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Brake Wiring Instructions for A6 Series Servo Motors

In servo system applications, the brake (holding brake) is a critical safety component that ensures quick stopping and position holding during power loss or emergencies. Proper brake wiring not only guarantees safe equipment operation but also prevents mechanical damage or personal injury caused by misoperation. This document details the wiring procedures and precautions for A6 series servo motor brakes, applicable to standard 24V DC brakes (all A6 series servo motors use this specification).


Below, we introduce two wiring methods for the A6-RS/A6-EC/A6-PN series brakes. Choose the appropriate method based on your needs:


Method 1: Using a relay


  1. Preparations:


  • An A6 servo motor properly connected to the drive.


  • A 24V DC power supply (low power, ~7W).


  • A relay with at least one NO (Normally Open) and NC (Normally Closed) contact.


  • Wires (AWG24 or thicker).


  • 220V AC power supply for the servo motor.


  1. Wiring for A6-RS Series:



Refer to the diagram above, six wires are required:


  • Connect 24V+ from the power supply to the relay's positive terminal.


  • Connect 24V+ to the motor brake's BK+.


  • Connect 0V (GND) to the relay's NO terminal.


  • Connect 0V (GND) to CN1-PIN2 (DO3-) on the drive (default brake output; modify if using DO1/DO2).


  • Connect the relay's COM terminal to the motor brake's BK-.


  • Connect the relay's negative terminal to CN1-PIN3 (DO3+).


  1. Wiring for A6-EC/A6-PN Series:



The method is similar:


  • Connect 24V+ to the relay's positive terminal.


  • Connect 24V+ to BK+.


  • Connect 0V (GND) to the relay's NO terminal.


  • Connect 0V (GND) to CN1-PIN4 (DO3-, as the drive defaults to using DO3 for brake output. If you wish to use DO1 or DO2 instead, simply modify the DO port's function.).


  • Connect the relay's COM terminal to BK-.


  • Connect the relay's negative terminal to CN1-PIN5 (DO3+).


The relay acts as a switch, enabling real-time control of the brake's operation through either the drive or controller. When motor enable is activated, you'll first hear a "click" (relay contact closure, power indicator lights up), followed by a second "click" (brake release). Simply put: motor enable ON = brake release, motor enable OFF = brake engagement. (Note: The motor shaft remains locked when enabled and cannot be rotated manually.)


But how to release the brake for testing without enabling the motor?


One method is modify the DO3 function logic, please refer to the manual for the description of DO3 functions:


The drive's factory default sets DO3 logic as NO. You can use the drive's panel buttons or debugging software to change the DO3 function logic to NC. This will cause two "click" sounds as the relay activates and the brake releases. Since the motor isn't enabled at this point, you can manually rotate the motor shaft freely. After testing, it's recommended to reset DO3 function logic back to NO. Otherwise, when motor enable is activated, both the relay and brake will close simultaneously. If you accidentally set a motion command while the brake remains closed, the motor's forced operation may likely damage the brake.


Method 2: Direct 24V power supply wiring without relay


  1. Preparation:


  • An A6 servo motor properly connected to the drive


  • A 24V DC power supply


  • 220V AC power supply for the servo motor


  1. Brake Wiring for A6-RS/A6-EC/A6-PN Series:


As shown in the diagram below, since no relay is used and the drive connection is not involved, the wiring method is identical for all three A6 series. Simply connect the motor brake wires BK+ and BK- directly to the 24V DC power supply.


When power is applied, the brake releases.


When power is cut off, the brake engages.



Advantages of this method is the simple wiring. Brake operation is controlled directly by power supply ON/OFF, which also serves as a way to verify brake functionality. However, since it uses direct power supply without a control switch, it's not suitable for complex applications where separate power control is needed after motor enable.


Important Notes:


The motor brake should only be used on already stopped motors for holding purposes (maintaining load position). Never use it to brake a moving load, as this may damage both the brake and the motor!



Updated on: 27/06/2025

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