VFD Cables
VFD cables are designed to provide a reliable pathway for the controlled electrical power required to operate electric motors to variable frequency drives. The VFD cable becomes crucial in addressing several electromagnetic and safety challenges associated with VFDs—particularly how they generate heat, create a canopy of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and produce electrical noise that can damage the motor bearings.
VFD cables use insulation that can withstand the high voltages encountered in VFD applications and those severe environmental conditions. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), and similar materials are very good at withstanding heat, moisture, chemicals, and voltage; so they are used to ensure the cables' reliability.
There are additional reasons why VFD cables might be preferred, and one of them is that they usually have a very low capacitance, which reduces the risk of reflected waves and high voltage spikes that can harm motor windings. Another thing about VFD cables is that they're flexible and easy to install, even in spaces where there's very little room to maneuver or in situations where there might be many twists and turns.
Products
FAQs
What is the best way to select the right vfd cable for adjustable speed drives that power AC motors in a harsh electrical environment?
The best way to select the right VFD cable for variable speed drives in adverse environmental conditions is to choose a cable with superior insulation and shielding, low capacitance, high flexibility, and robust durability, specifically designed to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI), voltage spikes, and mechanical stresses.
Motor Starters, Soft Starters and VFDs
Motor Starters
Motor starters safely start and stop a motor in industrial applications. They are designed with a contactor, overload and circuit protection. They are used when basic motor control is required, where torque on the motor is not a concern and speed control is not needed. The advantages of motor starters include: lower cost, allows for remote operation, allows for monitoring of motor state (with the use of auxiliary contacts) and they are safe and efficient. The disadvantages include: high inrush current that can cause fuses to blow and breakers to trip if the inrush is too high, and the starter will allow a full torque to start the motor which can cause the motor to ramp up to full speed very quickly potentially causing the motor to wear and degrade prematurely.
Soft Starters
Soft starters protect motors from inrush current by gently ramping up the motor to full speed. They provide all of the same functions as a traditional motor starter. The advantages of soft starters include: they are less expensive than a VFD when only startup control is needed, they are a smaller system than a VFD where space is a concern and they prevent unwanted torque upon startup, prolonging the life of the motor. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive than a traditional motor starter and they do not allow for full speed control.
VFDs
A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) allows for the slow ramp up of a motor during startup and the slowing down of the motor during shutdown. It also allows for full speed control during the entire run cycle of the motor. VFDs provide the same functions as both the traditional motor starters and soft starters. The advantages of VFDs include: full speed control (start, stop and in-between), more custom control and monitoring, energy savings due to efficient motor usage and less wear and tear on the motors. The disadvantages include: they are more expensive and larger than other motor control options and they generate heat that may require fans or AC units.