Aggressive Environments - GE AF-650 GP Design Manual

2.5.1 Aggressive Environments

A frequency converter contains a large number of mechanical and electronic components. All are to some extent vulnerable to environmental effects.
2
The frequency converter should not be installed in environments with airborne liquids, particles, or gases capable of affecting and damaging
the electronic components. Failure to take the necessary protective measures increases the risk of stoppages, thus reducing the life of the
frequency converter.
Liquids can be carried through the air and condense in the frequency converter and may cause corrosion of components and metal parts. Steam, oil, and salt
water may cause corrosion of components and metal parts. In such environments, use equipment with Unit Size rating IP 54/55. As an extra protection, coated
printed circuit boards can be ordered as an option.
Airborne Particles such as dust may cause mechanical, electrical, or thermal failure in the frequency converter. A typical indicator of excessive levels of airborne
particles is dust particles around the frequency converter fan. In very dusty environments, use equipment with Unit Size rating IP 54/55 or a cabinet for IP 00/IP
20/TYPE 1 equipment.
In environments with high temperatures and humidity, corrosive gases such as sulphur, nitrogen, and chlorine compounds will cause chemical processes on the
frequency converter components.
Such chemical reactions will rapidly affect and damage the electronic components. In such environments, mount the equipment in a cabinet with fresh air
ventilation, keeping aggressive gases away from the frequency converter.
An extra protection in such areas is a coating of the printed circuit boards, which can be ordered as an option.
NB!
Mounting frequency converters in aggressive environments increases the risk of stoppages and considerably reduces the life of the converter.
Before installing the frequency converter, check the ambient air for liquids, particles, and gases. This is done by observing existing installations in this environment.
Typical indicators of harmful airborne liquids are water or oil on metal parts, or corrosion of metal parts.
Excessive dust particle levels are often found on installation cabinets and existing electrical installations. One indicator of aggressive airborne gases is blackening
of copper rails and cable ends on existing installations.
Unit Sizes 4x and 5x have a stainless steel back-channel option to provide additional protection in aggressive environments. Proper ventilation is still required for
the internal components of the drive. Contact GE for additional information.
The frequency converter has been tested according to the procedure based on the shown standards:
The frequency converter complies with requirements that exist for units mounted on the walls and floors of production premises, as well as in panels bolted to
walls or floors.
IEC/EN 60068-2-6:
IEC/EN 60068-2-64:
NB!
Unit Sizes 4x and 5x have a stainless steel backchannel option to provide additional protection in aggressive environments. Proper ventilation is still required
for the internal components of the drive. Contact factory for additional information.
14
Vibration (sinusoidal) - 1970
Vibration, broad-band random
AF-650 GP Design Guide