Saginaw Control and Engineering's Vented Type 3R Disconnect Enclosures are designed to house electrical controls,  variable frequency drives, instruments and components used in an outdoor environment to provide a degree of protection for the equipment inside the enclosure against the ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt); and provide a degree of protection with respect to the harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow). This design incorporates a rain cap that acts as a solar shield to minimize solar heat gain, rain hood with filters for air intake, and cooling fans exhaust out the top to control internal heat load. The enclosures are designed to house most standard disconnects with three standard sizes available.

Choose your enclosure here and then have our integration department help you put together a complete control panel!  Just email them here!  Or read this blog about how to get an easy quote on NEMA 3R panels.

Marshall Wolf Automation has technical support on staff to help with all of your application questions.  We can also supply everything you need inside of your enclosure.  Call us for relays, circuit breakers, ac drives, etc!  Call us at 800-325-9653!

Do you have an application that requires a NEMA 3R drive panel or a pump panel?

Visit our quote request page and easily choose options from a drop down menu. Submit your request and we will put together a quote for you.

Marshall Wolf Automation offers full systems integration in-house with engineers working with you to design your VFD panel. We are also a large, stocking distributor for all the top brands of variable frequency drives!

This means you get quick delivery from our large inventory of automation components plus you get the deepest discounts because we are authorized for every line on our website.

Fill out the VFD panel quote request and get our competitive quote now!

We also offer a comprehensive selection of enclosures; everything from a small circuit breaker enclosure up to a large pump panel.

All About AC Drives

Variable frequency drives are also known as variable speed drives, VFD's, inverters, adjustable frequency drives, motor controllers, AC drives and microdrives.

Variable frequency drives (VFD's) adjust your motor speed to closely match output requirements, typically resulting in energy savings of 10 to 50 percent.

Variable frequency drives save energy. One way they do this is by reducing motor speed as demand decreases.

Are you looking for a drive to run your three phase motor on single phase power? Our TECO EV/JNEV Series is our most popular single phase input AC drive. This is the ideal drive for hobbyists because it is low cost, readily available from stock and easy to use!

Need a recap of the basics? Read our blog: What Are Variable Frequency Drives Used For And Who Should Use Them

If you require a NEMA 1, general purpose drive then we would recommend our AC Tech Lenze SMVector series. Loaded with features yet still competitive, we can ship from stock today!

Read a great article by Tom Robbins of AC Tech Lenze, "Motor Drive Upgrades Boost Industrial Plant Performance" - discussing the value of upgraded motor controls and variable frequency drives (VFD) over conventional fixed-speed motor drives.

Are you working on an HVAC application?

Marshall Wolf Automation carries a full offering of variable frequency drives tailored for the HVAC market. We also have in-house tech support available to help you choose the best drive.

Do you need your variable frequency AC drive installed in an enclosure? We can do that too! We carry the popular Saginaw line of industrial enclosures and can add other components as well.

You can also take a look at this spreadsheet - we list our popular AC drives as well as the properly sized enclosure to go with it!

Marshall Wolf Automation also specializes in the NEMA 3R market for drive panel enclosures and pump panels.

Take a look at NEMA 3R applications we have already solved!

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Variable Frequency Drives:

Can I use a single phase motor with your variable speed drives?

No. All variable frequency drives work with 3 phase motors only. Single phase drives will operate on single phase power, however, the output is still 3-phase and will require a 3-phase motor.

How do I choose the proper size variable frequency drive (VFD)?

For most applications you want a variable frequency drive that has an output rating that equals or exceeds the nameplate current rating of the motor. If you base your selection on the motor horsepower rating you might get a VFD that is too small. For severe or unique applications please contact our in-house technical department.

How will using a variable frequency drive (VFD) save me money?

If you have an AC motor drive application that does not need to always run at full speed then you can reduce energy costs by controlling the motor with a variable frequency drive. VFD's allow you to match the speed of the motor to the requirements of your process. Basically variable speed drives allow you to consume less energy when your load requirements are less than full speed. Ideal in HVAC applications.

Variable speed drives also gradually ramp the motor up to operating speed which avoids abruptly starting the motor. This will reduce the stress on the motor and extend the life of the driven equipment and motor.

