Parameters
112 M-Max Series Adjustable Frequency Drive    MN04020003E—October 2013    www.eaton.com
Braking (P12)
In parameter group P12 you can set different brake functions:
●
DC braking
●
Generative braking (brake chopper)
●
Mechanical braking (actuation)
The brake functions allow you to reduce undesired coasting 
and long coasting times. Mechanical braking also ensures 
safe operating states.
DC Braking
With DC braking, the frequency inverter supplies the 
three-phase stator winding of the three-phase motor with 
DC current. This generates a stationary magnetic field which 
in turn induces voltage in the rotor while the rotor is in 
motion. As the electrical resistance of the rotor is very low, 
even small induction can generate high rotor currents and 
thus a strong braking effect.
As the speed decreases, the frequency of the induced 
voltage reduces and therefore the inductive resistance also. 
The ohmic resistance becomes more effective and thus 
increases the braking effect. However, the generated braking 
torque drops off abruptly before the rotor is at a standstill and 
disappears completely as soon as the rotor movement has 
ended.
DC braking is therefore not suitable for holding loads, nor for 
intermediate braking. Once DC braking has been activated, 
the motor comes to a standstill.
CAUTION
Debounced inputs may not be used in the safety circuit
diagram. DC braking results in additional heating of the
motor. Configure the brake torque, set via braking current
(P12.1) and the braking duration (P12.2 and P12.4), as low as
possible.
Braking
PNU ID
Access
RUN Value/Range Description
Factory Setting
(P1.3)
P12.1 507 X — DC braking, current I
e
0.2 x I
e
–2 x I
e
 (A) Set value for the DC current, which supplies the motor 
during the DC braking
The value depends on the rated operational current I
e
 of the 
frequency inverter
The parameter is only active, if a value >0 has been entered 
for P12.2 or P12.4
P12.2 516 X — DC braking, braking time at start 0.00
0.00–600.00s The braking time of the DC braking [1] is activated with the 
start command (FWD, REV)
Braking Time at Start
After the time set has elapsed, the frequency inverter 
starts automatically with the acceleration time set at 
P6.5. The speed of the motor [2] follows the 
characteristic of the output frequency [3]
f
t
f
out
P12.2
f
P6.5
FWD
REV
1
2
3