VFD Cable (Variable Frequency Drive Cable)

Product Overview

VFD cables are purpose-built to connect variable frequency drives (VFDs) to AC motors. They are engineered to reliably transmit high-frequency pulsed power while withstanding the severe electrical stresses produced by VFD systems – including reflected wave voltages, high-frequency harmonics, common-mode noise, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The conductor is formed from finely stranded, high-purity oxygen-free copper, which gives the cable exceptional flexibility. This makes installation significantly easier in tight spaces, cable trays, or applications where continuous flexing is required. The jacket compound is formulated for resistance to abrasion, oil and flame, allowing the cable to perform reliably in harsh industrial settings.

Applications

Our VFD cables deliver proven performance across a wide range of industries:

Industrial Automation: VFDs, servo drive systems and automated production lines in steel mills, petrochemical plants, textile mills and paper manufacturing.
Renewable Energy: Pitch and yaw systems in wind turbines, and inverter connections in photovoltaic installations.
Rail & Mass Transit: Traction power supplies and auxiliary systems for metro and high-speed trains.
Mining & Ports: Variable-speed drives on mine hoists, port cranes, conveyor systems and stacker-reclaimers.
Building & Infrastructure: VFD-controlled HVAC systems, water pumps, escalators and elevator drives in large commercial buildings.

Construction & Technical Specifications

Conductor

Finely stranded bare oxygen-free copper, conforming to VDE 0295 Class 5 (equivalent to IEC 60228 Class 5). The ultra-fine stranding guarantees high flexibility and easy routing.

Insulation

Special compounded PVC insulation with enhanced dielectric strength to handle voltage spikes and harmonics. Core identification: black, brown, blue, plus a yellow/green earth core as standard. Other color codes can be produced on request.

Shielding

Tinned copper wire braid shield with multi-layer construction. The shield provides superior EMI containment and low transfer impedance, protecting sensitive instrumentation and complying with EMC requirements.

Outer Jacket

High-strength composite compound offering excellent resistance to mineral oils, cutting fluids, abrasion and flame. Standard jacket color is black; yellow, brown, grey and other custom colors are available for color coding or site identification.

Key Performance Features

High harmonic immunity: The improved insulation and shielding design suppress common-mode currents and reduce the risk of motor bearing damage.
Long cable runs: Suitable for installations with elevated reflected wave voltage peaks at the motor terminals.
Flexible handling: Class 5 stranding allows tight bending radii, accelerating installation in cable trays and on cable chain systems.
Robust jacket: Withstands mechanical stress, oil splashes and intermittent direct contact with industrial lubricants.
Flame-retardant: Jacket material meets flame spread test criteria for industrial cabling, enhancing overall installation safety.

Every reel is subjected to routine spark testing and insulation resistance checks before shipment. For projects requiring additional certifications or custom designs (e.g., high-temperature XLPE insulation, armored construction, or specific AWG sizes), please contact our technical team. Request a tailored quotation today – let us help you specify the right VFD cable for your application.

FAQ

Why can’t I use a standard power cable for a VFD-controlled motor?: Standard cables are not designed to handle the high-frequency harmonic content, voltage overshoots, and common-mode currents generated by VFDs. Using non-VFD-rated cables can lead to insulation breakdown, EMI interference with nearby equipment, motor bearing failure, and unreliable data communication. A purpose-built VFD cable with proper shielding and enhanced insulation mitigates these risks.
What type of shielding does your VFD cable use and why is it important?: We use a durable tinned copper braid shield, typically in a multi-layer configuration. This construction delivers very low transfer impedance and excels at containing radiated and conducted EMI. Tinned copper also resists corrosion, ensuring consistent performance over the life of the installation, especially in humid or mildly corrosive environments.
Is this cable suitable for installation in cable trays or outdoor environments?: Yes. The high-strength composite outer jacket is resistant to sunlight, moisture, oil and abrasion, making it suitable for cable tray installations, both indoors and outdoors. For direct burial or extreme temperatures, alternative jacket materials or armoring options can be supplied – just let us know your site conditions.
Which international standards and certifications can you supply to?: Depending on your destination market, our VFD cables can be manufactured and tested to comply with standards such as UL Subject 1277, CSA, CE/LVD, and RoHS. We work with accredited third-party laboratories to issue the documentation your local inspector or EPC contractor requires. Please mention your specific certification needs when submitting an inquiry.
Can you provide custom conductor sizes and jacket colors for project-specific identification?: Absolutely. In addition to standard metric and AWG sizes, we produce custom conductor cross-sections and multi-core configurations. Jacket colors can be matched to site color codes (black, yellow, brown, grey, orange, etc.) and legends or meter marking can be printed on the jacket. Share your specifications and we will prepare a sample for production approval.