Industry Glossary

3-Contactor Bypass:
An option in many drive panels which allows a motor to run across the line at full
rated speed in case of a VFD failure. With 3-contactor bypass, one contactor is placed in front of the
VFD, one is placed at the output of the VFD, and the third contactor bypasses the VFD to supply
power which effectively isolates the VFD from the power system.
3-Phase Power:
Denotes that there are three synchronous alternating waves of voltage each reaching
a peak of 120 electrical degrees as each phase follows each other. Most industrial and commercial
areas have 3-phase power available as it is considered more efficient and produces a revolving
magnetic field when connected to a 3-phase motor.
AC Drive
: A type of VFD which uses AC or alternating current to provide motor speed control and
drive an AC motor. AC drives vary the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor to produce speed
control. A.C. drives are used often because of their versatility and ability to be used in multiple
environments.
Adjustable Speed Drive:
A device used to adjust the speed of a motor. Adjustable speed drives
include VFDs, DC drives, or other technologies.
Adjustable Frequency Drive
: See Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).
Ambient Temperature
: Refers to the air temperature in and around the VFD. The recommended
ambient temperature range that a VFD should be kept and operated in ranges on the manufacturer,
but is usually between -10C and 40C.
Analog Input
: Used to interface a VFD with external signals such as 0-10VDC or 4-20mA, usually to
determine the speed of the connected motor.
Analog Output
: An output signal used to provide reference points for other VFDs or equipment to
follow.
Analog Signal:
Refers to the input signal that a VFD is designed with. Most drives will have an analog
signal of 4-20mA, 0-10VDC, and +/ 10VDC.
Application:
The system, machine, or equipment that the VFD will be operated with. Depending on
the application, the type of VFD recommended will vary. Several different VFDs have been made
specifically for different types of applications such as: pumps, fans, high-demand applications,
machine tools, etc.
Capacitor:
A capacitor is a temporary reservoir used for storing electric energy. Capacitors are an
integral part of every VFD, are often used in panels for power factor correction, and are also used in
harmonic filters.

Circuit Breaker Disconnect:

A feature built into many panels which can disconnect equipment from
the power supply, giving maintenance workers the ability to work safely on equipment. Circuit
breakers may also be used to protect downstream equipment from overloads and short circuiting.
Constant Torque:
Often used in VFD literature to refer to the overload capacity of a drive. A constant
torque drive has an overload of 150% or more for 60 seconds. Certain applications require a drive
with a constant torque or a high overload rating. Constant torque applications include: conveyors,
positive displacement pumps, elevators, etc.
DC Bus:
A VFD converts an AC power supply to DC, and then the DC back to the variable voltage and
frequency relayed to the motor. The DC bus is where the DC voltage used in this conversion process
can be measured and gauged.
DC Drive:
An adjustable speed drive which converts AC into DC to provide motor speed control to
drive a DC motor. DC drives vary the armature voltage to control the speed of a DC motor instead of
varying the frequency like an AC drive. Today DC drives are often seen in older equipment produced
prior to the wide availability of VFDs or in certain applications requiring the use of DC voltage.
Discrete Input
: A signal which can be either ON or OFF such as a binary.
dV/dt
: The derivative of voltage with respect to time. In other words, how fast the voltage changes
with time. High dV/dt values are caused by the fast switching of IGBTs and over time can harm motor
insulation.
dV/dt Filter
: A type of filter which protects the motor and cable insulation by reducing dV/dt voltage
spikes to below 1000V.
Encoder
: An encoder is a device attached to the shaft of a motor, usually on the non-drive end. An
incremental encoder sends pulses proportional to the speed of the motor. Most incremental encoders
use a quadrature system, supplying two pulses displaced by 90 which allows for accurate motor
speed and feedback. Less often used are absolute encoders, which provide digital feedback showing
the position of the rotor.
Full Load Amp Rating (FLA):
Current that the motor will draw when loaded to full horsepower and at
rated speed. Regardless of speed, if the motor is drawing its full output torque then the motor will
also be drawing its full amperage rating. Using the FLA rating from a motors nameplate is one of the
most reliable methods of sizing a VFD.
Frequency:
The designated unit of measuring frequency is Hertz (Hz). Hz refers to the number of
electrical cycles per second in an electrical motor. A VFD can change the output frequency relayed to
a motor in order to control speed.
Harmonic Filter:
A device used to reduce Harmonic levels. See Harmonics.
Harmonics:
High frequency noise injected into power systems by VFDs. A sine wave has no harmonics.
Any wave shape other than a sine wave can be represented as a series of sine waves. These sine

