VFD Support & Commissioning
Extensive experience with variable frequency drives across a wide range of manufacturers and applications, from small fractional kilowatt systems through to large industrial drive installations up to 300kW.
Drives Supported
- Rockwell PowerFlex range
- Siemens G120 range
- Control Techniques M700 range
- Parker 590 DC drives
- Various other manufacturers
Services Provided
- Drive commissioning
- Fault finding and diagnostics
- Communications setup and configuration
- Drive tuning and motor control optimisation
- DC bus analysis
- Harmonic investigation
- Drive replacement and retrofit
- Parameter backup and restoration
Control Techniques M700
Where a customer has flexibility on drive selection, the Control Techniques M700 range is the preferred recommendation. This is based on hands-on experience across a wide range of drive platforms rather than manufacturer preference.
Reasons for Preference
- Flexible communications options
- Strong onboard diagnostics
- User-friendly parameter structure
- Free engineering software (Connect)
- Good adaptability to application requirements
- Straightforward system integration
Note
Support is available across all major drive platforms regardless of preference. The above reflects engineering experience only — all drive selection decisions remain with the customer.
Long-Term VFD Storage
A common and often overlooked issue with stored or inactive variable frequency drives is electrolytic capacitor degradation. Understanding this is important before energising any drive that has been in long-term storage.
Electrolytic Capacitor Degradation
The DC bus capacitors within a variable frequency drive rely on regular energisation to maintain their oxide layer. When a drive is stored without power for an extended period, this oxide layer degrades. Energising a drive with degraded capacitors at full voltage can cause capacitor failure — potentially resulting in damage to the drive and associated equipment.
Capacitor Reforming
Capacitor reforming is the process of gradually re-energising stored drives at reduced voltage over a controlled period to restore the oxide layer before full-voltage operation. The procedure varies between manufacturers and drive types.
General Guidance
- Drives stored for 1–2 years should be considered for reforming before use
- Drives stored for over 2 years should always be reformed before energising at full voltage
- Reforming typically involves applying progressively increasing voltage over several hours
- A variac or dedicated reforming tool is typically used for this process
Capacitor Reforming Service
A capacitor reforming service is available for drives that have been in long-term storage. This reduces the risk of capacitor failure on first energisation and extends the usable life of stored equipment.
Contact us to discuss requirements.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page regarding VFD storage and capacitor reforming is intended as a general guide only. Manufacturer instructions must always be consulted and followed for any specific drive type. Storage periods, reforming procedures and voltage requirements vary significantly between manufacturers and drive models. This information does not replace manufacturer documentation or qualified engineering assessment.