I received a call the other day regarding a customer setting up his newly purchased TECO Westinghouse brand of a high performance AC drive. As he was finishing wiring from the motor back to the output side of the drive and had a question in his mind.
He asked if it was important to wire his ground wire back to the drive because he already had a ground from the motor to his machine frame. 
My answer is grounding is one of your variable frequency drives best friends.
In addition, a grounding conductor must be brought back from the motor to the VFD's internal grounding terminal. This direct motor ground to the VFD is required to minimize interference and for the ground-fault protection function of the drive to operate properly.
In other words, please don't take the short cut route and just ground from the motor to a panel but to the PE terminal on the output side of the the drive.
While we are discussing grounding, a couple of other quick points to remember:
1) If your application has the motor operating at reduced speeds it will also have reduced cooling; as a result, it may fail due to thermal breakdown of the motor windings insulation. Thus, the optimum protection for a motor is thermal sensing of the motor windings. This sensing is then interlocked with the VFD's control circuit. This is highly recommended for any motor that is to be operated for extended periods of time at low speeds, just a little tip to help obtain maximum life of the motor.
2) Altitude affects the heat dissipation capability of the heat sink and units in locations at 3300 ft (1000 m) above sea level must be derated. A common rule of thumb is a 2% derating for every 1000 ft above the 3300 ft altitude level.
When you need a high performance AC drive, consider Wolf Automation as your Industrial Supply Distributor for AC Freqency drives, we carry 9 different brands of drives to assist in all your application needs. Contact us at 800-325-9653 or check us out at www.wolfautomation.com contact us we can help!
'My Automation Education' continues with variable-frequency drives. These are pretty important parts of an automated system. They are what allows an automated process to be paced and not running wide-open all day.
A variable-frequency drive (VFD) is a system for controlling the speed of a rotational or linear alternating current (AC) electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. Variable-frequency drives are used in a wide number of applications to control pumps, fans, hoists, conveyors, and other machinery.
I like to think of motors as the brawn in an automated system, and a drive as the brains. Let's try exploring this analogy a little further:
Pretend you are a farmer in the 1800s trying to plow your new plot in the beautiful heartland. You have to plow your entire field in one day. Your oxen will pull with all their might and have little direction or control, leaving you with a pretty worthless field because it will be crooked, uneven and probably just torn up. Without you - the drive - to regulate their effort and direction, the task is a failure.
Another analogy for a VFD would be the tortoise and the hare. Without a VFD the motor is going to be the hare and run itself at full power until it just has no more to give. A variable-frequency drive allows a motor to be both tortoise and hare, slow and consistent production with the ability for bursts if needed.
Marshall Wolf Automation, your number one industrial automation distributor, carries a wide variety of VFDs to meet any need you may have. We offer AC Tech Lenze and TECO Westinghouse drives, plus many more. If you want to rein in your oxen or turn your hare into a distance runner check out our website.
Rugged and Versatile! No, unfortunately not me. But what is rugged and versatile is the EQ5 drive from Teco.
Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized Teco Westinghouse distributor.
Some typical applications for using the Teco EQ5 are:
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Crushers, Grinders
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Compressors
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Water and Wastewater
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Warehouse Automation
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Mixers
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Winders
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Material Handling
Some Features and Benefits of the Teco EQ5 drive are:
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Models are dual rated for constant or variable torque operation
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Reduced motor instability at low speed
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On-line tuning system
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Global Products and Communication
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Intelligent Keypad Panel
Please view more information on the Teco EQ5 drive on our website at www.wolfautomation.com.
Please email your requests to sales@wolfautomation.com.
A popular call I get is from customers that are using lathes. Many are hobbyists and are not that familiar with
variable freuquency drive technology. I can help!
Just give me the information on your motor and what you are trying to accomplish and I can help you find the best
single phase VFD or high performance AC drive for your application. Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for all of the top brands.
Question:
Hoping you can help me. I'm building a lathe for turning bowls.
The motor I am wanting to use is single phase, 120 volt in the 1 to 3HP range. Looking for a VFD to control speed. I was wondering if this model from your catalog would work for my needs. Compact Micro AC Drive 1/4 to 3hp, Single or 3 phase ,TECO EV/JNEV Series. I have never dealt with anything like this so I apologize if I didn't leave enough information.
Thank you for your time and I hope to order from you very soon.
