Motor Control

Danfoss Variable Speed Drives, Soft Starters and Industrial Motor Control Support

Industrial motor control specified correctly — from grid supply to mechanical load.

Pacific Automation helps industrial customers select the correct motor control solution for pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, HVAC systems and heavy process machinery. We supply genuine Danfoss and VACON drives, soft starters, filters and technical support backed by real application engineering.

 

Authorised Danfoss Drive Partner
Nation-wide Supply and Technical Support
New Projects and Existing System Upgrades
Harmonic & Compliance Advice

What is Motor Control?

Motor control covers every method of starting, stopping and controlling an electric motor, from the simplest direct online starter through to a fully programmable variable speed drive. The right method depends on the application, the load, and the reliability requirements of the operation. Getting that selection wrong has consequences across the whole electrical chain.

 

Pacific Automation specifies the Danfoss motor control range, drives, soft starters, and motor protection, with the application knowledge to make sure the right device gets specified first time.

 

Wrong Motor Control Costs More Than Just A Failed Start

Wrong motor control selection can create:

 

High Inrush Current

Nuisance Tripping

Harmonic Distortion

Poor Process Control

 

Premature Motor Failure

Gearbox and Coupling Stress

Site Commissioning Delays

Compliance Issues

Motor Control Options

Variable Speed Drives
Digital voice recorder with display and control buttons. Model iC7.

Full speed and torque control for energy saving and process optimisation.

 

Applications:
pumps • fans • conveyors • compressors • mixers • HVAC • process machinery

 

Soft Starters

Controlled motor acceleration where speed variation is not required.

 

Applications:
pumps • compressors • conveyors • fans • belt drives

 

Pacific Automation's Motor Control Engineering Checklist

Before recommending equipment, we verify:

  • Incoming supply capacity
  • Transformer / generator limitations
  • Motor insulation compatibility
  • Cable length and dv/dt risk
  • Harmonic distortion exposure
  • Braking or regenerative requirements
  • Environmental conditions
  • Control philosophy
  • Communication network requirements

This ensures the drive or soft starter is not only correctly sized, but correctly integrated into the complete electrical powertrain.

 

Industrial Electrical Powertrain

Industrial Electrical Powertrain

How Pacific Automation fits into your motor system — from grid to load

01

Grid supply
Grid supply

Utility supply, generator or site distribution characteristics

02

Transformer / Switchboard
Transformer / Switchboard

Voltage conversion, protection and supply stability

03

Motor control device
Motor control device

What it does: Variable speed drive, soft starter, filter or harmonic solution

Danfoss
VLT iC2 iC7 VACON Soft starter
Powertrain diagram

04

Motor
Motor

AC induction motor, permanent magnet motor or specialty motor type

05

Mechanical load
Load

Pump, fan, conveyor, compressor, hoist, agitator or process machine

By understanding the full electrical and mechanical interaction, we reduce hidden issues that are often missed when equipment is selected only from a catalogue.

 

Filters

Harmonic

DVDT

Sine-wave

Common Mode

Motor Control Methods

Method What it does When to use it

Direct online (DOL) 

 

Full voltage applied immediately — simple, low cost 

 

Low-inertia loads where starting current is not a concern

 

Soft starter

 

Ramps voltage on start — reduces inrush and mechanical shock

 

Smooth starting required, speed control during run not needed 

 

Variable speed drive

 

Full speed and torque control throughout operation 

 

Energy saving, process control, application-specific protection 

 

Danfoss VLT, VACON and iC series drives are Pacific Automation's primary recommendations across VSD applications. For soft starting, we supply the Danfoss VLT MCD range.

 

What Are You Trying to Control?

Danfoss drives are specified across the following applications. Each tile leads with the consequence of the wrong specification, shows the relevant industries and featured products. 

Industries We Serve

Water & Wastewater

Pumping stations · Desalination plants · Aeration blowers · Sludge handling 

 

Mining & Minerals

Conveyors (long distance, high power) · Crushers and mills (high torque) · Slurry pumps · Ventilation fans 

 

Marine & Offshore

Thrusters · Winches · Cargo pumps · Hybrid and electric propulsion systems 

 

Oil & Gas

Compressors · Pipeline and injection pumps · Offshore topside drives (ATEX / IECEx)

 

General Industry

Packaging lines · Materials handling · Machine control 

 

HVAC & Buildings

Chillers · Cooling towers · Air handling units (AHUs) 

 

Food & Beverage

Hygienic drives · Washdown-duty applications · Processing lines 

 

The Danfoss Drive Range

Danfoss manufactures frequency and power converters for every application tier, from compact general-purpose drives through to advanced liquid-cooled solutions for the most demanding industrial and marine applications.

 

Tier Products Best for

OEM / low cost 

Panel build, OEM, general purpose, MRO replacement — simple variable-torque loads

Industrial 

 

VACON 100, VLT, iC7

Pumps, fans, conveyors, HVAC, industrial process — reliable and proven 

Advanced control

 

VACON NXP, iC7

High-performance applications requiring precise torque control, advanced diagnostics, IIoT connectivity 

Liquid cooled 

 

VACON NXP, iC7

High-power or thermally demanding applications — marine, offshore, heavy industrial 

Introducing the Danfoss iC7

The iC7-Automation represents a significant step forward in drive technology. It brings IIoT-ready connectivity with built-in dual Ethernet, switchable fieldbus protocols, hardware-based cybersecurity, and Safe Torque Off (STO) up to SIL3 as standard, all in a more compact, energy-efficient package. The modular architecture means you can expand functionality as your needs evolve, without replacing the drive.

