ADM Technical Guide: Invertek Variable Speed Drives (VSD) Australia
Variable speed drives are essential for controlling the power & logic conversion of DC motors. The variable speed drive acts as the brain and power modulator, enabling acceleration and deceleration by modulating power for conventional motors such as AC induction, permanent magnet (PM), brushless DC (BLDC), and synchronous reluctance (synRM) motors.
ADM is a proud supplier of Invertek Variable Speed Drives, a global leader in variable speed drives designed and engineered in the UK. The Invertek range supports most conventional motors operating across 115~600VAC, with power ratings from 0.37kW to 250kW.
This technical guide outlines the core series architectures, electrical phase configurations, ingress-protection ratings and various industrial applications suitable for the Optidrive family.
For support in finding the right Variable Speed Drive for your intended applications, call the ADM team on 1300 236 467 or send questions via our contact page here.
Core Drive Architectures
Selecting the right drive architecture depends on load dynamics: variable-torque loads (pumps and fans) require speed-optimised algorithms, while high-inertia, constant-torque loads demand high breakaway torque and dynamic vector control.
Each Invertek series below includes models for internal integration within a control unit enclosure system or for external mounting, such as wall-mounted enclosures.
Optidrive E3: General Purpose Control
The Optidrive E3 is engineered for rapid commissioning across essential machinery, conveyors, and light processing equipment. It features an intuitive 14-parameter basic setup and three pre-configured operating modes: Industrial, Pump, and Fan.
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Optidrive P2: High-Performance Industrial
For severe industrial duty, the Optidrive P2 utilises 3GV sensorless vector control, generating up to 200% starting torque from zero speed. It features integrated Safe Torque Off (STO SIL2/PLd), built-in PLC programmability, and high overload thresholds.
See how the Optidrive P2 handles high-breakaway inertia in our article for Mining Jaw Crusher & Quarry applications, or explore fluid handling for abrasive fluid applications, Dewatering and Slurry Pumps.
Optidrive Eco: HVAC & Municipal Water
Optidrive Eco provides energy-optimised motor control dedicated to centrifugal fans and pumps. Key features include multi-pump cascade control, native BACnet MS/TP and Modbus RTU, motor pre-heat algorithms, and acoustic noise reduction.
Explore how the Optidrive Eco supports building life-safety compliance in our article on Invertek VSD Fire Mode.
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Explore the Invertek range on our Invertek supplier page.
Invertek VSD Series Comparison Matrix
Specification / Feature | Optidrive E3 | Optidrive P2 | Optidrive Eco |
Power Output Range | 0.37kW – 37kW | 0.75kW – 250kW | 0.75kW – 250kW |
Overload Capacity | 150% for 60s, 175% for 2s | 150% for 60s, 200% for 4s | 110% for 60s (normal duty) |
Control Modes | V/f, Sensorless Vector | 3GV Vector, Closed Loop Flux Vector | Energy Optimised V/f, Eco Vector |
Motor Compatibility | Induction, PM, BLDC, SynRM | Induction, PM, BLDC, SynRM | Induction, PM, SynRM |
Functional Safety | Optional external relay | Integrated STO (SIL2 / PLd) | Integrated STO (SIL2 / PLd) |
Built-in Fieldbus | Modbus RTU, CANopen | Modbus RTU, CANopen | BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU |
Electrical Infrastructure & Phase Compatibility
VSD selection must account for site power supply availability and the motor winding configuration (Star vs. Delta).
Single-Phase Input to Single-Phase Output (0.37kW – 1.1kW)
Standard VSDs cannot operate single-phase motors due to run capacitors and centrifugal switches. Invertek’s dedicated single-phase output VSD controls single-phase Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) or shaded-pole motors by varying output frequency and voltage directly, eliminating costly motor changeouts. Read about the Invertek Single Phase Input/Out Variable Speed Drives here in our blog, Operating 1-Phase Motors on Single-Phase VSDs.
Single-Phase Input to Three-Phase Output (0.37kW – 4kW)
Designed for rural properties, workshops, and commercial sites without three-phase utility mains. The drive takes 200–240V 1-phase AC and synthesises a balanced 3-phase 200–240V output, enabling the use of efficient 3-phase motors wired in low-voltage Delta.
Learn more about Single-Phase input to 3-phase output VSDs here.
Three-Phase Industrial Supply (0.37kW – 250kW)
Engineered for global grids from 200V to 600V AC. High-power models incorporate internal DC chokes to minimise supply harmonic distortion and improve overall power factor. Learn more in our overview of the 3-phase variable-speed drivers here.
Enclosure Selection & Harsh Environment Protection
Matching the drive's ingress protection (IP) rating to ambient operating conditions avoids thermal derating and premature component failure. Each Invertek variable-speed drive series offers three variations to meet the required ingress protection for the intended application.
IP20 Enclosures
- Compact chassis units intended for installation inside centralised switchboards and climate-controlled motor control centres (MCCs).
IP55 / NEMA 12 Units
- Sealed against dust ingress and low-pressure water sprays. Suitable for wall-mounting inside pump stations and HVAC plant rooms without secondary electrical cabinets.
IP66 / NEMA 4X Units
- Sealed in UV-stabilised, chemically inert polycarbonate housings. Rated for -20°C to +50°C and resistant to high-pressure washdowns (up to 100 bar), making them suitable for direct field-mounting on outdoor conveyors, wash bays, and quarries.
Read about our IP66 Outdoor Variable Speed Drives or compare the difference between IP55 and IP66 VSDs here
Marine & Extreme Duty Ratings
Certain Optidrive P2 models carry DNV Marine Certification. These units include conformal-coated circuit boards, vibration-dampened heatsinks, and enhanced thermal dissipation for shipboard winches, ballast systems, and marine propulsion.
