Variable Frequency Drive VFD Cable VFD Cable Solutions

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Cable VFD Cable Solutions

What is a VFD? u u u A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor. VFD controls an electric motor’s – Speed – Torque – Direction VFDs are used to – Run process equipment and machinery – Power pumps to move fluids – Drive fans to move air – Run conveyors to transport material VFD compared to a constant speed drive can capture more energy savings. VFDs are also known as… – DC drives, AC drives, SCR drives, variable speed drives, adjustable speed drives, electric motor drives, AC motor controllers, AC inverters, pulse width modulation drives…

VFD Components u 3 Main Sections – AC to DC converter with rectifier diodes – DC bus that smooths out the rectifier output – DC to AC inverter to change the power back to AC

VFD Applications u u u u Steel mills Water and wastewater treatment plants Pulp and paper mills Cement plants Auto plants Process industries Anywhere material needs to move!

Pros and Cons of VFDs DISADVANTAGES u u u Better process control Greater efficiencies Smooth start and stop Reduced motor heating Noise reduction Cost savings u u u Electromagnetic interference (EMI) Harmonic distortion In-rush current Reflective wave voltages Standing waves Corona discharge Transients High voltage spikes Motor bearing failures Cable failures Limited motor lead lengths

VFD System u The VFD cable carries power from the AC drive system to the AC motor. It controls line speed for constant or variable speeds under varying loads. Image Source: Amer. Cable u The benefits of using proper components and cables designed for VFD systems: – Better Process Control – Greater Efficiencies – Smooth Start and Stop – Reduced Motor Heating – Noise Reduction – Cost Savings

VFD Cable Construction Options Voltage Sizes AWG / MCM Conductors • 600 V / 1000 V • 2000 V • 8000 V to 15, 000 V • 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 250, 262, 313, 350, 373, 444, 500, 535, 646, 777, + + • High strand tinned copper Insulation • XLPE • Specially formulated cross-linked, low dielectric constant compound Ground(s) • 3 Symmetrical bare copper • 1 full-size insulated • Drain wire(s) Shielding • Dual spiral copper tape • Overall foil + braid Jacket Brands • Industrial grade PVC • Low Smoke Zero Halogen • Interlocked Armor • Belden • Amer. Cable • + other leading brands

VFD Cable Feature & Benefits High Strand Tinned Copper Conductors Heavier Industrial Grade Insulation (XLPE) Highly Effective Shielding TC-ER Rated Industrial Grade PVC Jacket • Improved flexibility • Easier installation • Improved vibration and corrosion resistance • Excellent dielectric properties to prevent insulation breakdown • Lower capacitance = better electrical performance • Longer motor and cable life • Allows for longer cable runs • Protects motor from reflected wave • Keeps noise generated by the VFD cable from escaping • Prevents outside noise from being picked up • Provides a low-impedance path to ground • Meets crush and impact requirements for Type MC cable • Easier to install • Reduced tray fill, installation time/cost and gland cost compared to Type MC • Permitted for Exposed Run (ER) use • Oil & sunlight resistant

VFD Cable Ratings and Approvals* u u u 600 V UL 1277 Type TC-ER 1000 V UL Flexible Motor Supply 2000 V UL 1277 Type TC-ER FT 4 and IEEE 1202 Flame Ratings UL 1685 Vertical Tray Flame Test UL Direct Burial 90 C Wet/Dry MSHA Approved ROHS Compliant Sunlight and Oil Resistant Class I & II, Division 2 and Zone 2 hazardous locations Gas and vapor tight * List represents an overview of available ratings and varies between cable brand, size and type. * For precise technical data, please obtain individual cable specification sheet for the selected cable brand, size and type.

Why VFD Cable vs Other Cable? u u VFD cable is specially engineered to withstand the operating conditions caused by the drive system. It is robust, durable and reliable. VFD cable provides enhanced reflected wave and corona effect protection: – Preventing motor failure – Avoiding cable insulation break down VFD cable contains the current noise (common mode current) within the cable and away from sensitive equipment and motor bearings: – Reducing system downtime – Maintaining signal integrity – Extending motor bearing life – Circumventing false triggering VFD cable prevents lost of current (capacitive coupling/cable charging): – Preventing false trips of drive overcurrent – Inhibiting loss of motor torque or stalling – Improving system efficiency – Protecting adjacent circuits – Providing safe environment

The Right Cable Prevents Problems Cable Failure = System Failure

Call HWC to Learn More u 1 -800 -HOU-WIRE u www. houwire. com/VFD u Greg Green, National Account Manager – ggreen@houwire. com – 770 -330 -7268 Dan Neal, Product Marketing Manager – dneal@houwire. com – 713 -609 -2243 Brandilyn Johnson, Product Marketing Manager – bjohnson@houwire. com – 713 -609 -2252 Stacey Pruitt, Senior Buyer – spruitt@houwire. com – 713 -609 -2249 u u u