What the BrakeFault alarm means

An axis falls when power is removed, or the brake release command does not free the axis; brake behavior is inconsistent between axes. This is one of the faults our repair team handles on Staubli CS8 / CS9 (VAL3) systems — the cause is usually identifiable within the first on-site inspection.

Most common causes

  • Brake coil open or shorted
  • 24 V brake supply wiring fault
  • Mechanically seized brake
  • Wrong brake type fitted after a motor swap
Field note: the first item on this list is what we find most often on real machines. Check it before you go deeper.

Step-by-step field fix

  1. Measure the brake coil resistance
  2. Check the 24 V at the brake connector during release
  3. Support the arm, then test brake release manually
  4. Inspect for corrosion or contamination in the brake
  5. Replace the brake/motor assembly if the brake is seized
Safety first: never bypass safety circuits or force contactors closed. If the alarm involves E-stop chains, brakes or drive power, and you are not a trained robot technician, contact a professional — wrong moves here can cost you a robot or an injury.

Still stuck? Get an engineer on the phone — right now

Tell us the alarm code, the robot model and what was happening when the alarm came up. Our engineers run these diagnostics every day, and remote diagnosis by phone or video call is free.

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Hotline: +86-20-39029800 · WhatsApp: +86-188-1886-2860

Related Brakes alarms

3453 — Deviation Between Safe and Non-Safe Encoders (DSI) SEG-4 — Amplifier Fault — DF Contactor Open (7-Segment Code 4) NoDriveCfg — Internal Error DRIVE NoDriveConfiguration (All Axes) ArmPowerRefused — Arm Power Enable Request Refused Fieldbus33 — Internal Error on Fieldbus Board — Status 33 EStopChain — Emergency Stop Circuit Open — Power Cannot Enable
Other brands: we also keep field-fix libraries for Epson · Nachi · Omron and more — see the complete alarm code hub.

Frequently asked questions

QWhat does the Staubli BrakeFault alarm mean?

An axis falls when power is removed, or the brake release command does not free the axis; brake behavior is inconsistent between axes. In field practice it belongs to the brakes family of faults.

QCan I clear a Staubli BrakeFault alarm myself?

Sometimes. Work through the step-by-step checks on this page — the first listed cause is what we find most often in the field. If the alarm returns after two attempts, or the fault involves power, brakes or safety circuits, stop and call a qualified robot service engineer.

QHow fast can a Henghuan engineer help?

On-site response in the Pearl River Delta within 30 minutes to 3 hours, across mainland China in 1-3 business days, and worldwide within 2-5 business days. Remote diagnosis by phone/WhatsApp/video is available immediately.

Written by the Henghuan Robotics repair team from field service experience. Alarm descriptions are our own summary for troubleshooting reference and may vary by controller and software version — when in doubt, check your Staubli documentation or contact us. Henghuan is an independent service provider, not affiliated with or endorsed by Staubli.