November 1999

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of
Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over
this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or
application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not be
made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names from
time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather recognized as
normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications are equally
correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines are intended
to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA requirements. To
the extent these practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or other applicable
laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate
professional before applying or acting on any material contained in or suggested by the
Practice.

©Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3208 Red River Street, Suite 300, Austin,
Texas 78705. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use.

Not printed with State funds.


Process Industry Practices
Electrical
PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of
Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ..................................2
1.1 Purpose ............................................2
1.2 Scope ...............................................2
2. References....................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ................2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ..........2
2.3 Conflict Resolution............................3
3. Definitions.....................................3
4. Design and Fabrication ...............3
4.1 General.............................................3
4.2 Enclosures ........................................4
4.3 Space Heaters ..................................4
4.4 Painting ............................................4
4.5 Nameplates ......................................4
4.6 Operational Controls .........................5
4.7 Control Power Transformers .............6
Process Industry Practices
November 1999
4.8 Instruments, Meters, Displays, and
Indicating Lights ............................... 6
4.9 Power Requirements ........................ 6
4.10 Power Bus ........................................ 7
4.11 Input and Output Controls and
Alarms.............................................. 7
4.12 Disconnects...................................... 7
4.13 Wiring and Terminations .................. 8
5. Inspection and Testing................ 9
6. Shipping ....................................... 9
7. Documentation............................. 9
7.1 Quotation ......................................... 9
7.2 Manufacturer Drawings and Data.... 10
7.3 Seller Drawing and Data
Requirements ................................. 10
Page 1 of 10
PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive November 1999

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Practice is to provide a specification for purchase (including
design, fabrication, inspection, testing and shipment) of low voltage (up to 600 volt)
AC, 3 phase input, 60 Hertz, adjustable speed drives for application in a process
industry.

1.2 Scope
This Practice and Data Sheet define the minimum requirements for design,
construction, performance, inspection, testing, shipment, and documentation of low
voltage (up to 600 volt) AC, 3 phase, adjustable speed drives supplying squirrel cage
induction motors. The scope of this Practice includes the application for indoor, non-
classified areas.
This Practice is for the procurement of only one component of a system and does not
include requirements for the overall system design. Factors such as harmonics, fault
levels, torsional analysis, transformer design, motor design, voltage drop, etc., also
need to be considered in the overall system design but are outside the scope of this
Practice.
This Practice does not include the motor requirements. When a coordinated package is
required, the Buyer shall also include the motor specifications.

2. References

Applicable requirements in the latest edition (or the edition indicated) of the following industry
standards and references shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. Short titles will
be used herein when appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

– PIP ELSMC20D - Data Sheet for PIP ELSMC20 - Specification for
Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
− IEEE 519 - Guide for Harmonic Control and Reactive Compensation of
Static Power Converters
− IEEE 1100 - Powering and Grounding Sensitive Electronic Equipment
(Emerald Book)
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
− NEMA ICS 6 - Industrial Control and Systems Enclosures
− NEMA ICS 7 - Industrial Control and Systems Adjustable Speed Drives

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November 1999 PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

− NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (NEC)

2.3 Conflict Resolution

Any conflicts between the reference documents shall be identified in writing to the
Buyer for resolution. When resolving conflicts, the following order of precedence shall
apply:

• Purchase Order

• One-Line Diagram(s) and Associated Drawings

• Data Sheet(s)
• This Practice
• Referenced Documents

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this Practice, the following definition applies:

ASD (Adjustable Speed Drive): Also called variable speed drive (VSD), variable frequency
drive (VFD), or adjustable frequency drive (AFD)

4. Design and Fabrication

4.1 General
4.1.1 The ASD inverter shall be of the pulse-width modulated (PWM) type.
4.1.2 This Practice covers an ASD for driving a single motor. When parallel
operation of motors is required, additional information shall be specified in a
separate attachment.
4.1.3 The ASD shall limit harmonic distortion reflected onto the installation
distribution system to the voltage and current distortion levels defined by
IEEE 519 for general system applications.
4.1.4 When indicated on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall be mounted within a low
voltage motor control center (MCC) or switchgear lineup. The MCC or
switchgear requirements will be covered by a separate specification and the
ASD will be listed as a component of the MCC or switchgear.
4.1.5 All components and material shall be new and of the latest field-proven design
and in current production. A field-proven design has two years of satisfactory
operation in actual service. Obsolete components or components scheduled for
discontinuation shall not be used.

