Difference Between Construction-Grade & High-Performance VFD Cables
VFD stands for Variable Frequency Drives — the drives are used for motor control. Since the speed of the motors can change, the equipment needs to match the motor's speed, and the drives are responsible for adjusting the speed. Speed matching and hence, the use of VFD provides lots of benefits, like energy-saving and prolonged motor life.
Since there are different types of VFD cables, it's crucial to select the right one. When the wrong type of VFD wiring is used, voltage waves will circle back to the conductor. Because these are 2.5 times higher than the nominal voltage, long-term cable damage and motor failures can occur, leading to a breakdown of the machine.
Construction grade VFD
Construction grade VFD wires comply with only some of the UL and CSA Tray Cable standards. These are considered to have the type of stranding that is usually used in building wires, which makes them less suitable for VFD applications.
Considering the specifications of a construction-grade VFD cable, these have PVC or nylon insulation and a tape shield made of copper. The stranding in construction-grade wiring is made of bare copper and is Class B stranding.
High-performance VFD
High-performance VFD wires comply with more industry standards and are recommended for environments that are sensitive to noises. These are a better solution for demanding environments because of their advanced specifications.
High-performance VFD cables feature a high strand count and conductors made of tinned copper. This wiring has XLPE insulation and a braided shield made of dual copper tapes or DuoFoil™. Overall, the insulated grounds and shield have 3 times lower ground impedance.
Construction grade vs high-performance VFD
In detail, the stranding in the high-performance type is quite flexible and has a great surface area when compared to construction-rated wires. These features allow for a tighter bending radius and easy installation, eventually ensuring a longer lifetime. Tinned conductors, in turn, provide more stability in the connection and better reliability.
Because of their advanced features, high-performance VFD wires are extremely durable and well-performing in noise-sensitive environments. Construction grade cables are less suitable for applications that require strong resistance to noises — that's why high-performance cables are the go-to choice among VFD wiring. These are the main differences between the 2 types of VFD cables.
Where to buy VFD cables?
Professional wiring stores like Nassau National Cable sell various VFD cables. If you still haven't decided what type of VFD wiring you need, contact the store's customer service for a consultation. The support team will provide you with more details and help you select the right cable for your project.