Take a look at Wikipedia's definition for variable frequency

What will a NEMA 3R enclosure protect you against? Falling dirt, rain, sleet and snow are the most popular reasons to go with NEMA 3R.

Generally our customers ask us to fill their NEMA 3R enclosures with variable frequency drives, industrial electric motors, circuit protection, power distribution... basically any electrical components that need to be protected in an outdoor environment.

Even better, our systems integration department is UL 508! 

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for a number of top enclosures lines as well as the products you need to fill them with. Save time and money with us!

We also offer in-house engineering support.

Learn more about our NEMA 3R enclosures now!

MTE line & load reactors help keep your equipment running longer by absorbing many of the power line disturbances which otherwise damage or shut down your inverters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), variable speed controllers, or other sensitive equipment.

HARMONIC COMPENSATION makes MTE reactors suitable for use on either the drive input or drive output. They are designed to carry full rated fundamental current and will also handle current and frequencies associated with harmonics up to 50% over the fundamental. This robust design allows all MTE reactors to be used on the output of variable frequency drives including IGBT types with switching frequencies up to 20kHz. A premium dielectric system is designed to protect the reactor’s coils from the potentially high peak voltages and fast dV/dT which may be experienced when used for motor protection with long leads between inverter and motor.

They are a robust filtering solution for virtually any 6 pulse rectifier or power conversion unit. There is no need to de-rate MTE RL reactors as they are harmonic compensated and IGBT protected to assure optimum performance in the presence of harmonics, and are very effective at reducing harmonics produced by inverters and drives. Standard MTE RL reactors may be applied up to 690 VAC with compatible impedance ratings.

HIGH SATURATION CURRENT RATING of MTE reactors maximizes their surge current protection capability. MTE reactors absorb many of the power line disturbances which cause nuisance trips on voltage source units.

3% impedance reactors are typically sufficient to absorb power line spikes and motor current surges. They will prevent nuisance tripping of drives or circuit breakers in most applications.

5% impedance reactors are best for reducing harmonic currents and frequencies. Use them when you must comply with IEEE 519 to reduce motor operating temperature, or to reduce motor noise.

• Manufactured by MTE
• Increase Drive System Reliability
• Filter Power Line Disturbances
• Reduce Surge Currents
• Extend Transistor Life
• Reduce Motor Noise and Temperature
• Reduce Voltage Doubling Effects
• Improve True Power Factor
• Protect Motors from Long Lead Effects
• Reduce Output Voltage dv/dt
• Virtually Eliminate Nuisance Tripping
• Extend Semiconductor Life
• Reduce Harmonic Distortion
• Helps Meet IEEE 519 or EN 61000-3-4
• 3% impedance reactors are typically sufficient to absorb power line spikes and motor current surges.
• 5% impedance reactors are best for reducing harmonic currents and frequencies

When considering a high performance AC Frequency drive, don't forget to think about adding line and load reactors to help complete your system.  They are available in open chassis, NEMA 1 and NEMA 3R enclosures. Contact www.wolfautomation.com or contact us a 847-658-8130.  Contact us today we can help!

Let's start with the official definition of NEMA 3R (taken from nema.org):

Type 3R  Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow); and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

If you are looking for a NEMA 3R enclosure or drive package, Marshall Wolf Automation can make it easy!

We are authorized industrial automation distributors for Hubbell Wiegmann enclosures, Attabox polycarbonate enclosures and Saginaw enclosures. All of these manufacturers offer NEMA 3R enclosures.

We can take things a step further by filling your NEMA 3R panel with anything you need! Our packages are popular for pump panels and also for center pivot irrigation applications.

Contact us today to learn more about our NEMA 3R enclosure solutions!

Chris in our technical department recently made this an easy question to answer!

This spreadsheet shows you the variable frequency drive part number and then gives you the properly sized enclosure! Chris also includes sub panels, keypads and cables as well.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for all the top brands of variable speed drives as well as a wide range of industrial enclosures including NEMA 3R, polycarbonate and more.

Search all of our high performance AC drives and enclosures now!

NEMA 3R enclosures are designed for indoor or outdoor use and provide protection to personnel against accessing hazardous parts. NEMA 3R enclosures also protect the equipment inside against water (rain, sleet, snow, ice) and foreign objects (think falling dirt).