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PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive November 1999

4.1.6 The equipment shall be completely factory-built, assembled, wired, and tested.
When it is necessary to disassemble the units for ease of transportation, all
materials and instructions shall be provided for easy field reassembly.

4.2 Enclosures
4.2.1 The ASD enclosure shall be Manufacturer’s standard unless specified
otherwise on the Data Sheet, in conformance with NEMA ICS 6 and suitable
for installation in an indoor, unclassified area.
4.2.2 All enclosure openings exceeding 0.25 inch (6 mm) in width shall be provided
with screens to prevent the entrance of snakes, rodents, etc. The maximum
screen mesh opening width shall be 0.25 inch (6 mm).
4.2.3 A “loss of cooling” alarm dry-contact shall be furnished with forced-cooling
equipment.
4.2.4 Air filters shall be of a disposable type that can be easily replaced without
shutting down the drive.
4.2.5 Fan motors shall be individually fused.
4.2.6 Air-conditioned or water-cooled enclosures are acceptable only when specified
on the Data Sheet.
4.2.7 The maximum noise level of the unit shall not exceed 85 dBA at a distance of
3 feet (0.9 m) from the unit. Seller shall indicate type-tested noise level on the
Data Sheet.

4.3 Space Heaters

4.3.1 When specified on the Data Sheet, space heaters shall be supplied.
4.3.2 The space heater circuit shall be thermostatically operated, unless specified
otherwise on the Data Sheet.
4.3.3 A circuit-breaker or fused switch shall be provided for space heater overload
protection and as a disconnecting means for the space heater.
4.3.4 When specified on the Data Sheet, an ammeter and a test circuit shall be
provided on the enclosure door for indication that space heater power is
operating properly.
4.3.5 Heaters shall be rated 240 VAC and operated at 120 VAC, single-phase.
4.3.6 Heaters shall be of sufficient wattage to prevent condensation.

4.4 Painting
Use Manufacturer’s standard finish unless specified otherwise on the Data Sheet.

4.5 Nameplates
4.5.1 Engraved, laminated plastic nameplates with characters 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
high, or larger, shall be provided for each ASD to identify the load it serves.

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November 1999 PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive

4.5.2 Nameplates shall be mounted on the front of the cubicle with stainless steel
pins or screws.
4.5.3 Engraving shall be as specified on the Data Sheet.
4.5.4 Nameplates shall have black letters on a white background, unless specified
otherwise on the Data Sheet.
4.5.5 Meters, relays, switches, and other devices on and within the ASD shall be
permanently identified using the same symbols as those appearing on the
schematic diagrams.

4.6 Operational Controls

4.6.1 The ASD shall include the following basic operating adjustments:
• Acceleration time
• Deceleration time
• Current limit - Manufacturer’s standard unless specified otherwise on the
Data Sheet
• Minimum frequency or speed
• Maximum frequency or speed
• Selectable skip frequencies
• Volts/Hertz ratio
• Voltage boost
• Carrier frequency adjustment
• Local/Remote selection
4.6.2 The ASD shall include necessary components to protect the ASD and motor
against motor overload, motor or ASD internal faults, and incoming AC line
disturbances. The following conditions shall cause the ASD to be shut down
with the output voltage reduced to zero:
• Instantaneous overcurrent - ASD or motor
• Motor overload
• Loss of incoming phase in the AC supply line
• Overtemperature of the ASD electronics from a component or ventilation
failure
4.6.3 When specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall return the motor to
operating speed upon restoration of power following a voltage interruption on
the AC incoming line. Automatic restart shall be disabled after an adjustable
(0 to 30 second) time period.
4.6.4 When specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall be able to reaccelerate a
rotating motor. If this feature is not specified, the Seller shall ensure the ASD

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PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive November 1999

will not restart until the motor has slowed below the speed indicated on the
Data Sheet.
4.6.5 The ASD shall have a ground fault detection scheme on the output. When
specified on the Data Sheet, an alarm or shutdown shall be initiated when a
ground fault is detected.

