All ABB drive products fulfill the requirements of the EMC Directive and the EMC Product Standard for variable speed drives. To ensure the EMC compatibility of the entire installation, there are some basic principles that need to be followed.
Conducted disturbances can propagate to other equipment via all conductive parts including cabling, earthing and the metal frame of an enclosure. Conductive emissions can be reduced by RFI filtering for high frequency disturbances, and by using ferrite rings in any power connection points.
To avoid disturbance through the air, all parts of the power drive system should form a Faraday cage against radiated emissions. This includes drive modules, cabinets, auxiliary boxes, cabling, motors, etc.
- Unpainted metal to metal contacts must be used throughout, with conductive gaskets, where appropriate.
- Use conductive gaskets in doors and covers. Covers should be secured at no more than 100 mm intervals in sections where radiation can escape.
- Holes in the enclosure should be minimised.
- Use special HF cable entries for high frequency earthing of power and control cable shields.
- Use shielded cables in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
- Route power and control cables separately.
- Use twisted pairs to avoid disturbances.
- Selection and installation of accessories should be made in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
- Use 360° earthing at motor end. See product specific instructions.
- Special attention must be given to earthing.
Need more information on EMC?
2-page FactFile on EMC
40-page Technical Guide to EMC