NEED ADVICE ON VFD

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Feb 17, 2016
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I have my 9 inch disc grinder build almost finished except I need a vfd and have no idea what to buy. I have a Baldor DC 3 phase, 1 hp, 230 volt, 3.1 amp super E motor and need a drive for this sucker. I already have the disc attached and would much appreciate your help selecting the proper vfd.
 
First off - it is either DC or 3Ph … it can't be both. ( I wasn't aware they made a 1HP Super-E. Most are 20-500HP)
With the 3.1 amp rating, I am guessing it is 3 phase. You would want a drive like the KBAC-27

The best answer to your question is to call KB Electronics or Automation Direct and read the motor plate info to them. They will sell you the right drive. They are also super good at tech support and customer service.


https://www.kb-controls.co/?utm_sou...ols.co&rl_track_landing_pages=1&rl_retarget=1

https://www.automationdirect.com/ad...2f302f7d181e9d3fb06bc5c7af0c19#bodycontentppc
 
If you don't ever plan to run more than a 1hp motor with the VFD, a Kbac-24d will be a little cheaper than the 27. If you think you'll drive multiple machines, or may want to use it on a larger motor in the future, I agree with using the kbac-27d. You can always drive a smaller motor on a larger capacity VFD, but you can't drive a larger motor on a smaller VFD.

FYI, there are cheaper options than the kbac series, but some of them may require 220vac, and normally they're not rated for dust/water tightness like the kbac drives are, so there's risk of shorting out the internals if you let the dust build up, or if you don't build your own enclosure.

The main thing you want to look for is that it's a single phase in, 3 phase out VFD, and that it's rated for AT LEAST 1 HP. (You can make a 3phase in/ 3phase out VFD work, but that's another can o' worms).

One more thing: If you go with a KBAC drive, you'll want to get water/dust proof glands for the cable connections if you're interested in keeping the NEMA rating. Another option is to just pump a little silicone around a regular connector, though it's not as tidy looking. ;)
 
I called automation direct on my motor, got the vfd, cable glands and correct wire in a kit. Simplified it all for me.
 
If you decide to go the inexpensive route and build your own enclosure, feel free to email or message me and I can show you how I did mine. It’s been going strong for 4 years.
 
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