The Variable-frequency AC motor drive output cables are subject to harsh operating environments characterised by high voltage spikes, high noise levels and adverse environmental conditions.
Typical cabling solutions for this application have been unshielded tray cables, single-conductor lead wire installed in conduit or continuously-welded armoured cable. These solutions suffer from complex, costly installation and potential reliability problems.
Belden’s Variable-frequency Drive (VFD) cables were designed and engineered to overcome these challenges.
The VFD cables carry power from AC drive systems to AC motors. As a result, these cables must handle not only the overall high power levels of the pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals but also high voltage which can occur when standing waves develop on the conductors.
This high voltage can cause corona discharges to occur between the conductors of conventional cables, causing damage not only to the cabling itself but also to the motors, bearings, drives and related equipment. In turn, this damage can cause failure of the entire drive system, resulting in costly production downtime.
In addition to experiencing failures due to corona discharge and adverse environmental conditions, conventional VFD cabling is difficult and expensive to install.
Armoured cable and lead wire in conduit are cumbersome and require large installation bending radii, making installation both time consuming and labour intensive. Yet they still do not solve noise and corona discharge problems, nor do they effectively address the high levels of noise generated by VFDs.
VFD cables – features and benefits
Belden’s VFD cables series of 1000V UL flexible motor supply cables in gauge sizes from 16-4/0 provide the robust construction required to deliver better electrical performance and reliability, even in demanding industrial environments.
Belden’s heavy, industrial grade XLPE insulation provides the following:
- More stable electrical performance than PVC
- Lower capacitance, resulting in Longer cable runs, reduced peak motor terminal voltage for extended motor life, reduced likelihood of corona discharge, reduced magnitude of standing waves and increased efficiency of power transfer
Belden’s high-stand tinned copper circuit conductors:
- Are more flexible for ease of installation
- Provide better vibration resistance
- Are numbered for ease of identification
Belden’s industrial-grade PVC jacket is:
- Oil resistant
- Sunlight resistant
Certified to numerous safety standards (ratings vary by construction)
- MSHA
- 1000V UL Flexible Motor Supply
- 600V UL 1277 Type TC-ER
- CSA AWM I/II A/B FT4
- 900C Wet/Dry
- Class I & II; Division 2 Hazardous Locations
- UL 1685 Vertical Tray Flame Test
- IEEE 1202/383 Vertical Tray Flame Test at 70,000 BTU/hour
- UL Direct Burial
- RoHS Compliant
- CE Approved
Belden’s VFD cables are available in various standard lengths. Armoured versions are also available. They are tested and approved for use by Rockwell Automation for the following AC drives: PowerFlex Series, Series 1305, Series 1336 Plus and Plus II, Series 1336 Impact and Series 1336 Force Field-Oriented Control.
VFD cable is also appropriate for drives manufactured by AA Electric, ABB, Baldor, Cutler-Hammer, Emerson Process Management, Fivestar Electric Motors, General Electric, Hitachi, Magnetek, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Motion Industries, Quality Drive Systems, Robicon, Siemens, Square D, Toshiba and TB Woods.