Learn more about the DNV-certified Optidrive P2 variable speed drives.
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Advanced Control, Communications & Safety
Modern drive deployments depend on integrated networking, functional safety, and software-defined automation to eliminate secondary hardware.
Fieldbus Networking: CANopen & Master-Slave
Optidrive units support distributed control topologies without requiring expensive master PLCs:
Master-Slave RS485 Bus
- Synchronises up to 63 drives across an RJ45 serial link to share real-time speed, torque, and operational status. Ideal for multi-motor conveyors and quarry extraction banks. Learn more about Master-Slave operations of the Invertek Optidrive P2 here.
CANopen Architecture
- Provides sub-millisecond process data exchange (PDO/SDO mapping) for coordinated industrial machinery. Learn more in our guide for using CANopen protocol to interface with Invertek Optidrive P2 Variable Speed Drives.
Embedded Logic & Modern Motor Retrofitting
Onboard PLC Functionality
- Optidrive P2 drives include an onboard PLC programmed using OptiTools Studio. Users can develop function-block logic, digital I/O routines, and simulated logic without an external micro-PLC. Read more on our blog: Designing a PLC program using the OptiTools Studio for Invertek VSDs.
PM & BLDC Motor Retrofits
- Upgrading legacy induction motors to permanent magnet or brushless DC variants requires high-frequency pulse-width modulation (up to 16kHz switching) and back-EMF parameter tuning to maintain motor stability. Read more on our blog, optimising Retrofit Applications with Invertek Drives for Permanent Magnet and Brushless DC motors.
Solar Off-Grid Pumping
- For remote installations, the Optidrive P2 Solar Pump system integrates an internal Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm with dual-supply DC/AC switching for continuous agricultural irrigation. Read more on our blog: Invertek P2 Solar Pump Variable Speed Drive – Water Pumping in Remote Off-Grid Applications.
Commissioning, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Proper commissioning prevents common high-frequency switching and power-quality issues from affecting plant reliability.
Installation Best Practices
Harmonic Distortion & EMC Mitigation: Variable frequency outputs generate common-mode voltages and high-frequency harmonics. To comply with AS/NZS EMC standards, use symmetric 3-core + 3-earth shielded VSD cable, 360° EMC cable gland terminations, and supply-side line chokes for cable runs exceeding 50 metres. Learn more in our article, EMI and Harmonics in Electrical Systems: Understanding and Mitigating Issues.
Programming Interfaces: Commission drives via the integrated keypad, the OptiTools Mobile Bluetooth interface, or PC USB/RS485 converters using OptiTools Studio. Learn more in our article, Designing a PLC program using the OptiTools Studio for Invertek VSDs.
Systematic Commissioning Checklist
- Insulation Resistance: Disconnect drive terminals before motor megger testing to prevent output bridge damage.
- Phase Rotation & Earth Continuity: Verify low-impedance grounding paths to the single-point star earth.
- Motor Nameplate Entry: Enter accurate motor FLC, base frequency, RPM, and cos $\phi$.
- Rotational Autotune: Perform an uncoupled autotune to map stator resistance and inductive reactance accurately. Read our checklist in our blog: 10 things to check before commissioning an Invertek Variable Speed Drive.
Common Diagnostics & Fault Codes
Fault Code | Primary Cause | Immediate Remediation |
O-I (Overcurrent) | Mechanical jam, rapid acceleration ramp, or short circuit. | Check motor wiring insulation; extend acceleration-ramp time ($P-01$); inspect the mechanical load. |
O-U (Overvoltage) | High regenerative energy from deceleration. | Extend deceleration ramp time ($P-02$); install an external braking resistor and verify chopper activation. |
U-t (Under Temperature) | Ambient drive temperature dropped below -20°C. | Verify enclosure heating systems; check internal thermistor connections. |
SAFE-t (STO Fault) | STO circuit input loop open or miswired. | Check dual channel 24V DC safety circuit continuity; check emergency stop contacts. |
For further reading, read our blog: Common Warning, Trips, Faults and Failures in Invertek Drives: Causes and Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Invertek VSD run a standard 3-phase motor using single-phase mains power?
Yes. Invertek single-phase input-to-three-phase output drives convert single-phase 200–240V utility power into a 3-phase 200–240V output. To use this configuration, the motor terminal block must be bridged for 240V Delta configurations rather than 415V Star configurations.
What is the advantage of mounting an IP66 VSD directly on equipment instead of an electrical cabinet?
Direct equipment mounting reduces the cabinet footprint, eliminates panel air-conditioning costs, and shortens motor cable lengths. Shorter motor cable runs lower capacitive cable-charging currents, decrease electromagnetic interference (EMI), and reduce peak voltage stresses at the motor terminals.
How does Invertek Fire Mode work during a life-safety building emergency?
When an emergency digital input triggers Fire Mode, the VSD overrides all external control signals, turns off standard thermal and software trip protections, and operates at a pre-set emergency speed until the command is removed or the drive suffers complete catastrophic hardware failure. This ensures smoke-extraction and stairwell-pressurisation fans continue running during evacuation events.
What is 3GV sensorless vector control on the Optidrive P2?
3GV is a closed-loop performance algorithm that operates without physical shaft encoder feedback. It continuously monitors output current phase angles to calculate rotor slip in real time, delivering up to 200% rated torque at near-zero Hz for heavy starting loads.
Need Technical Support? Call us Today!
Need engineering advice on sizing or deploying an Invertek variable speed drive for your site
Speak with the team about your motor control requirements, request technical data sheets, or arrange a commercial quote. Call the team on 1300 236 467 or send any questions to our contact page here.
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