27.03.2025 by Viktor Siebert

A Rare Motor – and Yet Another Disappointment.

Recently, I made another test purchase – this time from a seller in Switzerland. The item was a Yaskawa servo motor, model SGMPH-04DAA61D-OY. These 400-volt motors are extremely hard to find on the market, which makes their voltage rating one of the most important identifiers.

The Trick: Modifying 200V Motors

Unfortunately, this motor turned out to be a fake as well. The market is increasingly flooded with manipulated motors. Most often, common 200-volt motors are altered to look and function like rare 400-volt models. The connectors are replaced (since they differ between 200V and 400V models), a new nameplate is applied, and the motor is cosmetically refurbished to appear new.

Obvious Issues Right Out of the Box

In this specific case, the new label wasn’t even placed correctly. The packaging looked new, and the motor seemed refurbished on the outside – but unfortunately, it didn’t work at all.

Technical Inspection Confirms: Fake

Right after connecting the motor, an encoder error appeared. After opening the motor’s cover, I found visible rust and an obviously tampered encoder. The motor shaft was stiff, which indicates worn-out bearings. Furthermore, the winding resistance was consistent with a 200V motor – not the expected values of a genuine 400V version. A true 400V motor has approximately four times the resistance. In this condition, the motor would not have functioned properly on a drive – and worse, it could have caused damage to the drive or control system.

Sold via eBay – Misleading and Nontransparent

What made this case especially brazen was the behavior of the seller. Operating under the name “automation-usa”, they shipped the motor from Switzerland. After the purchase, I received a tracking number – and discovered the package was sent from China. The seller has only about 50 reviews but over 2,500 items listed, mostly standard models. More than 500 units have already been sold. How many of those were also counterfeit?

Are Platforms Responsible?

How is it possible that platforms like eBay allow such listings to exist? My impression is that as long as they profit from the sales, they look the other way.

This development is concerning. Asian resellers are increasingly pushing counterfeit industrial goods into the European market. Because these items are so cheap, many people buy them – unknowingly supporting the fake industry.

My Appeal: Be Careful When Buying

Please scrutinize any suspicious parts. Only buy from reputable sources. Have motors checked for authenticity before use. It will save you a lot of trouble, time, and potentially serious damage.

Here is the link to the questionable eBay listing:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/356618639989

If you own a genuine SGMPH-04DAA61D-OY and need repair services, we can professionally inspect and refurbish your motor.
Here is the product page on our website:
Yaskawa SGMPH-04DAA61D-OY AC Servo Motor

For more information about our Yaskawa SIGMA II Motor repair services, visit: Yaskawa Sigma II Motor

📞 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding your Mitsubishi servo motors or drives. Our team is here to help.