For outdoor variable frequency drive applications you probably see white powder-coated paint specified for the enclosure. This is because the white color helps reflect the sunlight and keep the interior temperature lower. In addition, the powder coated paint protects the steel from rust and other elements.

Another common element of a NEMA 3R enclosure is a fan with filter. Basically the fan pulls in outside exhausts internal and exhausts internal air to keep the internal enclosure temperature close to ambient. To keep out rodents and small animals in colder climates you might also have a steel guard or louver to to cover the fan and vent openings.

The bottom of the enclosure often will include a crimped edge, used as a drip end, which forces moisture to fall of the enclosure. This avoids pooling of moisture and getting drawn up by the fans.

If flooding and standing water are issues you can also wall-mount NEMA 3R enclosures. Mounting feet are common for remote applications or in large VFD applications.

The advantages of NEMA 3R enclosures over NEMA 4X include a relatively low cost option for outdoor requirements, simpler installation and lower operation and maintenance costs (fans are cheaper to service and replace than air conditioners!).

To be fair, the disadvantages of NEMA 3R enclosures compared to NEMA 4X is there is no protection against corrosive environment and they cannot protect against water spray in washdown environments.

Popular applications for NEMA 3R enclosures are rooftop air-handling units and exhaust fans, irrigation pumps and water/wastewater pumps.

Marshall Wolf Automation offers a full line of NEMA 3R enclosures as well as every other type of enclosure imaginable! We are authorized industrial automation distributors for Wiegmann, Saginaw, Altech, Iboco and Attabox.

Search all of our enclosures now!

Of course, we all sell everything that goes IN the enclosure as well. Packages are also available!

The Saginaw Control and Engineering Enviroline two door panel is the economic alternative in the panel market.  It is designed to house electrical and electronic controls, instrumentation and components in indoor & outdoor locations. This particular line is has a size range from 60" height x 48" width and 12" depth up to 72" height x 72" width and 24" depth.  For outdoor applications a drip shield is recommended and with the available accessories, such as; thermal management options; thermostats, hygrostats, breather, drain vents, louver kits, filters, fan packages, heaters, grounding straps, door stops, folding shelves, light fixtures, casters, leveling pads, etc....

• Manufactured by Saginaw Enclosures
• 0.125” carbon steel.
• Seams continuously welded and ground smooth.
• Flange trough collar around all sides of door opening.
• Removable centerpost.
• Heavy duty lifting eyes anchored into reinforced top.
• Body stiffeners.
• Concealed hinges.
• Black key locking padlocking handles.
• 3-point latching mechanism.
• Removable print pocket provided on main door.
• 12” removable floor stands.
• Panel supports.
• Provisions for mechanical interlock.
• Oil and water resistant gasket.
• Ground stud on door and body.
• ANSI-61 gray powder coating inside and out. Optional panels are powder coated white.
• NEMA Type 3R, 12 & Type 13.
• UL Listed Type 3R, 4 & 12.
• CSA Type 3R, 4 & 12.
• IEC 60529 IP66.

When in looking for large two door cabinet, consider the enviroline series from Saginaw Control and Engineering, value and quality all wrapped up under the SCE brand.  Click here for more information!

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation for your cabinet needs as Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial supply distributor for Saginaw Control and Engineering.  See us on the web at www.wolfautomation.com, or email us at sales@wolfautomation.com or call us at 847-658-8130.  Contact Wolf Automation today, we can help!

Saginaw Control and Engineering's Vented Type 3R Enclosures are designed to house electrical controls, drives, instruments and components used in an outdoor environment to provide a degree of protection for the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (falling dirt); and provide a degree of protection with respect to the harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow). This design incorporates a rain cap that acts as a solar shield to minimize solar heat gain, rain hood with filters for air intake, and cooling fans exhaust out the top to control internal heat load, with six standard sizes available.

Whether you are looking for standard sizing or custom boxes, look to us for all of your enclosure needs.  Wondering where to get the items that go into your box?  We can take care of that too!

Marshall Wolf Automation can also offer you a NEMA 3R drive package as well.  Just email sales@wolfautomation.com for more information!