semi OT...SEW VFD mysteries

[Mcgyver]

^%$(@)&$# SEW Manual!

you guys will probably know, installing a SEW VFD. The mysteries are 1) what are the wires going into the green header? They are into the pins I need to use for low voltage remote off/forward/reverse and the pot for speed control. I've never had a VFD arrive like that and manual is silent as far as I can tell. Disconnect and leave the hanging there? So frustrating the documentation does't seem to address this, especially when you think you're buying good stuff. grrrrr.

2) the connectors for the brake resistor are there, but blocked with plastic tabs. Is this a standard thing (I havent seen it before) - do you just break through the tabs?.....or is this VFD not able to operate with a brake resistor (SEW sales rep sold me the resistor with the VFD)

Thanks for any ideas!

[J Tiers]

Let me guess..... This is maybe an IP66 (or similar) case with built-in switches and control pot?

If so, then these are the wires to those, and if you are going remote, you can just take them out of the terminal strip, and substitute the wires to your remote located switches and pot.

BTW, that may be actually an Invertek VFD, OEM labeled for SEW. (I noticed it says made in UK). The Invertek work well, and I know they have IP66 cases done like that, because a previous employer used to work with the Invertek distributor. At the time they were doing OEM for SEW.

[lakeside53]

Your model number indicates it has the integrated front panel switches and pot. Those wires just go to that. Take off when you are ready.

The "4" three from the end of the part number indicates it contains the Braking chopper, so it looks like have to break out the safety covers.

[Mcgyver]

thanks...those wires connected to header, after disconnecting from the header, would you just and let them hang? Its supposed to have the features you note, thanks for verifying, its just very frustrating that they didn't put a paragraph "this model ships with the follow etc....to use the breaking resistor break the safety tabs and so on". In paying the premium for western stuff, its disappointing that the documentation wasn't more helpful/complete.

[J Tiers]

thanks...those wires connected to header, after disconnecting from the header, would you just and let them hang? Its supposed to have the features you note, thanks for verifying, its just very frustrating that they didn't put a paragraph "this model ships with the follow etc....to use the breaking resistor break the safety tabs and so on". In paying the premium for western stuff, its disappointing that the documentation wasn't more helpful/complete.

That's interesting.

I always found that direct Invertek VFDs had about the best documentation I had seen. There was always a complete manual as well as a part or separate sheet that had an "easy setup" guide that told you how to get the typical simpler setup connected and running.

A typical Invertek manual https://www.invertekdrives.com/clien...de%20V3.04.pdf

I suppose then, that if as it seems this is an "OEM'd " Invertek version, the documentation is due to SEW, and not Invertek. Since it is an IP66 case, the presumption may be that you want to use the built-in controls, and that if you want to "remote" it, you will use the digital control via Modbus or RS 485.

[Mcgyver]

Thanks...didn't realize SEW was just reselling it. That invertek manual clearly says "the brake resistors are shrouded" and to remove it. Poor show SEW! No mention of the wires into the header....but haven't skimmed the whole thing yet

[lakeside53]

If there is an "all inclusive manual" they sure make it hard to find. This is the latest that pops up in a search, https://download.sew-eurodrive.com/d...f/20265743.pdf , but is "very light" on details. It actually appear this drive has been simplified (not so bad) so it may not have all the hundreds of pages and parameters found in some other brands

There is also this : https://www.pcssupply.com/downloads/MovitracLTE-B.pdf

What do you have? Post a link... I'm sure there will be more questions so we can all get a common reference.

[J Tiers]

That manual may not be for yours, it is just an example of a typical Invertek manual.

OEM versions often have different features, and may be different in appearance. Earlier SEW OEM versions, for instance, were RED, vs the blue color of Invertek at that time. Same case, different color

Programming features may be different, options and connections may be left out (or possibly added), etc. It depends on the price point the purchasing company wanted, vs pricing and the need to keep OEM versions separate from the original manufacturers own product.

The header and built-in controls are only on the IP66 case versions, I do not think the IP55 versions have them, and the IP20 cases definitely did not at any time I was working with them. (At one time I was factory trained along with our techs, to repair and modify a number of Invertek models, and did develop external add-on control units for special purposes, so I had a pretty good knowledge of the units then)