waves are fundamental (generally 50 or 60 Hz) and high frequency sine waves are integer multiples of
the sine. It is essential to control harmonics to prevent power system pollution and equipment
misoperation and failure.
Horsepower:
A measurement of a motors rated mechanical output as coined by James Watt. Outside
of North America, the output rating is more commonly described in watts or kilowatts. You can use
horsepower as a start for finding drives that may fit your application and then narrow down your
selection using other variables such as FLA.
IEEE 519 2015:
A universal harmonic standard which has determined the acceptable limits on power
system distortion. The standard recommends THID (Total Harmonic Current Distortion) levels of 5 to
20% for most electrical systems and THVD (Total Harmonic Voltage Distortion) levels of around 8%.
Input Voltage:
The voltage supplied to the input of the VFD.
Inverter Duty:
The ability a motor has to be operated with a VFD. According to NEMA, at a minimum,
motor insulation on motors used with VFDs must be rated for 3.1 x the rated voltage and must also
use inverter duty rated wire. As needed by application, inverter duty motors may also require the use
of additional parts such as, shaft grounding rings, external blowers, and insulated bearings.
IP Rating:
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a European designation which includes a two-digit
number referring to the level of protection that a VFD or other piece of electrical equipment has
against dust, water, or direct contact.
Lead Length
: How long the cable is between the VFD and motor. The father away the VFD is from the
motor the more likely dV/dt will be a factor. One way to counteract this is by using a dV/dt filer or by
keeping lead length as short as possible (under 100ft).
Line Reactor:
Used to reduce harmonic distortion and protect VFDs from power line surges. Line
reactors are typically available in either 3% or 5% impedance with 5% having greater impedance.
Typically reactors will reduce THID to about 35% which may or may not be enough depending on the
facility requirements.
Locked Rotor Torque
: The amount of torque a motor develops at zero speed with rated voltage and
frequency.
NEMA:
Stands for the American association called the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
NEMA Enclosure Rating:
The rating an electrical enclosure has against certain environmental factors
such as water, dust, corrosive substances, etc. The most common NEMA enclosure ratings are, NEMA
1 (standard indoor enclosure), NEMA 3R (standard outdoor enclosure), and NEMA 4 (hazardous
environment enclosure).
PID:
The Proportional Integral Derivative (PLC) is
an advanced feature available with certain VFDs. It

works as a process control method which takes a set value and works to maintain that set point. PID

Loop requires the use of a transducer and is particularly effective in pumping applications used to
maintain a set pressure.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC):
A computer system specifically designed to control commercial
and industrial processes. In many cases, PLC is used to start and stop a VFD and provide speed
commands.
Rated Current
: The current an inverter is rated at or at which it can operate continuously without
exceeding temperature. If rated current is exceed the drive will trip at some point in operation.
Selector Switch
: An option included in many VFD panels that allows for preset speeds.
Sensorless Vector:
A certain feature available with advanced drives allowing for a high level of
accuracy in controlling speed and torque without the use of an external encoder or tachometer.
Serial Communications
: A method of digital communication that allows a VFD to communicate with
other devices. Typical options include: RS232, RS485, MODBUS, BACNET, LONWORKS, DEVICENET,
METASYS, and PROBIBUS.
Single-Phase Power:
Denotes that there is only one line of current. Single-phase power operates
most small electronics. For large VFDs and other electrical equipment, 3-phase power is needed. It is
possible to use a VFD (and there are single-phase VFDs available) with single-phase input but it must
be properly sized.
Six-Pulse VFD:
Typically the standard configuration for most Variable Frequency Drives. A six-pulse
VFD comprises of six diodes within the VFD which produce six pulses of current.
Speed Potentiometer:
Often called a speed pot, speed potentiometers are dials used to adjust the
speed directly on a drive. Potentiometers can be installed with only a few wires and will allow for
quick speed and direct adjustments.
Speed Range:
The range of speeds over which the motor is intended to operate.
Soft Starter Bypass:
A feature in many drive panels which uses a soft starter inside of a panel to ramp
up a motor upon start-up in case of a VFD failure.
Surge Protection Device (SPD):
An SPD is used to protect electrical equipment such as VFDs against
any type of electrical spike, including those caused by lightening. SPDs can be built into motor control
panels and are highly recommended, especially for outdoor rated panels.
Torque:
The twisting force that causes the rotation of a motor typically measured in ft. pounds.
Torque Curve:
A graph illustrating how motor, pump or fan torque varies with speed.
Total Harmonic Current Distortion (THID):
A measure of the amount of high frequency noise injected
into the power system, usually given in a percent.

Total Harmonic Voltage Distortion (THID):

The amount of high frequency noise in the voltage wave
form, usually given in a percent.
Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS):
See SPD.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD):
Sometimes referred to as an inverter or an AC variable speed drive, a
VFD is a type of motor controller which drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage
supplied to the motor.
VFD Control Panel
: An enclosure that stores a VFD and other electrical components. VFD control
panels may protect against harsh environments or may be used to meet safety requirements.
Variable Torque:
Typically refers to the overload current capacity of a drive. A variable torque drive
has an overload of 110% or more for 60 seconds. Variable torque applications include: centrifugal
pumps, fans, and more.
Vector Control:
Full flux vector control includes the ability to detect and control both the motor speed
and the torque. Traditionally this requires the use of a digital encoder unless it is a Sensorless Vector
drive.