Which cable is applicable for VFD application?

To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an electrically balanced, shielded cable with NFPA 79 compliant crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation when specifying cable systems for VFD applications.

What are VFD cables?

A variable frequency drive (VFD) is a type of controller that varies the frequency of the signal and voltage to control motor speed. When working with a VFD system, you need VFD cable that can handle the harsh electrical environment for which standard cable is not designed.

How do I choose a VFD cable?

To calculate AWG size, three factors must be known: motor HP, motor voltage, and full load current (FLC). For a 30 HP and 460V motor, the FLC is 40A. Per NEC, FLC x 125% is required to calculate AWG size. 40A x 125% = 50 A, therefore the right AWG wire is 6 AWG per NEC Article 310.15.

Why do VFD cables have 3 Earth’s?

Because VFDs have unbalanced three-phase vector sums, current is never equal to zero at neutral. That necessitates proper shielding and grounding paths with low impedance back to the drive (and to protect against the effects of common-mode currents and high-frequency bearing currents).

Is VFD cable required?

When are VFD Cables needed? Whenever you are installing a VFD drive system, VFD cables should be strongly considered for use between the inverter and the motor. Standard power cable is not designed to handle the high frequency components of the drive’s inverter output.

Can you run VFD cable in conduit?

Use metal conduit that has a grounding strap on the outside of the conduit. Inside of the conduit, run a grounding conductor connecting the motor ground to the VFD ground. A shield is preferred over the cable, connecting the shield to the ground bus in the drive and terminating the motor end to the grounded motor.

How long will a VFD last?

The Short Answer. Most manufacturers will admit the typical life expectancy is about 7-12 years … but there are many factors at play. VFD components like fans and capacitors have a finite life and starting at about 5 years, these components can start to fail and will need to be replaced.

How is VFD size calculated?

Thus, the rule of thumb for sizing the single phase input on a three-phase drive is to use a VFD rated for 2 times the FLA of the motor. For example if your motor is a 10 HP motor with a FLA of 28 amps, then you would need to select a VFD with an amp rating of 56 amps which ends up being around 20 HP.

Can VFD cable be run in conduit?

Does a VFD need a neutral?

The electronics will run at lower voltage, with a power supply, that will be drawing power from a single phase of the supply. SO from the fuse box to the equipment, you almost always need a neutral.

Is Thhn the same as THWN?

THHN stands for Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated. THWN wire is the same, but the “W” stands for water-resistant. THWN has a maximum temperature of 90°C in dry and wet locations, whereas THHN wire can only be used in temperatures as high as 75°C in wet locations.

What are the different types of VFD cables?

Applications include VFD motor and drive connections, pumps and compressors, conveyors, elevators, HVAC, and other variable speed applications. Highly flexible servo cable is available for both stationary and continuous flex applications in various styles. LAPP has a full range of Servo motor cables.

How does the VFD cable Selector Tool work?

Use this simple tool to input relevant information for your installation of cable from VFD (variable-frequency drive) to Motor and it will select the proper size of cable for your installation. Helps determine the proper wire size for an electrical circuit based on the voltage drop and current carrying capacity of an electrical circuit.

Where can I get variable frequency drive cable?

The NEW VFD Supplement Catalog is Available from HWC. Download it NOW. HWC is a master supplier of variable frequency drive (VFD) cabling.

How big is a servicedrive VFD tray cable?

VIEW PRODUCT DATA TABLE Part Number Size (AWG or Kcmil) Insulation Thickness (mils) Approx. Diameter Overall (in.) Approx. Net Weight (lb./1000′) VFD2KTCP14/3 14 60 0.55 218 VFD2KTCP12/3 12 60 0.59 258 VFD2KTCP10/3 10 60 0.64 311 VFD2KTCP8/3 8 80 0.79 444