Ensuring the longevity and reliability of your medium voltage variable frequency drives is critical to smooth operations. Whether you’re using a Siemens Perfect Harmony GH180, WEG MVW01, Benshaw, Toshiba, or Yaskawa drive, regular maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected downtime. At IC-Spares, we stress that proactive care—whether for new, refurbished, or rental VFDs—can save you time and money. Here’s a refreshed checklist to help you optimize your preventive maintenance routine:

1. Inspect and Secure Electrical Connections

Vibrations and thermal fluctuations can cause connections to loosen over time, leading to problematic arcing or even damaged wiring. Make it a habit to examine both the high-power terminals and the lower-power control circuits. For instance, a slightly unsecured terminal in one of our Toshiba drives might result in intermittent faults, so a thorough retightening and cleaning of connectors should be part of your routine.

2. Clear Out Contaminants

Medium voltage drives are often installed in challenging environments where dust, grime, or chemical residues can accumulate. These contaminants can hinder proper heat dissipation, increasing the risk of overheating. For example, a Yaskawa drive operating in a production facility with heavy particulate matter may suffer from restricted airflow. Regularly cleaning the drive’s enclosure, heat sinks, and filters can go a long way in preventing such issues.

3. Utilize Predictive Monitoring Tools

Data-driven insights are a powerful ally in maintenance. By routinely measuring key parameters such as input/output voltage, current draw, and capacitor ripple, you can spot warning signs before they escalate. A sudden uptick in capacitor ripple in a WEG drive, for instance, might indicate that internal components are nearing the end of their service life. Where direct measurements on medium voltage equipment can be challenging and hazardous, consider leveraging remote monitoring solutions that continuously track performance and alert you to deviations.

4. Review and Fine-Tune Programming Settings

Periodic maintenance is the perfect opportunity to evaluate the drive’s settings and ensure they’re optimized for current operating conditions. Adjusting parameters like acceleration rates or torque limits can enhance efficiency and reduce mechanical stress. For example, a Siemens drive might perform better and last longer if its settings are updated to match evolving production demands. Just be sure to back up the current configuration before making any changes, so you can revert if necessary.

5. Conduct a Thorough Visual Examination

Sometimes, the simplest tool is the human eye. A detailed visual inspection can reveal subtle signs of wear or damage—such as discoloration on circuit boards, signs of overheating, or even cracked insulation on cables—that might not trigger an automatic alert. Experienced technicians can often identify these early indicators of potential failure, allowing for corrective action before a minor issue becomes a major setback.

Need Expert Help?

At IC-Spares, we’re dedicated to keeping your operations running smoothly. Whether you manage a fleet of new or refurbished VFDs or take advantage of our rental options, our team is ready to support you with expert maintenance services and advanced monitoring solutions. Don’t let small issues turn into costly failures—contact us by phone, email, or visit our website to learn more about our comprehensive maintenance support and service offerings.

Keep your drives in prime condition and avoid unplanned downtime with IC-Spares by your side!

Source Article: https://emainc.net/things-to-check-when-you-pm-your-medium-voltage-vfds/