VFD replacement help

H

Hammarfest

Joined
Apr 20, 2022
Messages
13
I have the following variable speed grinder: https://www.vevor.com/belt-grinder-...te-chassis-2hp-motor-vfd-combo-p_010825214047

I need to replace the VFD (again!). The last one I got wasn't rated for heavy loads and promptly blew up after a few months. I am not the most well versed on VFD's, so I would really appreciate any help in finding the next one that will hopefully be better.

Here are the specs from the VFD it came with:
1.5kw/2hp
3 phase
220v
7A

I found several on Amazon that seem to meet the specs, but would LOVE to get recommendations on those and any others I am not aware of. Here are the ones I found so far:
https://tinyurl.com/3k4bbu3k
https://tinyurl.com/292usx57
https://tinyurl.com/4tcp7wfu
https://tinyurl.com/2nby2vmh
https://tinyurl.com/bdz7nhcc
https://tinyurl.com/3kawkcmc
https://tinyurl.com/24p9dcrr
 
In my experience, the imported single to three phase VFDs are all more/less the same. The UI might be slightly different for programming parameters, and some may have slightly different programming capabiliies (rs485, modbus, etc...) but for basic speed control of a 3 phase motor, one should be about as good as another in my opinion.

I've always had good luck with the huanyang VFDs. There are cheaper brands out there though, and I've had good luck with those as well.

The main thing you're gonna want to keep in mind is that they're all open frame, and dust will turn them into paper weights in short order. All of my open frame VFDs are in a cabinet of some kind. Probably wouldn't hurt to wrap some filter media around the vents as well. Depending on how warm your shop is, you may need to add some additional cooling fans to any enclosure you decide on.
 
The first VFD you linked to for $40 "looks" like some of the other's I've used over the years. I've got 4 (5?) of the Chinese VFDs in service at this time and they tend to give decent service. Something that is important is to put a filter over the air inlets to help protect from metal grinding dust - that will kill a VFD quickly. That $40 is such a good deal I placed an order for the 2.2KW unit - same price as the 1.5KW and should provide a tad of overhead for the 2hp motor.

I like your tinyurl links, but on Amazon you can use the little "up" arrow in the upper left of the title to provide a short link. Before they added that option I would use amazon.com/dp/"item number" for the link.
 
I like the VFD that have the detachable remote panel. I mount the VFD itself further away where it's protected from dust (behind a big plastic curtain, on the other side of a makeshift wall, around 8' from the grinder itself) and then run the cords to the remote panel at the grinder itself. Helps prevent the VFD from sucking in the metal dust and burning up and I don't need to enclose it fully and worry about it overheating. Plus with the AmeriBrade, if I mounted one on the side, it may interfere with the tilting setup. I superglued the remote panel to a wood block on the side of the grinder. I may do a dangling mount next time so when I tilt the grinder over, it will hang straight down instead of being sideways.

I usually go with a 3HP VFD if using a Chinese VFD to run a 2.2kw, 3HP motor even though I am running a 2 HP motor. I read something a while back about the Chinese VFD being a bit over rated/under built, so I go up to the next size/power. Been using it since Feb 2021 with no issues! I want to get another VFD and 3 phase motor and use it to convert my big bandsaw to variable speed instead of using the Portaband for everything.
 
Drew Riley said:
In my experience, the imported single to three phase VFDs are all more/less the same. The UI might be slightly different for programming parameters, and some may have slightly different programming capabiliies (rs485, modbus, etc...) but for basic speed control of a 3 phase motor, one should be about as good as another in my opinion.

I've always had good luck with the huanyang VFDs. There are cheaper brands out there though, and I've had good luck with those as well.

The main thing you're gonna want to keep in mind is that they're all open frame, and dust will turn them into paper weights in short order. All of my open frame VFDs are in a cabinet of some kind. Probably wouldn't hurt to wrap some filter media around the vents as well. Depending on how warm your shop is, you may need to add some additional cooling fans to any enclosure you decide on.
Click to expand...
 