Answer:
You have given me just about everything I would need. I will need to get more information on your current motor to point out the best way to control the existing motor.
I need to verify whether you have a capacitor start motor or not. A capacitor start motor is not built to handle variable voltage control. Variable voltage control is the only way to control the speed on a single phase motor. Once I know the motor type I can help you take the next step.
So you know a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) is used to control three phase motors only. We can take 115 volt ( up to 1.5 hp) and 230 or 460 volt single phase input into a three phase drive and run a three phase motor. The drive will be derated by 50%.
Response:
Scott,
I guess I knew even less than I thought about this stuff. Could you suggest from your inventory a match of motor and controller that would work for my purpose? I am set up in my shop for 120 and 220 volt single phase. I would like to be around 1 hp on the motor.
Lenze AC Tech has announced a price increase effective May 1, 2012.
This means it is time to stock up at current price levels! Shop all AC Tech Lenze drives now.
The good news is the popular AC Tech SMVector series is not affected by the price increase.
Marshall Wolf Automation is the only source you need for variable frequency drives! We are authorized stocking distributors for all the big names - AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, Fuji Electric, TECO Westinghouse, Delta and more.
Does your application require NEMA 3R enclosures?
NEMA 3R enclosures are commonly required in outdoor applications including center pivot irrigation systems.
Not only can Marshall Wolf Automation supply you with a great price on a Saginaw enclosure, we can fill the panel for you as well!
Our system integration team can work with you to design an enclosed drive panel/pump panel specifically for your requirements.
We are authorized industrial automation distributors for the top brands of variable frequency drives including AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, Fuji Electric, TECO-Westinghouse and Delta.
Learn more about our NEMA 3R enclosures and enclosed drive panels now!
What does NEMA 3R mean?
NEMA 3R electrical enclosures are typically used in outdoor applications for wiring and junction boxes. This style of weatherproof enclosure provides protection against falling rain, sleet, snow, and external ice formation. Indoors they protect against dripping water.
I recently had a customer contact me saying his lathe started dancing around the shop... I sincerely hope you haven't had a similar experience but I thought I would share his story.
Answer:
I would suggest going with 230 volt single phase. You can use the Hitachi variable frequency drive X200-007NFU2 1 hp 230 volt single phase in 230 volt three phase out $160.48 (stock at Hitachi).
OPE-SRMINI $62.85 is the remote key pad offering for this unit. This is a cabled unit so you still have some distance restraints. The cables that are offered are the ICS-1A (1 meter cable) $53.57 or ICS-3A (3 meter cable) $57.15.
Question:
I own an old delta rockwell lathe. It is currently powered by a 1/3 hp swamp cooler motor, needless to say it's not enough. Life being life, I acquired a 220v/3phase 1hp 3.6 amp motor. My hopes would be to create a very powerful machine with both variable speed and reverse capabilities. I do have both 110v or 220v single phase available in my shop.
I know enough about electronics to be dangerous so I thought I should see if the compact Micro ac drive TECO EV/JNEV is what I need. Couple of questions. Housing looks over the top. I also have a Jet lathe that is powered similarly, it has no fancy enclosure and would it be possible to install the remote I described below on it also?
How hard would it be to set up a wired remote I could move around the machine to control the basic functions such as emergency stop, speed control, and reverse.
Just the other day I made a big mistake and a lathe started dancing around the shop, the only way to turn it off safely was to reach the switch with a stick!!!! Very SCARY!!!!! Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Anthony Prough
Marshall Wolf Automation not only has a large inventory of high performance AC drives ready for same day shipping, we also have an in-house technical department to help you figure out which drive would be best for you.
We are authorized industrial automation distributors for AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi, TECO Westinghouse, Fuji Electric and Delta, among others.
View all of our variable frequency drives now!
Is it really an age old question? Well no, but it is a legitimate question.
First, let's define the application. What type of motor are we controlling, HP, voltage, etc?
Is it a motor load that is frequently changing speeds or is it a desire to effectively minimize in-rush current, while controlling the ramp speed of the motor finally setting full rpm?
Well, if we are wanting to change speeds of an AC 3 phase industrial electric motor, then we have high performance AC drives from 8 different manufacturers to review; AC Tech LENZE, Delta Automation, Gefran, Fuji, Hitachi, TECO Westinghouse, U.S. Drives and WEG drives.
