1 Enclosure Components for VFD systems 2-3 Hp 1.5-2.2kW Minimum recommended standard enclosure dimensions are 12" wide, 14" tall and 8" deep. Having a clear front window is optional, but also additional cost and not needed. You normally do not need to view the VFD, but I recommend a hinged latched cover that is easily accessible. You need to order a metal back panel to mount the VFD and components. You also need a DIN rail to mount components that might require this mounting system. General recommendations, you may find something cheaper on eBay. A steel cabinet may not need any venting, preferably 12-14" wide, 16" tall and 8" deep (BN4161408CHQT) should have enough volume. If active venting a fiber box is easier to cut holes in, either a hole saw or jig saw. Back plate material preference is galvanized steel > bare aluminum > painted steel/aluminum. You can search Automation Directs enclosures for size ranges. Some recommendations are below. Metal Nema 1 Enclosure 16x12x8 N1C121608LP (no fan needed): Hubbell-Wiegmann enclosure, NEMA 1, 16 x 12 x 8in (HxWxD), wall mount, carbon steel, ANSI 61 gray, light-textured polyester powder finish, single-door, 1/4-turn flush-mounted latch. https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/enclosures_-z-_subpanels_-z-_thermal_management_-z- _lighting/enclosures/wall-mount_enclosures/n1c121608lp Back Panel lN1P1216L: https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/enclosures_-z-_subpanels_-z-_thermal_management_-z- _lighting/enclosure_subpanels_-a-_internal_mounting_accessories/hubbell- wiegmann/standard_painted_carbon_steel_subpanels/n1p1216l Metal Nema 4/12 Enclosure 14x12x8 BN4141208CHQT (would use venting/fan): Hubbell-Wiegmann Ultimate Mini-Max series enclosure, NEMA 4/12, 14 x 12 x 8in (HxWxD), wall mount, carbon steel, ANSI 61 gray, light-textured polyester powder finish, single-door, 1/4-turn semi-flush oil-tight latch. $94 https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/enclosures_-z-_subpanels_-z-_thermal_management_-z- _lighting/enclosures/nema_12_enclosures/bn4141208chqt P1412G Hubbell-Wiegmann subpanel, 12.88 x 10.88in, 14 gauge carbon steel, galvanized finish. For use with Bxxx and BN4xxx enclosures. $10 https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/enclosures_-z-_subpanels_-z-_thermal_management_-z- _lighting/enclosure_subpanels_-a-_internal_mounting_accessories/hubbell-wiegmann/galvanized_subpanels/p1412g Metal Nema 4/12 Enclosure 16x14x8 BN4161408CHQT (no fan required) Hubbell-Wiegmann Ultimate Mini-Max series enclosure, NEMA 4/12, 16 x 14 x 8in (HxWxD), wall mount, carbon steel, ANSI 61 gray, light-textured polyester powder finish, single-door, 1/4-turn semi-flush oil-tight latch. https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/enclosures_-z-_subpanels_-z-_thermal_management_-z- _lighting/enclosures/nema_12_enclosures/bn4161408chqt P1614G Hubbell-Wiegmann subpanel, 14.88 x 12.88in, 14 gauge carbon steel, galvanized finish. For use with Bxxx and BN4xxx enclosures. $12 https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/enclosures_-z-_subpanels_-z-_thermal_management_-z- _lighting/enclosure_subpanels_-a-_internal_mounting_accessories/hubbell-wiegmann/galvanized_subpanels/p1614g Wall Mount, fiberglass reinforced polyester, requires a fan: FR141208HPL
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Enclosure Components for VFD systems 2-3 Hp 1.5-2.2kW Minimum recommended standard enclosure dimensions are 12" wide, 14" tall and 8" deep. Having a clear front window is
optional, but also additional cost and not needed. You normally do not need to view the VFD, but I recommend a hinged
latched cover that is easily accessible. You need to order a metal back panel to mount the VFD and components. You also need
a DIN rail to mount components that might require this mounting system. General recommendations, you may find something
cheaper on eBay. A steel cabinet may not need any venting, preferably 12-14" wide, 16" tall and 8" deep (BN4161408CHQT)
should have enough volume. If active venting a fiber box is easier to cut holes in, either a hole saw or jig saw. Back plate
material preference is galvanized steel > bare aluminum > painted steel/aluminum. You can search Automation Directs
enclosures for size ranges. Some recommendations are below.
Metal Nema 1 Enclosure 16x12x8 N1C121608LP (no fan needed):
Hubbell-Wiegmann enclosure, NEMA 1, 16 x 12 x 8in (HxWxD), wall mount, carbon steel, ANSI 61 gray, light-textured polyester
Power Supply for Lights, Fan, etc. DIN Rail (12 or 24 VDC 50-100W) MeanWell NDR-75-12, NDR-75-24, SDR-75-12, SDR-75-24 as needed. The Fan power needs to match the supply
power. A power 24VDC supply with 12VDC step down converter is provided when I build a system.
Tachometer kit and enclosure for it as needed for your build. These are available through eBay and a few vendors.
VFD High Voltage with dual gang socketsDisconnect switch, VFD fusing, BreakerControl box/coolant 240VAC optional
Recommended main power wiring 12 AWG for 2Hp to VFD (10 AWG for 3 Hp) input and input of 15A breaker to, 14 AWG after 15A breaker to the sockets. 14 or 16 AWG to the power supply input (L1 and Neutral terminal (L2)) of the power supply which will run off of 100-240 VAC. Power to the VFD enclosure, switch is 12/4 for 2 Hp, 10/4 for 3 Hp VFD.