Drew Riley said:
In my experience, the imported single to three phase VFDs are all more/less the same. The UI might be slightly different for programming parameters, and some may have slightly different programming capabiliies (rs485, modbus, etc...) but for basic speed control of a 3 phase motor, one should be about as good as another in my opinion.

I've always had good luck with the huanyang VFDs. There are cheaper brands out there though, and I've had good luck with those as well.

The main thing you're gonna want to keep in mind is that they're all open frame, and dust will turn them into paper weights in short order. All of my open frame VFDs are in a cabinet of some kind. Probably wouldn't hurt to wrap some filter media around the vents as well. Depending on how warm your shop is, you may need to add some additional cooling fans to any enclosure you decide on.
Click to expand...
I'll definitely put dust protection on the VFD, I wasn't doing that, thank you! :)
 
Taz said:
I like the VFD that have the detachable remote panel. I mount the VFD itself further away where it's protected from dust (behind a big plastic curtain, on the other side of a makeshift wall, around 8' from the grinder itself) and then run the cords to the remote panel at the grinder itself. Helps prevent the VFD from sucking in the metal dust and burning up and I don't need to enclose it fully and worry about it overheating. Plus with the AmeriBrade, if I mounted one on the side, it may interfere with the tilting setup. I superglued the remote panel to a wood block on the side of the grinder. I may do a dangling mount next time so when I tilt the grinder over, it will hang straight down instead of being sideways.

I usually go with a 3HP VFD if using a Chinese VFD to run a 2.2kw, 3HP motor even though I am running a 2 HP motor. I read something a while back about the Chinese VFD being a bit over rated/under built, so I go up to the next size/power. Been using it since Feb 2021 with no issues! I want to get another VFD and 3 phase motor and use it to convert my big bandsaw to variable speed instead of using the Portaband for everything.
Click to expand...
I think I'll try the size up then, much thanks!
 
Taz said:
I like the VFD that have the detachable remote panel. I mount the VFD itself further away where it's protected from dust (behind a big plastic curtain, on the other side of a makeshift wall, around 8' from the grinder itself) and then run the cords to the remote panel at the grinder itself. Helps prevent the VFD from sucking in the metal dust and burning up and I don't need to enclose it fully and worry about it overheating. Plus with the AmeriBrade, if I mounted one on the side, it may interfere with the tilting setup. I superglued the remote panel to a wood block on the side of the grinder. I may do a dangling mount next time so when I tilt the grinder over, it will hang straight down instead of being sideways.

I usually go with a 3HP VFD if using a Chinese VFD to run a 2.2kw, 3HP motor even though I am running a 2 HP motor. I read something a while back about the Chinese VFD being a bit over rated/under built, so I go up to the next size/power. Been using it since Feb 2021 with no issues! I want to get another VFD and 3 phase motor and use it to convert my big bandsaw to variable speed instead of using the Portaband for everything.
Click to expand...
Good suggestions.
Most of the VFDs have detachable control pads, though they may not come with the ribbon cable to reconnect them. I'm pretty sure I had to purchase the couple I have separately.
 
Make sure you get a unit with a SEALED case. Small steel particulates WILL get in and short the board.
I had one EXPLODE on me one time that sounded like a 9mm.
 
Yep, NEMA 12 or 4/4X rated units would be ideal (or IP54/65).
 
100% - dust is a killer of non IP rated electronics in the shop :oops:
 
An alternative is placing the unit in a small plastic box, like a shoe storage box or similar clear storage bin, and putting a small fan in the box to circulate air. Popping the top on and off to turn things on is easy. This works very well if you wire an external RUN-STOP switch to the board. If your unit has the terminals, wiring a 10K potentiometer as a remote speed control is the absolute best. This allows the VFD to be placed far away from the grinder, even in another room, and the control box placed at the grinder.
 
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