If we are trying to control an exhaust fan or process blower to obtain its required peak RPM, we would want to look at a 'soft start' motor starter, like the WEG unit shown to the right.
We have what you need to control your motors, call us today and we can help guide you to control bliss!
Call Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor, at 800-325-9653 or visit us online - www.wolfautomation.com.
How would you like a outdoor pump panel using a High Performance AC Drive pre-engineered ship to you ready to install?
Call Marshall Wolf Automation, we can help. When you need a pump panel for your irrigation pump, booster pump or even portable booster pump, we can be your one stop solution.
The system is comprised of a outdoor rated NEMA 3R style vented panel with fans, CFM's are dependent upon cabinet size.
We then work with you to select the appropriate High Performance AC Drive, we have 8 different lines to select from for the application, such as; AC Tech Lenze, Delta Industrial Automation, Fuji Electric AC Drive, Gefran, Hitachi Drive, TECO Westinghouse, U.S. Drives and WEG. Inclusive are thermostatically controlled fan(s) and a control transformer.
Dependent upon your needs we can add appropriately sized disconnect switch, line or load reactors and winter heater kits. These pre-engineered panels come ready to install! We can also offer additional options: 3 contactor by pass option, HOA option among many others. Call us today to discuss a Variable Frequency AC drive panel for your Industrial Electric Motors!
Marshall Wolf Automation can help!
SPRING into Marshall Wolf Automation for all of your industrial automation equipment!
Marshall Wolf Automation is your full-line industrial automation distributor.
Consolidate your purchases of variable frequency drives, motors, gearboxes, light towers, and sensors.
Marashall Wolf Automation is an authorized distributor for nationally known manufacturers such as AC Tech Lenze, Teco, Bonfiglioli, Pepperl & Fuchs, Leuze, Carlo Gavazzi, just to name a few.
Please visit our website at www.wolfautomation.com and view a sampling of our huge product selection.
Marshall Wolf Automation welcomes your business. We offer outstandiing customer service and very competitive pricing.
Please send your inquiries to sales@wolfautomation.com.
Do you need a NEMA 3R enclosure?
Take a look at our Saginaw NEMA 3R enclosures.
These NEMA 3R electrical enclosures can be used for indoor or outdoor applications and provide a degree of protection against access to hazardous parts.
These vented NEMA 3R enclosures protect the equipment inside from solid objects (i.e. falling dirt) and also against water (rain, sleet and snow). They will also be undamaged by ice on the outside of the enclosure.
Obviously, if you need a NEMA 3R electrical enclosure you will also need to put something inside of it! Marshall Wolf Automation can help with that too.
Would you be interested in a NEMA 3R indoor/outdoor drive panel? Talk to one of our engineers today about a custom solution.
We have extensive experience with center pivot irrigation applications, pumps, material handling and many other NEMA 3R situations.
Marshall Wolf Automation is also an industrial automation distributor for all the big names in variable frequency drives including AC Tech Lenze, Fuji Electric, Hitachi, TECO Westinghouse and Delta.
Our TECO N3 series of high performance AC drives now have BACnet Protocol as standard!
You will find this is a significant cost improvement compared to other methods of communication such as Gateway modules or 3rd party communication cards.
BACnet can be selected via parameter configuration and with an optional SF-485 connector module the N3 drive will communicate on a BACnet network.
BACnet is a communications protocol that is popular with building management systems including HVAC, energy management, lighting and fire prevention control.
You can learn more about the TECO Westinghouse drives with BACnet now - look under resources for the press release!
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of TEC variable frequency drives, industrial electric motors and soft starters.
Search all of our TEC Westinghouse products now!
Now is the time to take a look at the feature-rich TECO EQ5 series!We have deeply discounted this series to help our customers take a look and try out this series. Special pricing is valid through March 31, 2012.
This
high performance AC drive line is available from 1/4 hp to 800 hp. Other features include:
- Dynamic torque-vector control
- Reduced motor instability at low speed
- New on-line tuning system
- Environment-friendly features
- Advanced functions
- Global communication
- Intelligent keypad
- Advanced programming and monitoring via TECO-Link Software
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of TECO Westinghouse drives.
Search all of our variable speed AC drives now!
The TECO N3 series now has BACnet Communications included as a standard feature.
BACnet can be selected via parameter configuration. Then, with optional SIF-485 connector module, the
TECO N3 drive will communicate on a BACnet network.
