Feature

Suppress interference and ensure your drives work smoothly, safely and in harmony

To ensure the stability and safety of drive assemblies, OEMs and machine builders can choose from a variety of mains- or motor-side suppression accessories – or combinations of the two – to ensure drives comply with specific EMC requirements of the application, says Mark Checkley of KEB Automation.

03/06/2019 11:03:37

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In many industrial environments, ensuring the stability of drive controllers is sometimes overlooked. However, an EMC-compliant (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) drive assembly with efficient control cabinet and suppression system is the basis for ensuring the
safe and reliable operation of machines and equipment. It can also extend the life of certain components used.

Manufacturers and operators are required to implement the installed drive systems so as to acheive electrical
compliance with the limits (for emissions) and requirements (for fault-free operation) set out in the relevant European and International standards and regulations. Utilising some components can lead to additional advantages besides compliance.

For power
drive systems (i.e inverter and motor viewed in terms of a drive), the product standard is EN 61800-x (-x), with EN 61800-3 being the relevant EMC standard. The technical standard sets out the requirements
for a specific environment. EN61000-6-x applies to machine builders and sets out the general EMC requirements for use either in a public low-voltage grid or an industrial grid/network.

Read the full article in the June issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.