This error indicates that one or more units report feeding back a significant current through its back-
feed relay, while those relay are supposed to be open, and -obviously- no current can flow through an
open circuit.

What is the back-feed relay? It is the relay that closes when connecting to the grid or generator. And
which opens when there is no power available, ie when the system is in island- or invert-mode.

Error 24 is raised when a Multi or Quattro detects current flowing through the back-feed relay during a
period when the relay should be open. This can mean one of two things:

1. The relay did not open.

2. The related current measurement circuit is faulty.

Error 24 is a very rare error. Possible causes in order of probability:

There is too much AC load connected at the moment the relay needs to switch off. This large
current will prevent the relay contacts from opening.
Solution: remove excessive load. See transfer switch capacity in the datasheet for the
maximum rating.
The AC input voltage slowly drops before it is being rejected by the Multis. Typically happens in
installations with a generator. Especially when combined with AC loads that increase their
current draw when the AC voltage drops: by the time that the inverter/charger initiates the
disconnect, the current through the relays has increased well beyond the ratings, and is too
high to open them.
Solution: Make the Multis or Quattros disconnect earlier: increase lower limit of AC input voltage
in VEConfigure3. For example to 210 VAC. The factory setting is 180 VAC.
The back-feed relay has a hardware failure
Solution: Replace faulty unit.
The related current measurement circuit is faulty.
Solution: Replace faulty unit.

Diagnosing a parallel, multi or split-phase system?

Error 24 will always appear on all units at the same time. There is unfortunately no indication, not on
LEDs, nor on a GX device, VRM, or any other manner, to see which of the devices caused the error.
Below procedures outlines how to manually determine which unit has a faulty relay.

Do make sure to first, always double check option 1 and 2 in above list. Those are the common
causes. In case that doesn't lead to a solution, follow this procedure to find out if its a relay issue, and
then which unit.

Execute this procedure right after the error occurred; do not first reset the system.

Step 1

Start with making a video of all units and their LED code. Do not first reset the system; and do not
reset it after making the video either.

Step 2

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Completely disconnect all AC wiring, both in- and out, on all units. Make pictures of the terminals; to
make sure when discussing this with an engineer; there is no misunderstanding on what has been
meant by this instruction.

Step 3 Now, with an ohm-meter, measure the resistance between the neutral terminals on AC-input
and the AC-output, A working unit will show no connection between these terminals. And also
measure the resistance between the Line terminals of AC-input and AC-output.

A faulty unit will measure zero or close to zero resistance.

Good units will measure discontinuity between the Line in and out terminals. And measure a few
hundred ohms between the neutral In and Out AC terminals.

Error 25 - Firmware incompatibility

Make sure to use the same firmware in all devices.

Solution: update all devices to the latest available firmware. Instructions here.

Error 26 - Internal error

Should not occur. Switch all equipment off, and then on again; it will then resume operation. Contact
Victron Energy if the problem persists.

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