This gives you an excellent solution compared to other available methods of communications, including Gateway modules or 3rd party communication cards.
Gateways have typically been separate cards or mounted devices that are 'translators' from another protocol (Modbus for example) to BACnet. The
TECO N3 model can eliminate this added step.
What is BACnet? It is a communication protocol that experienced significant growth in the past few years. BACnet is designed for Building Management Systems which include HVAC but includes other applications as well. These include energy management solutions, lighting, fire prevention and security access.
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of TECO Westinghouse high performance AC drives, industrial electric motors and much more.
Search all of our TECO products now!
Marshall Wolf Automation is the place to go for single phase variable frequency drives!
We are authorized stocking distributors for all the top names including AC Tech Lenze, Hitachi VFD"s, Delta, Fuji Electric and TECO Westinghouse drives.
The use of speed control with single-phase induction motors is popular because it not only provides variable speed but also reduces energy consumption and noise.
As you have probably already realized 3 phase input/output AC drives are easy to come by...
single phase input/3 phase output can be a little bit more difficult.
If you would like to speak to engineer about your single phase VFD application just give us a call at 800-325-9653 or shoot us an email - sales@wolfautomation.com.
Take a look at our single phase VFD offering now!
View our most popular single phase input variable frequency drive now -
the Teco EV!
The
EQ5 is a multiple purpose AC drive from Teco Westinghouse. The EQ5 can be used in a large
variety of applications such as crushers, grinders, water and wastewater, material handling, winders, and mixers, just to name a few.
Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized
Teco Westinghouse distributor.
Some features of the EQ5 are:
Dynamic torque-vector control
New On-line tuning system
Environment-friendly features
Global products and communication
Intelligent keypad panel
Please visit our website at
www.wolfautomation.com and view our large selection of industrial automation equipment. Please contact us and we will be glad to assist you with your Teco drive or motor selection.
A What!?!
Industrial equipment such as drills, sanders, and tools are purchased for Christmas presents. Why
not consider industrial automation equipment?
Marshall Wolf Automation can be your industrial automation Christmas store. Visit our website at
www.wolfautomation.com and view the many ideas we have for possible gifts. How about a variable frequency drive from AC Tech Lenze or Teco Westinghouse? Maybe consider a gearbox from Bonfiglioli USA or Motovario. We also have a variety of sensors and industrial light towers to offer. We also offer a variety of tools from
Ideal Industries. Light bars to help illuminate a work space are available from Patlite.
Let Marshall Wolf Automation offer a unique gift this season. Please contact our inside sales staff
sales@wolfautomation.com and we will be glad to assist with your selection.
Do you have trouble decking the halls and filling the stockings at this time of year? This is how I see my perfect holiday:
I'll be looking for motorcycle-themed events and fun to get me through to riding season again! I can't help you with decorating your halls but I can help you with filling your stockings - at least the ones at work. Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized distributor for the lines we carry: Schmersal, Simpson, Weg Motors, Teco Drives, cup anemometers from Carlo Gavazzi, din rail power supplies from many different manufacturers offering you choices in pricing and styles.
If you don't see it on our website, just ask! We are here to help, just like Santa's elves. Although I still don't foresee any new chrome in my stocking! We have technical help on staff and if we don't know the answer, we'll find it for you.
We can help you with everything you need from A (AC Tech Drives) to Z (Zytron Temperature Products) and everything in between. Call us today at 800-325-9653!
Soft start your motor with a
Weg soft starter from Marshall Wolf Automation.
Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized Weg
distributor.
Soft starters are static starting switches, designed for the acceleration, deceleration and protection of the three phase, electric induction motor through the control of the voltage applied to the motor.
Some features of the Weg series of soft starts are:
- Strong reduction of mechanical stresses during the start
- Eliminates mechanical shock
- Built-in electronic thermal relay
- Avoids the "Water Hammer" in pumps
Soft starters can be used in a huge variety of applications such as chemical, beverages, plastic and rubber, pulp and paper, and textile, just to name a few.
Marshall Wolf Automation is your choice for Weg soft starts, motors and drives. Consolidate your purchases and visit our website at
www.wolfautomation.com and see the huge variety of industrial automation products we offer such as gearboxes, power supplies, sensors, and brakes.
Marshall Wolf Automation represents Euchner, Leuze Electronics, Pepperl & Fuchs, and Teco Westinghouse, to name a few. Please browse our website and shop away!
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