Advice For Better VFD Maintenance

Advice For Better VFD Maintenance
6 min read
17 February 2023

Do you have any knowledge with VFD (variable frequency drives) maintenance? Although it's simpler than you may imagine, you shouldn't take it for granted. You can ensure that your drives operate faultlessly for many years by incorporating a few straightforward, logical steps into your preventive maintenance (PM) programme. The same safety and equipment considerations that are used with computers and power supplies also apply to a VFD because

Do you know how to stay on top of variable frequency drives (VFDs)? Although it's easier than you might think, you shouldn't undervalue it. Your preventive maintenance (PM) programme can be made to ensure that your drives provide free assistance in severe, prolonged conditions by integrating a few straightforward, legal steps.



Due to its proximity to both PCs and power sources, a VFD requires the same security precautions and hardware requirements as those for both devices: Keep it clean, keep it dry, and keep the connections tight.

  • Keep it tidy.

Most VFDs belong to the NEMA 1 or NEMA 12 classes, which are fixed, dust-tight nooks or side vents for cooling wind streams, respectively. NEMA 1 side vents expose VFDs to clean pollution, which can limit wind current and hinder the performance of heat sinks and moving fans.

By holding onto moisture, dust on an electrical device might lead to malfunction or even disappointment. In some circumstances, releasing compressed air into the VFD is a viable option, but typical plant air retains water and grease. Without oil, dry air necessitates a specialized, expensive air supply and even runs the risk of generating static charges. Static development will be reduced by a nonstatic producing splash or a reverse working ESD vacuum. Normal plastics are the main sources of electricity produced by friction.

  • Dry it off.

This VFD was initially installed as a divider in a pristine, dry area of a mechanical room. However, problems started when maintenance staff installed a dehumidifier in a room above the VFD. Sadly, the VFD was a walled-in area NEMA 1 type (side vents and no seal around the cover). The dehumidifier's drips flowed into the drive. The VFD spilled enough water in a half year to destroy the circuit board.




Today, VFDs sporadically provide additional security. The average dazzling intensity from the intensity sink should prevent buildup if you operate the VFD continuously throughout the day. If you decide to position the unit where accumulation is likely, use a NEMA 12 niche and a thermostatically controlled space radiator, unless the unit is operating continuously.

  • Maintain close links.

Although it may seem obvious at first glance, many people overlook or incorrectly complete the step of checking associations. This is true even in clean environments. Inadequate associations can result from heating and cooling cycles, mechanical vibration, and common PM procedures. Retorquing screws and expensive repairs can also ruin relationships.

Finally, awful associations result in arcing. Arcing at the VFD information could result in disturbance overvoltage problems, escaping from input wires, or damage to protective components. Arcing at the VFD result may be blamed for overcurrent or potentially cause damage to the power components.

Free control wiring associations may result in erroneous behavior. For instance, a loose speed reference wire can cause the drive speed to fluctuate, which could lead to damage to the object or the machine or even injury.Contact for VFD Repair, PLC Repair, PCB repair, etc.

Additional Maintenance Advice for VFDs

A good PM programme is complemented by the support requirements listed below.

1.Don't ignore internal VFD components when doing a mechanical inspection. Look closely at moving fans for any signs of carrying disappointment or strange objects.

2.Check DC transport capacitors for spillage and protrusion, which may be signs of electrical abuse or part strain.

3.Measure the voltage when the VFD is running. Deterioration of DC transport capacitors can be shown by variations in DC transport voltage calculations. The capacitor bank has the ability to function as a channel section (streamlining any AC swell voltage on the transport). Unusual AC voltage on the DC transmission indicates a possible capacitor failure. Estimates above 4 VAC may indicate a problem with the diode span converter segment or a problem with the capacitor filtering (in front of the transport). If you have such voltage levels, consult the manufacturer before taking any further action.

You should check for a stage-to-stage yield voltage of no more than 40 VAC with the VFD in START and at zero speed. Higher voltages might reveal leakage in a semiconductor. The power components should not be operating at zero speed. Readings of 60 VAC or higher may indicate power part dissatisfaction.

4.Spare VFDs should be kept in a clean, dry environment. Put this unit in your PM framework so you'll know to keep it running smoothly to maintain the DC transport capacitors' maximum operational capacity. If not, they will fundamentally be less capable of charging.

  1. screen heatsink temps that remain constant. Most VFD manufacturers simplify this task by keeping in mind an instant temperature readout for the keypad or screen. Find this readout and give it a thorough week by week or month by month examination.

6.You wouldn't leave your computer outside, on top of a building, or in the sun. A similar thinking is required for a VFD. Some manufacturers promise that their VFDs provide 200,000 hours, or approximately 23 years, between failures (MTBF). If you use these simple tactics, getting such outstanding execution would not be difficult.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up