How to Select the Proper VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Cable

The right cable reduces:

Voltage spikes
Bearing currents
Electrical noise (EMI/RFI)

This guide outlines the main selection criteria.

1. Shielding Type

Shield Type	Description	Ideal For
Braid Shield	Good coverage and strength	General industrial environments
Foil Shield	100% coverage, strong high-frequency suppression	High-frequency noise control
Combination (Braid + Foil)	Best overall protection	High-noise or long-run applications
Symmetrical Ground Design	Balanced return paths, minimal common-mode noise	Sensitive installations

2. Conductor Design and Size

Use twisted conductors to reduce noise.
Select proper AWG for full-load current and voltage drop.
Use fine-stranded conductors for flexibility.

3. Insulation and Jacket Material

Rated for high voltage spikes (≥2,000 V).
XLPE or EPR for superior dielectric strength.
Choose jacket material suitable for oil, UV, or tray/conduit environments.

4. Grounding and Symmetry

Prefer integral ground conductors or copper tape shields.
Avoid single external ground wires to maintain impedance balance.

5. Cable Length Considerations

Runs over 50–100 ft can cause reflected wave voltage spikes.
Use low-capacitance cables or output filters/reactors for long distances.

6. Environmental and Installation Factors

Check for:

Temperature rating: –40°C to +90°C
Resistance: Oil, moisture, and chemicals
Flexibility rating: TC-ER, MTW, or flexible types
Bend radius compliance: Follow manufacturer’s specs

7. Standards and Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

UL 1277, UL 2277, UL 1063
IEEE 519
NEC Article 336 (Type TC/TC-ER)
EMC guidelines

To select the proper VFD cable, evaluate shielding, insulation, grounding, and compliance. Choosing a well-designed cable ensures safe, efficient, and noise-free VFD operation.

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