4.7 Control Power Transformers

4.7.1 A control power transformer (CPT) shall be provided within the enclosure
unless specified otherwise on the Data Sheet.
4.7.2 The kilovolt-ampere rating of the CPT shall be determined by the
Manufacturer and shall have a minimum 25% spare capacity.
4.7.3 The CPT secondary voltage rating shall not exceed 120 volts nominal.
4.7.4 The CPT primary shall be fused with current-limiting fuses with an
interrupting rating not less than 100,000 amperes.
4.7.5 The CPT secondary shall be fused and shall have one terminal grounded.

4.8 Instruments, Meters, Displays, and Indicating Lights

4.8.1 Metering and indication shall be supplied in accordance with the Data Sheet.
4.8.2 Output speed indication shall be in Hertz unless specified otherwise on the
Data Sheet.
4.8.3 Meters, displays, and keypads shall be accessible and visible from the front
without opening the enclosure.
4.8.4 Indicating lights shall be LED type.

4.9 Power Requirements

4.9.1 The ASD shall be capable of providing rated output for input voltage
deviations of +/- 10%.
4.9.2 The ASD shall be able to ride through voltage dips down to 85% of nominal
input voltage, such as those experienced during motor starting, unless
specified otherwise on the Data Sheet.
4.9.3 The ASD shall be designed to operate within the “Computer Voltage
Tolerance Envelope” as defined by Figure 3-2 of IEEE 1100 and shall not
permit any voltage interruption to the connected load.
4.9.4 Output voltage shall vary with the frequency to maintain a constant
volts/Hertz ratio up to 60 Hz output. Constant voltage output shall be
supplied at frequencies greater than 60 Hz.
4.9.5 When an adjustable V/Hz curve is specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall
have the capabilities for variable torque settings to minimize power
consumption for light loads and to boost torque settings for acceleration of
high torque loads and/or low speed operations.

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November 1999 PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive

4.9.6 The ASD shall be capable of supplying 100% of rated motor current in
continuous operation, in accordance with the requirements of NEC-1999
Table 430-150.
4.9.7 The ASD one-minute overload current rating shall be 110% of rated output
current for variable torque applications.
4.9.8 The ASD one-minute overload current rating shall be 150% of rated output
current when constant torque application is indicated on the Data Sheet.
4.9.9 The ASD shall be capable of carrying a minimum of 180% of rated output
current for 0.5 seconds.
4.9.10 The ASD shall be capable of running correctly on a high-resistance grounded
system or an ungrounded system that is grounded on one phase.

4.10 Power Bus

4.10.1 All power bus bars, when part of the standard design, and other current-
carrying parts shall be copper. Power bus bar joints shall be plated, and the
bus bars and joints shall be insulated for the rated voltage.
4.10.2 Bus bars shall be braced to withstand short-circuit currents shown on the
Data Sheet.
4.10.3 Phase arrangement of buses and primary-circuit connections shall be 1, 2, 3
from front to back, top to bottom, or left to right, as viewed from the front of
the enclosure and shall be shown on Seller’s drawings.

4.11 Input and Output Controls and Alarms

4.11.1 Refer to the Data Sheet for a listing of external controls and control signals to
be furnished by the Seller.
4.11.2 The drive shall include a common alarm contact which will be closed during
normal operation and will open on ASD fault conditions. In addition, the drive
shall provide one normally open and one normally closed contact to indicate
motor run status. Contacts shall have a minimum rating of 5A at 120 VAC
and 125 VDC. When specified on the Data Sheet, additional diagnostic
contacts shall be provided.
4.11.3 When specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall provide a 4 to 20 mA
analog ungrounded output signals.
4.11.4 The ASD source voltage for external “Start - Stop” circuit logic shall be 120
VAC, derived from an internal CPT, unless specified otherwise on the Data
Sheet.

4.12 Disconnects
4.12.1 Unless specified otherwise on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall not require an
incoming disconnect.
4.12.2 When specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall include an incoming
disconnect device with an interlocked and padlockable handle mechanism.

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PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive November 1999

Seller shall indicate on the Data Sheet the type of disconnect used. Disconnect
device shall have a momentary withstand rating greater than the available fault
current indicated on the Data Sheet.
4.12.3 When multiple doors are supplied, all doors shall be interlocked with the
disconnect device. The interlocks shall include provisions to manually override
for test and repair.
4.12.4 When specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall include an output
disconnect or contactor.
4.12.5 When specified on the Data Sheet, the ASD shall include a manual bypass
feature. This feature shall provide a bypass contactor and an output isolation
contactor to bypass the ASD and allow the motor to operate at fixed speed.
The bypass contactor shall be electrically and mechanically interlocked with
the output contactor. All bypass selector switches, controls, and indicating
lights shall be packaged in the ASD enclosure.

