Robotics in Manufacturing

Controller & setup

Configuring Alarm Severity on FANUC Controllers

Shows how to review and adjust how a FANUC R-30iB-class controller responds to specific alarms, including which alarms stop the program and which only post a warning. Intended for technicians checking or changing alarm categorization from the teach pendant.

Advanced~30 min8 steps

Identify the specific alarm in question

Note the exact alarm code and current behavior before making any change.

Review the manufacturer's default severity

Check the alarm reference manual to confirm what the default severity and response are for this alarm.

Back up the controller first

Save a backup before changing any alarm configuration.

Open the alarm severity configuration screen

On the pendant, go to System, then Alarm Severity or the equivalent configuration menu.

Review, do not weaken, safety-related alarms

Confirm the alarm being adjusted is not a safety-related fault; those should remain at the manufacturer's default severity.

Adjust the severity for the appropriate alarm

Change only non-safety alarms where the default behavior does not fit the application, such as a warning that should also log to a PLC.

Test the new behavior

Trigger the condition, where safely possible, and confirm the alarm now behaves as configured.

Document the change and reasoning

Record what was changed and why in the maintenance log.

Common questions

How long does this procedure take?
Configuring Alarm Severity on FANUC Controllers is rated Advanced and takes about 30 minutes across 8 steps.
What tools do I need?
You will need Teach pendant.
What should I do before starting?
Reason for the change is documented, such as a specific alarm behaving incorrectly for the application.
What is the first step?
Identify the specific alarm in question. Note the exact alarm code and current behavior before making any change.

Attribution

Reviewed for technical accuracy by Mike Ramsey.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-21.

Edited by Mike Ramsey / Reliable Media.Editorial process

SourcesB-83284EN/09, Alarm Severity Configuration (System Setup)