ABB ACS850-04 drive modules (160 to 560 kW, 200 to 700 hp)

What this chapter contains

This chapter guides in planning drive cabinets and installing the drive module into a

user-defined cabinet so that the front of the module faces the cabinet door.  The

chapter gives cabinet layout examples and free space requirements around the

module for cooling.  The issues discussed are essential for the safe and trouble-free

use of the drive system.

Limitation of liability

The installation must always be designed and made according to applicable local

laws and regulations.  ABB does not assume any liability whatsoever for any

installation which breaches the local laws and/or other regulations.

Basic requirements for the cabinet

Use a cabinet which:

• has a frame sturdy enough to carry the weight of the drive components, control

circuitry and other equipment installed in it

• protects the user and drive module against contact and meets the requirements

for dust and humidity

• has sufficient air inlet and outlet gratings that allow free flow of cooling air through

the cabinet.  This is critical for proper cooling of the drive module.

Planning the layout of the cabinet

Design a spacious layout to ensure easy installation and maintenance.  Sufficient

cooling air flow, obligatory clearances, cables and cable support structures all

require space.

Place the control board(s) away from:

• main circuit components such as contactor, switches and power cables

• hot parts (heat sink, air outlet of the drive module).

Planning the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the cabinet

 Note following when planning the electromagnetic compatibility of the cabinet:

 • Generally, the fewer and smaller the holes in the cabinet, the better the 

interference attenuation. The maximum recommended diameter of a hole in 

galvanic metal contact in the covering cabinet structure is 100 mm. Pay special 

attention to the cooling air inlet and outlet gratings.

 • The best galvanic connection between the steel panels is achieved by welding 

them together as no holes are necessary. If welding is not possible, the seams 

between the panels are recommended to be left unpainted and equipped with 

special conductive EMC strips to provide adequate galvanic connection. Usually, 

reliable strips are made of flexible silicon mass covered with a metal mesh. The 

non-tightened touch-contact of the metal surfaces is not sufficient, so a 

conductive gasket between the surfaces is required. The maximum 

recommended distance between assembly screws is 100 mm.

 • Construct sufficient high-frequency grounding network in the cabinet to avoid 

voltage differences and forming of high-impedance radiator structures. A good 

high-frequency grounding is made with short flat copper braids for low 

inductance. One-point high-frequency grounding cannot be used due to the long 

distances inside the cabinet