Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Cable VFD Cable Solutions

What is a VFD?  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  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  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  Better process control  Greater efficiencies  Smooth start and stop  Reduced motor heating  Noise reduction  Cost savings  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 DISADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES

VFD System Image Source: AmerCable  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  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.

VFD Cable Construction Options 600V / 1000V 2000V 8000V to 15,000V Voltage 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, + + Sizes AWG / MCM High strand tinned copper Conductors XLPE Specially formulated cross-linked, low dielectric constant compound Insulation 3 Symmetrical bare copper 1 full-size insulated Drain wire(s) Ground(s) Dual spiral copper tape Overall foil + braid Shielding Industrial grade PVC Low Smoke Zero Halogen Interlocked Armor Jacket Belden AmerCable + other leading brands Brands

VFD Cable Feature & Benefits Improved flexibility Easier installation Improved vibration and corrosion resistance High Strand Tinned Copper Conductors 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 Heavier Industrial Grade Insulation (XLPE) Keeps noise generated by the VFD cable from escaping Prevents outside noise from being picked up Provides a low-impedance path to ground Highly Effective Shielding 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 TC-ER Rated Industrial Grade PVC Jacket

VFD Cable Ratings and Approvals*  600V UL 1277 Type TC-ER  1000V UL Flexible Motor Supply  2000V UL 1277 Type TC-ER  FT4 and IEEE1202 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?  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  HOU-WIRE   Greg Green, National Account Manager –  Dan Neal, Product Marketing Manager –  Brandilyn Johnson, Product Marketing Manager –  Stacey Pruitt, Senior Buyer –