Frequency Converter Buying Guide: How To Buy A Frequency Converter

By Author: Jones Mitchel
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FREQUENCY CONVERTER BUYING GUIDE: HOW TO BUY A FREQUENCY CONVERTER
Considerations when buying a Frequency Converter

A frequency converter is used to convert your facility's commercial power-line voltage and frequency to a different voltage and frequency. It provides a smooth, high quality AC sine wave that can be used to power up virtually any electrical equipment.

Variable Frequency Drives (Variable Speed Drives) are a specialized type of converter used specifically to regulate the speed of an AC motor, and are sometimes confused with frequency converters. Variable Frequency Drives do not output a smooth, high quality AC sine wave, and therefore are not suitable to power loads other than an AC motor.

There are two primary applications for frequency converters. They convert electrical power such as a North American 60 Hertz power-line to 50 Hertz overseas power. For example, in North America, they are used by manufacturers as an ac power source to test the electrical products they produce and are destined for overseas 50 Hertz power-line locations. Inversely, overseas manufacturers use them to convert ...
... their 50 Hertz power-line to a 60 Hertz AC power source for testing the electrical products they produce and are destined for North America.

Another application is to convert a North American 60 Hertz power-line to 50 Hertz, enabling the operation of an electrical product designed to operate from 50 Hertz to instead operate from the North American 60 Hertz power-line.

Essential Electrical Data
One of the most important steps of selecting a frequency converter is determining its needed KW / KVA output capacity, which partially consists of finding the electrical requirements of the load. Make a list of all the equipment, including electrical ratings, that will be powered by the conversion output. The electrical data of the equipment can be found on the equipment technical data plate, installation manual or directly from the manufacturer. Be sure to list all electrical data available. Also note the type of equipment, for example, if the equipment contains a motor.

Decide where the unit will be physically placed in your facility. Ask your in-house qualified maintenance personnel or licensed electrician to measure the voltage of the nearby power-line that will be utilized to power your conversion equipment. It is highly recommended to work with a licensed electrician who has experience with electrical equipment installation.

Selection
Electronic and electric motor-generator based converters are available. Each type has unique characteristics and features that can make one best suited for your particular application. Using your list of equipment, including electrical ratings and your facility power-line voltage level, contact a professional manufacturer of frequency converters, and discuss your specific needs with their expert application engineering staff.

Purchase, Rent, Lease
In order to minimize cost, determine if the need will be a one-time, occasional, or long-term use. For one-time or occasional use, month-to-month rental can offer substantial savings when compared to leasing or purchasing. For long-term needs, consider leasing or purchasing new or remanufactured equipment.

For more information visit: www.frequencyconverterrental.com