240 VAC to Coolant Pump Contactor
If used
Neutral Bus or Terminal
24VDC to Control Board
Via labeled cable
L1 L2
24VDCFAN if used
Note polarity on DC connections, fan should blow into the VFD enclosure.
L1
NAC IN
POS NEG
120 VACTo Socket 1
120 VACTo Socket 2
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Example: Single Phase VFD Enclosure 1.5-2.2 kW Hubbell-Wiegmann enclosure, 14 x 12 x 8 inch with HW-MP1412CS back plate Socomec SIRCO M Series disconnect switch, with extension & handle Allen Bradley 1492-FB2J30 Fuse Holder 30A 600V Class-J 2-pole JHL30-1 JHL high speed Class J drive 30A fuses #2 FAZ-C15-2 Eaton supplementary protector, 2-pole 15A (240VAC to system/coolant) FAZ-C15-1-SP Eaton supplementary protector, 1 pole 15A (120VAC outlet) KTS011 0-60℃ Compact Mechanical Thermostat NO Temperature Controller 120mm 24VDC Fan with filters screens 500W 50 ohm Aluminum shell braking resistor Power Supply 100W 24VDC in lathe cabinet
Example: Three Phase VFD Enclosure 3.7 kW Enclosure, 16 x 14 x 8 inch with fabricated back plate ABB 40A disconnect switch, with extension & handle Ferraz Shawmut US3J3I Ultrasafe Fuse Holder 30A 600V Class-J 3-pole JHL30-1 JHL high speed Class J drive 30A fuses #3 FAZ-C3-12 Eaton supplementary protector, 3-pole 12A (240VAC to system/coolant) 120mm 24VDC Fan with filters screens 500W 47ohm Aluminum shell braking resistor Rhino 24VDC 60W auxiliary power supply for control system and fan 500W 50 ohm Aluminum shell braking resistor
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These are general recommendations as a starting point, each person does things slightly different. As mentioned, you might have a local electrician checkout
everything to make sure it is all code compliant. I do not use GFI sockets with VFDs because they will trip frequently, this is sometimes an issue in the garage where
current code requires them on sockets.
Enclosure with back panel, no venting/fan required (fewer holes to cut, but difficult to drill). Order one enclosure and one back plate. Make sure when attaching the
start ground post that you clean the paint off in that area. I use a 10-32 screw for the ground post locked on with a threaded nut. You will want to use eye crimps for
grounds, alternative is to use a grounding buss bar that takes bare wire, they are available from Home Depot. If you are going to use a fan, then go to the next size
smaller enclosure and the plastic/fiberglass type which are much easier to cut holes in. I use a 24VDC computer fan with filter screens on the intake and exhaust,
power is from the power supply. Fans are to blow into the box (pressurize the enclosure when the door is closed).
Main power disconnect, order 1 of each below or select handle you want https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/circuit_protection_-z-_fuses_-z-
Main power cable from your socket to the VFD enclosure, this is 4 conductor with a neutral if you want to add 120V sockets, otherwise purchase 3 conductor if no
sockets. If you have a 30A breaker technically you should use 10AWG wire, 20A breaker then 12 AWG. I used 12 AWG for my 1340GT. The VFD fuses above are 30A to
handle surge current, not the rated wire current. A breaker protects the wire, a fuse protects the equipment. The VFD manuals give their recommended specifications.
If adding a 120V socket(s) then you will need a breaker for each duplex socket, so 1 or 2 of the single pole breakers. I supply a 15A dual pole for the power supply in my
You can get a metal or plastic duplex socket enclosure (single gang for one, dual gang for two duplex sockets), one or two duplex sockets ( I usually get industrial grade)
and cover plate (single or dual gang) at Home Depot. The box can be directly mounted to the side of the VFD enclosure, if you want it remote like at the lathe I would
use a metal box, you need cabl and strain reliefs at each end. Example below.
you will need these for the power cord into the VFD enclosure and power cord connection leaving the VFD enclosure and going to you sockets if used. so 1 for the main
power into the enclosure, another 2 if a remote socket (power from the enclosure to the remote socket box, or one if the enclosure is directly mounted to the side of
Stranded wire 12AWG THNN or THWN for internal wiring in the cabinet, I would get something like 5-6' of black, red, white and green. This will be used to make
connections in the VFD enclosure. It is sold by the foot at Home Depot, etc. There are various types, I get the 90C temperature rating, Nylon jacketed, stranded type.
You will need a metal cutting hole sole to drill the holes for the 1/2" and 3/4" strain reliefs, If I recall one takes a 7/8" hole saw for the 1/2" and 1 1/8" for the 3/4"
You will need screws to mount the VFD, braking resistor, switch etc. Lots of little stuff. I tap directly into the metal back plate to mount everything, so you will need
taps for all the screw sizes used.
Basic Tach with Hammond enclosure, need to carefully mill the cutout for the tach to fit, put a L bracket on the back of the box and attach under the DRO.
Tachulator, quite a bit more expensive, but has SFM. These can be used with a NPN NO Hall sensor for a magnetic pickup, the hall sensors are available on eBay for a
few bucks. I can show you how to wire it, otherwise the optical is an option. I installed one of these on my lathe but with a custom enclosure and hall sensor.