4.13 Wiring and Terminations

4.13.1 Terminal blocks shall be provided for connection of external wiring and shall
be conveniently located, clearly numbered, and permanently identified.
4.13.2 Terminal blocks for external power wiring terminations shall be designed to
accommodate compression-type wire lugs for ASDs greater than 50 hp.
Mechanical connections may be used for ASDs 50 hp or less.
4.13.3 Connection points for inputs and outputs of different voltage levels shall be
segregated from each other. If necessary, this may be accomplished through
the use of terminal barriers and covers.
4.13.4 Where wiring is run through a metal sheet or barrier, bushings, grommets, or
other mechanical protection shall be provided.
4.13.5 All internal wiring shall be terminated with no more than two (2) conductors
per terminal block point.
4.13.6 The ASD shall have an internal mechanical ground connection suitable for
terminating a stranded copper ground conductor of the same size as the
incoming phase conductors. Ground connections shall be near the incoming
and outgoing power cable termination points.
4.13.7 Enclosures shall be designed to accommodate power cable entry as specified
on the Data Sheet.
4.13.8 Compression lugs shall be provided with the equipment for the termination of
all power wiring, when specified on the Data Sheet.
4.13.9 Minimum wire bending space shall meet or exceed the values shown in NEC-
1999 Table 430-10(b) for termination of the power cable and shall be
dimensioned on Seller’s drawing.

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November 1999 PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive

5. Inspection and Testing

Manufacturer’s standard tests shall be performed and additional testing shall be required when
specified on the Data Sheet. Minimum testing shall include:

• Mechanical operation tests performed for each ASD to verify satisfactory operation.
These tests shall include checking operating mechanisms and interlock devices.

• Electrical function tests performed to ensure proper operation of all devices and
components.

6. Shipping

6.1 Unless specified otherwise, preparation for shipment shall be in accordance with
Seller’s standards.

6.2 Loose equipment shall be appropriately packaged and secured for shipment inside the
enclosure or shipping container. These items shall be properly tagged for easy
identification.

7. Documentation

7.1 Quotation
7.1.1 Seller shall provide all Manufacturer’s data as required on the Data Sheet.
7.1.2 The Seller shall furnish two (2) copies of the following documents with the
quotation:
• Descriptive bulletins to include ratings, protection, controls, diagnostics
and operation of the ASD
• Manufacturer’s information and recommendations for this application on
harmonic filtering, cross-talk, isolation, input signal conditioning, special
load terminators, and motor de-rating
• Factory test procedures
• Full heat loss data for each typical unit
• A complete listing of accessories, including special tools normally used
for operation, maintenance, and testing of the specified equipment

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PIP ELSMC20
Specification for Procurement of Low Voltage AC Adjustable Speed Drive November 1999

7.2 Manufacturer Drawings and Data

7.2.1 The Seller shall submit drawings and data of the type and quantity shown in
Section 8.3 and the Data Sheet.
7.2.2 A tabulation of factory settings for all adjustable devices in the ASD as
shipped shall be included.

7.3 Seller Drawing and Data Requirements

A B C D
With For Final As Description
Bid Review Certified Built
X X X Detailed bill of material
X X X X General layout of equipment, showing all
dimensions, weights, location and outline drawings
showing the final assembled configuration
X X X Connection wiring diagrams for all electrical
equipment
X X X Single-line, 3-line, and control schematic diagrams
X List of accessories
X Tabulation of factory settings
X (1) Installation, operation, programming, and
maintenance manual
X Certified test reports (when indicated on Data Sheet)
X Final as-built drawings
X X Recommended priced spare parts list

A. Bidder shall furnish these documents with proposal.

B. Seller shall furnish these documents for Buyer's review and authorization to proceed
before fabrication.
C. Seller shall furnish these documents as part of the final certified document submittal.
(1) Equipment shall be shipped with one set of installation, operation, and maintenance
manuals.
D. Final as-built drawings provided within 2 weeks following shipment.

Note: Seller to provide one (1) reproducible set of drawings plus the specified number of
copies of all documentation and operating manuals as indicated on the Data Sheet.
Format for reproducibles shall be CAD convertible .DXF electronic format.

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