[bobmagnuson]

Are there any issues, heat or EM when mounting a VFD in a cnc controller enclosure?

[underthetire]

As long as you try to keep it separated from the low voltage as best as you can, and keep the mfg. Minimum space around it, no.

[Al_The_Man]

I have fitted up to three VFD's in one CNC enclosure, I did happen to use 3 phase inductors on the output however.
Al.

[bobmagnuson]

If mounting the VFD in an enclosure, what sort of connector would be used to pass the motor cable through the enclosure? I'm not thinking of a strain reliever or glands, but a connector/plug combination.

[Al_The_Man]

I usually use a permanent entry using Liquid seal flex conduit but if you need a plug and socket arrangement you could go with one of the standard 3ph sockets, the twist-lok for example, prevents accidental disconect.
L21-30P is one.
Al.

[Christian Knüll]

Hi,

depends on your enclosure and the VFDs power I'd say.
VFDs can generate quite some heat - if you put it in a small plastic cabinet you're going to kill something.

I'd also avoid connectors - if you accidentially unplug while the motor is running you have good chances to kill your VFD.

Christian

[alan_3301]

I have used these connectors with good luck. Screw connection, can't unplug by accident, set screw terminals, easy to wire. 16A, 400V contacts.

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One side is panel mount. Around $17 for the pair.

[bobmagnuson]

Awesome! Thanks Alan & everyone else!!!!

It looks like these are screw terminal as well. My soldering skills leave a lot to be desired!

[alan_3301]

It lists them as 3 pole, but they are 4 pole (3p + earth)
Yeah the screw terminals are really nice.

[Al_The_Man]

They are only rated for 16amps, I would be Leary of using them in a three phase power application.
Is there any particular reason a disconnect is needed?
Al.

[bobmagnuson]

I'd like to keep the enclosure modular in nature. Disconnects for most if not everything.

[Al_The_Man]

The Twist-Lok mentioned earlier are rated for 20a & 30amp versions, once locked, they take an effort to remove them.
And designed for 3 phase conductors.
Al.

[bobmagnuson]

Good call... I use something similar in my shop already! Should have thought of that.