How Do I Find the Correct PowerFlex Drive Documentation?
Rockwell Automation provides several different types of documentation for PowerFlex drives. This article explains the purpose of the most commonly used publications and which document to use when looking for drive ratings, dimensions, wiring information, parameters, installation requirements, or application-specific information.
When searching for information on a PowerFlex drive, selecting the correct type of publication can make it much easier to find the answer.
PowerFlex documentation is generally divided into several categories:
- Technical Data
- User Manuals
- Programming Manuals
- Installation Instructions
- Reference Manuals
- Selection Guides
Each publication serves a different purpose.
Technical Data
Technical Data should generally be the first place to look for product specifications and selection information.
Technical Data publications typically contain information such as:
- Drive catalog numbers
- Horsepower and kW ratings
- Input and output current ratings
- Voltage ratings
- Normal Duty and Heavy Duty ratings
- Frame sizes
- Dimensions and weights
- Environmental specifications
- Temperature and altitude derating
- Branch circuit protection
- Fuse and circuit breaker information
- SCCR information
- Certifications
- Accessories and options
- Line and load reactor selection
- Dynamic braking information
When should I use Technical Data?
Use Technical Data when the question is primarily:
"What are the specifications or ratings of this drive?"
Technical Data is also one of the primary resources when preparing drive submittals.
User Manual
The User Manual provides more detailed information about installing, wiring, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting the drive.
User Manuals commonly contain:
- Installation requirements
- Power wiring
- Motor wiring
- Grounding
- Control terminal descriptions
- Digital and analog I/O
- Communications setup
- Startup procedures
- Basic drive configuration
- Fault information
- Troubleshooting procedures
When should I use the User Manual?
Use the User Manual when the question is primarily:
"How do I install, wire, configure, or operate this drive?"
For example, if you need to determine which terminal is used for a digital input or how a drive should be grounded, the User Manual is generally a better starting point than Technical Data.
Programming Manual
Programming Manuals provide detailed information about the drive's parameters and programming functions.
Depending on the PowerFlex family, this information may be contained in a dedicated Programming Manual or incorporated into another drive publication.
Programming information can include:
- Parameter numbers
- Parameter names
- Parameter descriptions
- Available settings
- Default values
- Minimum and maximum values
- Parameter dependencies
- Drive status bits
- Control functions
- I/O configuration
- Communications-related parameters
When should I use a Programming Manual?
Use the Programming Manual when the question is primarily:
"Which parameter controls this function, and how should it be configured?"
For example, when configuring a relay output, digital input, speed reference, start source, or other drive function, the Programming Manual is often the best resource.
Installation Instructions
Installation Instructions are typically provided for a specific product, option, or accessory rather than the entire drive family.
Examples may include:
- I/O option modules
- Communication adapters
- Encoder/feedback modules
- HIMs
- Drive accessories
- Option kits
Installation Instructions typically contain:
- Physical installation procedures
- Terminal identification
- Wiring diagrams
- Switch or jumper settings
- Installation requirements
- Specifications specific to the option
When should I use Installation Instructions?
Use Installation Instructions when the question is primarily:
"How do I physically install or wire this specific option or accessory?"
Reference Manual
Reference Manuals provide more detailed technical and application information than is normally found in a User Manual.
Depending on the PowerFlex family, Reference Manuals may cover topics such as:
- Drive control theory
- Motor control methods
- Dynamic braking
- Regeneration
- Motor characteristics
- Application considerations
- Drive sizing
- Power structure
- Advanced drive functions
When should I use a Reference Manual?
Use a Reference Manual when the question goes beyond basic installation or programming and you need to understand:
"How does this function work, and how should it be applied?"
Reference Manuals are particularly useful when troubleshooting or engineering more complex drive applications.
Selection Guide
Selection Guides are useful when determining which product or drive family should be selected for an application.
They can provide an overview of:
- Available PowerFlex drive families
- Voltage and horsepower ranges
- Communications
- Safety capabilities
- Motor-control capabilities
- Available options
- Product differences
When should I use a Selection Guide?
Use a Selection Guide when the question is primarily:
"Which PowerFlex product should I use?"
Once the drive family has been selected, use the drive's Technical Data publication for detailed ratings and catalog-number selection.
Quick Reference
| If You Need... | Start With... |
|---|---|
| Catalog number or drive selection | Technical Data |
| HP, voltage or current rating | Technical Data |
| Dimensions or frame size | Technical Data |
| Environmental ratings | Technical Data |
| Fuse/breaker information | Technical Data |
| Drive wiring | User Manual |
| Control terminal information | User Manual |
| Installation requirements | User Manual |
| Parameter information | Programming Manual |
| Configure a drive function | Programming Manual |
| Install an option module | Installation Instructions |
| Advanced application information | Reference Manual |
| Dynamic braking/application theory | Reference Manual / Technical Data |
| Determine which drive family to use | Selection Guide |
Finding Rockwell Automation Documentation
When searching for a publication, it is helpful to search using the drive family and publication type.
For example:
PowerFlex 525 Technical Data
PowerFlex 525 User Manual
PowerFlex 750 Programming Manual
PowerFlex 750 Reference Manual
If a publication number is already known, searching by the publication number is generally the fastest method.
Recommended Approach
If you are unsure where to start:
Specifications and selection → Technical Data
Installation and wiring → User Manual
Parameters and programming → Programming Manual
Options and accessories → Installation Instructions
Advanced application questions → Reference Manual
Choosing a drive family → Selection Guide
Using the correct publication first can significantly reduce the amount of time required to find the information needed.