Scribd
Upload
171 views2 pages

Cables For VFD

cABLES FOR vfd

Uploaded by

Andavilli Srihari Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
171 views2 pages

Cables For VFD

cABLES FOR vfd

Uploaded by

Andavilli Srihari Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

File: V-4

6/2/06
(continued)
VFD Cables Part II
In Wire Wisdom V-3, we introduced you to the major concerns surrounding power cables
used with variable frequency adjustable speed motor drive (VFD) systems. Below, we will
expand on these issues and summarize the recommended cable constructions for VFD
applications.
EMI
The fast switching speeds of the solid-state (semiconductor) devices used in VFDs increase
the potential for EMI (electromagnetic interference). The drives solid-state electronics
generate RF energy, which can be radiated by the drives inverter-to-motor power cable
and picked up by nearby circuits. This interference can cause malfunctions in sensitive
electronics. As a result, VFD manufacturers usually recommend the use of a shielded
power cable between the drive electronics and the drive motor to contain this RF energy.
Fortunately, adequate shielding can be obtained with existing cable technology using
impervious corrugated aluminum armor as the shield. This type of armor is often called
CCW for continuously corrugated and welded. Other shield types such as copper tape,
copper braid or aluminum/polyester foils can also be used with slightly reduced
effectiveness. The effectiveness of cable shields is typically determined by measuring the
transfer impedance using NEMA test method WC61.
1
A cable shield with a transfer
impedance of less than 100 m/m (milliohms per meter) is generally considered to be a
good shield and one with less than 10 m/m an excellent shield. Impervious
corrugated aluminum armor typically has a transfer impedance in the range of 1 to 10
m/m from DC to 30 MHz, the frequency range of interest for VFD applications. Most
other common shield types provide a transfer impedance in the range of 10 to 100 m/m.
Stray Ground Currents
A second concern is that stray electrical currents in the VFDs grounding system may flow
though the drive motors main bearings. It is well known that the flow of electrical current
through motor bearings in the milliamp range can cause premature bearing failure. Motor
bearing currents can be minimized by using an inverter-to-motor power cable with three
symmetrically positioned grounding conductors in combination with a low impedance
shield. Such a design minimizes the total current that is induced in the grounding system
by current flowing in the phase conductors and, ultimately, the amount of stray current that
flows through the motor bearings.

1
NEMA WC61, Transfer Impedance Testing, National Electrical Manufacturers Association,
www.nema.org
(V-4 continued)
Anixter Inc. 2006
High Voltage Reflections
A third concern is that the high frequencies generated by the VFD, coupled with long cable
runs between the VFD and the drive motor, can result in reflected waves in the cable.
Reflected waves can produce abnormally high voltages in the cable. Peak voltages of up
to 2.5 times the nominal system voltage have been measured on VFD power cables.
Because of these high voltage pulses, the use of 2000 volt rated cables is recommended on
some 600 volt drive systems.
For most VFDs operating at 480 volts or below, the recommended cable rating is 600
volts. However, 575 volt VFDs sometimes require a cable with a higher voltage rating
depending on cable length and drive switching time. To determine the recommended cable
voltage rating for a 575 volt drive system, refer to the graph below to determine if
reflections are possible. (If a reactor or a
low pass filter is used with the drive, the
longer switching time resulting from the use
of this device can be used.) If reflections are
possible, a 2000 V rated cable is
recommended. If not, a 600 V rated cable is
usually adequate. If inverter switching time
or cable length is unknown at the time the
cable is specified, a conservative approach
is to specify a 2000 V rated cable in either
case.
Recommended Cables
The winner of the sweepstakes for best overall cable for VFD applications is a three-
conductor, impervious corrugated aluminum armor (CCW) cable with three symmetrically
positioned grounding conductors as illustrated below. (In small sizes such as 10, 12, and
14 AWG cables, only one
ground wire is required because
the effect of stray ground
currents is small.) Southwires
Armor-X cable with three
grounds is such a cable when
installed with appropriate armor
fittings in accordance with the NEC.
2
Anixters catalog numbers for this and other VFD
cable types are given in Anixters VFD cable brochure #251921.
WDW

2
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org
PVC Jacket
One of Three
Phase Conductors
One of Three
Grounding Conductors
Impervious Corrugated
Aluminum Armor/Shield
400
350
300 300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Reflections Possible
Reflections Not
Possible
0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
Switching Time- Mi croseconds
C
a
b
l
e

R
u
n

L
e
n
g
t
h
-

F
e
e
t

You might also like