Is this Variable frequency drive compatible with this motor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compatibility of a variable frequency drive (VFD) with a specific motor, focusing on the necessary specifications for compatibility, such as horsepower, amperage, and voltage. Participants explore the implications of using different brands and the technical requirements for wiring and operation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of using a VFD from the same manufacturer as the motor, suggesting that compatibility can be achieved with different brands.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of input voltage and amperage ratings, with some participants explaining the dual voltage capability of the motor and how it affects VFD selection.
  • Concerns are raised about the voltage rating of the outlets available for powering the VFD, with participants clarifying that the receptacle rating does not necessarily indicate the actual voltage available.
  • One participant mentions that the motor in question is not inverter rated, suggesting that it may not be suitable for use with a VFD.
  • Another participant discusses the safety of using fuses with the VFD and questions whether the current is distributed evenly across multiple fuses.
  • There is a mention of inverter optimized motors not being a strict requirement for VFD compatibility, suggesting that other factors may also play a significant role.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of using the same brand for the VFD and motor, with some asserting it is not required while others emphasize the importance of specific motor ratings. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the suitability of the motor for VFD use, particularly concerning its inverter rating.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that actual voltage available at the receptacle should be verified, and there are discussions about the implications of using different amperage ratings and fuse configurations with the VFD.

belae1ka
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My senior design adviser told me that the VFD must be the same brand as the motor that is being used, I'm not sure I believe this.

I plan on using a GS1 series AC drive, here is a link;
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Drives/GS1_(120_-z-_230_VAC_V-z-Hz_Control)

Here is a link to the motor;
https://www.mcmaster.com/#6136k671/=154ilst

What should I look for when looking for compatibility? HP, amps, single/three phase, input voltage?

Also, the amps at full load is rated at 0.8-0.8/0.4 Amps. I am confused with the formatting of this number, why is 0.8 divided by 0.4?

Thank you.
 
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By the looks of it the vfds should work. The choice of which one depends on what input voltage you have available.
I would get one that can handle a higher hp(1/2 vs 1/4) if you can afford the difference.

As to the amperage listing it means 0.8A(@208V)-0.8A(@230V)/ {OR} /0.4A(@460V) depending on whether it is wired for low voltage (208v to 230v) or high (460v). The motor you linked to is a dual voltage motor.

To use this motor with the vfds you linked to it must be wired for low voltage.

{edit}The vfd does not need to be the same manufacturer as the motor.
 
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wirenut said:
By the looks of it the vfds should work. The choice of which one depends on what input voltage you have available.
I would get one that can handle a higher hp(1/2 vs 1/4) if you can afford the difference.

As to the amperage listing it means 0.8A(@208V)-0.8A(@230V)/ {OR} /0.4A(@460V) depending on whether it is wired for low voltage (208v to 230v) or high (460v). The motor you linked to is a dual voltage motor.

To use this motor with the vfds you linked to it must be wired for low voltage.
Thank you very much for your response! The shop that the VFD will be powered at has three phase outlets that are 250V 50Amps. Can I use these outlets to wire my VFD for the low voltage wiring (230V)? Or is the 250V too much voltage?

Thank you.
 
belae1ka said:
Thank you very much for your response! The shop that the VFD will be powered at has three phase outlets that are 250V 50Amps. Can I use these outlets to wire my VFD for the low voltage wiring (230V)? Or is the 250V too much voltage?

Thank you.
Is that 250v on the receptacle by the manufacturer? If so that is the rating of the receptacle, not the voltage available. Most receptacles are rated @125v, for single phase low voltage(phase to neutral);@250v for single or 3 phase low voltage (phase to phase); @277v for high voltage single phase (phase to neutral); @600v high voltage single and 3 phase (phase to phase).
The actual voltage available should be either on a label or actually measured.
As to the 50A rating you can use this if you protect your circuit with the proper fuses prior to the input of your vfd.
 
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belae1ka said:
My senior design adviser told me that the VFD must be the same brand as the motor that is being used, I'm not sure I believe this.
No. Most drive makers don't make motors and vice versa.
Here is a link to the motor;
https://www.mcmaster.com/#6136k671/=154ilst

What should I look for when looking for compatibility?
Inverter rated: No. So no, you do not want to use a VFD with this motor.
 
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wirenut said:
Is that 250v on the receptacle by the manufacturer? If so that is the rating of the receptacle, not the voltage available. Most receptacles are rated @125v, for single phase low voltage(phase to neutral);@250v for single or 3 phase low voltage (phase to phase); @277v for high voltage single phase (phase to neutral); @600v high voltage single and 3 phase (phase to phase).
The actual voltage available should be either on a label or actually measured.
As to the 50A rating you can use this if you protect your circuit with the proper fuses prior to the input of your vfd.
The VFD I now plan on using is;
The DURApulse GS3 series AC drive (Model GS3-22P0): https://www.automationdirect.com/static/specs/gs3drives.pdf

It has a rated input current of 7.6Amps. The fuses available for this model come in "Fuse kit" pack of 3 that is to be installed in the drive. The fuse rating is 300V @ 25AMPS. Considering there are 3 fuses in each kit, is it safe to assume that the VFD will be ok? Is the current going into the VFD spead evenly across these 3 fuses?

Thank you
 
russ_watters said:
No. Most drive makers don't make motors and vice versa.

Inverter rated: No. So no, you do not want to use a VFD with this motor.
Thank you so very much sir you could have singlehandedly saved my project
 
Inverter optimized motors are not a requirement for useful VFD compatibility.

Long power runs being much more significant than insulation break down within the motor due to synthesized frequency profiles.
 

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