Specifying variable speed drives and correctly coordinated ancillary components is a fast and easy task with the convenient new slide-rule format selector tool from Eaton. The tool has been specifically developed to save time for design engineers and to eliminate the risk of choosing poorly matched components for drive systems.

Users of the handy new tool simply slide the inner section until the required supply voltage and motor rating show through windows in the outer section. They can then instantly read off the most suitable variable speed drive from the Eaton’s PowerXL DC1 and DA1 ranges, along with information about compatible Eaton components for use in the drive circuit. These include the mains protection circuit breaker, main contactor and sine-wave filter, as well as optional mains and motor chokes.

For the drive and each of the ancillary components, the full part number is provided, which makes ordering fast and straightforward. Also shown is useful additional information, including the frame size of the recommended drive, its rated operational current for temperatures up to 50 ºC, and the appropriate fuse rating for applications where fuse rather than circuit breaker protection is preferred.

Eaton’s new drive selector tool is double sided, with one side providing information about single-phase drives with power ratings from 0.37 kW to 4 kW for use on 230 V supplies, and the other side covering three-phase drives with power ratings from 0.75 to 160 kW for use on 400 V supplies.

The sliding section of the tool is, however, folded and can be reversed so that the three-phase side of the tool shows data for three-phase drives with power ratings from 0.37 kW to 75 kW for use on 230 V supplies.

As an alternative to the new Eaton selector tool, an on-line drive configurator can be found at http://configurators.eaton.eu/powerxl/?lx=11. This allows users to quickly enter details of their application and requirements, and provides details of suitable Eaton products in the same format as the information provided by the selector tool.

Tribute, Inc. has partnered with Eaton Corporation to streamline their distributor's supply chain. If you’re an Eaton distributor looking for upgraded business management software, click here to see how Tribute software can help you run your business efficiently.