VFD vs. static converter

mmcmdl

mmcmdl

H-M Supporter - Diamond Member
Staff member
H-M Lifetime Diamond Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2016
Messages
11,413
I need 3 of either or . I don't mind spending the money but want the real thing without the BS on Ebay . Checked on MSCs site and they are pretty expensive but could buy with no worries . The sites on fleabay bother me . Has anyone had a good experience on the VFDs off the Bay ? If so , who was the seller ? TIA !
 
What size motors do you want to run? If you are willing to go the static route, then you don't mind not having the bells and whistles of a vfd. If you won't miss the bells and whistles of a vfd, how about a single RPC to run everything? At least with an RPC your equipment would run at the rated HP, unlike with a static.
 
I've bought a large number of units from automation direct. Quality product, great service. Recently, I needed a 10 Hp unit. An HY on Amazon was so much cheaper I went that way. The VFD worked fine, the manual could be better.

VFDs have become so good and inexpensive that I am using them everywhere.
 
Bridgeport , Brown and Sharp SG and a 12" Clausing lathe . In my younger days I ran a RPC in the shop . Most likely the machines will not be run simultaneously and will be used sparingly . :)
 
I’ve bought three teco l510 vfd’s from 1-3 hp from a place in New Jersey I believe off eBay. Really quick shipping, all were under 200each. Teco manuals are in English and I have been told they are one of the best manuals out there. On my first one I needed to call service and it was an American man that new every aspect of the install and got me through my programming in minutes. I’ve had for 3yrs not a glitch.
 
It all depends on the machine and size type of the VFD. They are also totally different animals, and with a VFD there can be significant install costs that in some cases far exceed the cost of the VFD. Most people with multiple 3 phase machine opt. for a RPC vs. static converter's, with static converters you are giving up around 1/2 the motor's rated output. Might be OK for a mill, but not a lathe. If going with VFD's they are practical (cost wise) for motors up to 3-5 Hp, after that the cost can go up significantly and there are a lot other factors required in the build. A VFD needs to be directly connected to the motor and almost in all cases requires extensive rewiring of the machine.

As far as brands/vendors, the two most common brands used by forum members would be the Teco (L510, E510, F510), and Hitachi (WV200). I have installed a few Yaskawa VFD's, they makes excellent VFDs but a bit more costly and complex programming. Automation Direct VFD's, the models people used in the past have some programming limitations and are a bit dated, the newer models are much more expensive. They are rebranded versions of currently available models, they do have very good manuals and tech. support. As far as dealers, there are three that I have purchased from in the past, and have been around for years and have similar pricing. I also would be hesitant to buy new old stock from eBay, as the capacitors will/do fail if the VFD has been sitting on the shelf for a few years.
https://www.driveswarehouse.com/ac-drives (Hitachi, Invertek)
https://dealerselectric.com/ (Teco, WEG, Danfoss)
https://motorsandcontrol.com/ (ABB, KB and Yaskawa VFDs)
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/drives/ac_variable_frequency_drives_(vfd) (DURApulse, WEG)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top