Choosing the Right VFD Cable Can Protect Your Motor

When we are using VFDs, choosing the right VFD cable is often overlooked, this factor will ultimately affect the life of your motor. Think of the VFD cable now as your insurance policy for your variable speed motor.

Protect your motor

Variable speed motors are ubiquitous and play a pivotal role in all walks of life. Engineers and operators have invested in AC drive systems without realizing the importance of using the proper cables, and thus can cause actual damage to equipment and injury to personnel.

Signs that you're using the wrong cable

If you see pitting or rolling out of the variable speed motor bearings, you are not using the correct VFD cable. Excessive expulsion can cause motor damage due to vibrating shafts. In extreme cases, the motor can even bounce off the mounting bracket. Using the correct VFD cable can solve these problems.

When the wrong VFD cable is used, a faulty cable can cause damage to the motor. The drive system generates voltage spikes and stray currents. Without proper shielding and grounding these currents will find their own path to ground. This is usually at the motor and is noticeable when inspecting the bearings for erosion and blowout. Electric sparks are attacking the bearings of the variable speed motor, causing significant damage. Stray currents can also find their way to ground on the drive. This is a very expensive alternative. Stray currents can even cause shock hazards and cause personal injury.

All of these scenarios can result in financial loss from product replacement, unplanned downtime, and personal injury. These risks are mitigated when investing in proper Variable Frequency Drive cabling and following proper grounding protocols. Knowing that these risks can be mitigated, operations can continue with peace of mind, knowing that your variable speed motor is protected.