 

Replacing Obsolete Variable Speed Drives & Ageing Motor Control Equipment

Many industrial facilities are still operating on ageing or unsupported drive platforms where spare parts are limited, programming knowledge is lost, and failure can cause extended downtime.

Pacific Automation helps customers:

 

  • identify obsolete Danfoss and non-Danfoss drives,
  • assess replacement urgency,
  • map I/O and communications,
  • review motor compatibility,
  • and develop a practical migration path to current Danfoss or VACON technology.

Whether the requirement is a planned upgrade or an emergency breakdown replacement, we can help simplify the transition.

 

FAQ

Should I use a variable speed drive or a soft starter?

If speed control, energy saving or process optimisation is required, a variable speed drive is generally the better solution. If the goal is simply reducing inrush current and mechanical shock during start-up, a soft starter may be sufficient.

 

Can Pacific Automation help replace obsolete ABB, Schneider, Allen-Bradley or Siemens drives?

Yes. We regularly assist with migration from ageing or unsupported platforms into current Danfoss and VACON equivalents.

 

Do I need a sine wave filter or dv/dt filter?

This depends on motor cable length, motor insulation quality and EMC considerations. Pacific Automation can assess whether output filtering is required.

 

Can Danfoss drives help reduce harmonic distortion?

Yes. Danfoss offers a range of harmonic mitigation and line conditioning solutions depending on site compliance requirements.

 

Chat To Us Today

Need help selecting the right motor control solution?

Whether you're specifying a new installation, replacing an obsolete drive, or solving a recurring motor issue, Pacific Automation can help verify the correct Danfoss motor control package before you buy.

Get In Touch
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Beyond the Drive: The Complete Motor Control System

A variable speed drive is the heart of a motor control system, but it doesn't operate alone. Pacific Automation supplies the full ecosystem of components needed to build reliable, intelligent and safe motor control solutions, from the logic controller through to the safety circuit.

System Strip Diagram

Category

Logic control

Role in the system

Sends run/stop/speed commands to the drive based on process logic.

PA products & brands

IDEC PLCs Advantech industrial PCs Advantech HMIs

Category

Remote I/O & communication

Role in the system

Connects motor status signals back to the controller — reduces wiring across distributed sites.

PA products & brands

Weidmüller u-remote I/O Advantech wireless gateways

Category

Safety & switching

Role in the system

Emergency stop and safety interlock devices integrated into the motor control circuit.

PA products & brands

Bernstein pull-wire switches Bernstein safety switches Push buttons & selectors Control station components

Category

Condition monitoring

Role in the system

Detects bearing wear and motor faults before failure — moves maintenance from reactive to predictive.

PA products & brands

Advantech WISE-2410 Kübler encoders Kübler speed sensors
Reliability Starts With the Control Layer

Wrong PLC logic or missing I/O signals cause failures even with a correctly specified drive

 

Predictive Maintenance Reduces Downtime

Vibration monitoring on motors running Danfoss drives detects bearing failure weeks before it happens

 

Safety Compliance is Non-Negotiable

Pull-wire switches, interlocks and safety relays are part of every compliant motor control installation

 

Get the Right Specification First Time

 

Our technical team has hands-on experience specifying motor control solutions across water, mining, marine, HVAC and industrial applications — for both new projects and existing system upgrades. Tell us what you're working on and we'll point you in the right direction.

 

Browse VSD's from Danfoss and VACON

Pacific Automation can assist with drive specification for all industrial and commercial projects.

Danfoss VLT - Variable Speed Drives
FC 51 Micro Drive
FC 101/102
FC 202 Aqua Drive
FC 301/302
VACON - Variable Speed Drives
VACON 20/20 X
VACON 100/100 X
VACON NXS/NXP/NXC
Soft Starters
VLT Compact Starter MCD 201/202
VLT Soft Starter MCD 500
VLT Soft Starter MCD 600

VLT Micro Drive FC 51

VLT Micro Drive FC 51

Reduced installation costs. Maximum strength.

Small but powerful. Save panel space and reduce installation costs thanks to a compact size and minimal commissioning requirements.

  • Side-by-side mounting without derating possible
  • Coated PCBs minimise penetration of dust
  • Built-in RFI filters limit radio disturbance from motor cables
  • Effective heat sink extends drive lifetime
  • Kinetic energy can be transformed into braking power

VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101

VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101

Efficient, basic control of fans and pumps in HVAC applications.

Get built-in functions to reduce initial costs and increase productivity.

  • Most compact unit in its class
  • Ideal for ventilation, heating, and refrigeration applications
  • Integrated DC coils reduce harmonics to an absolute minimum
  • Automatic Energy Optimizer saves 15-25% energy for low TCOS
VLT HVAC Enhanced Drive FC 102

Get even more drive in your HVAC.

Get enhanced reliability and lower total cost of ownership in your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installations with this unique VSD. Optimised for building automation systems.

 

VLT Micro Drive FC 202

VLT Micro Drive FC 202

Maximum energy efficiency for water and wastewater applications.

The VLT AQUA Drive provides the highest level of performance in AC-motor-driven water and wastewater applications. With a range of powerful standard features, which can be expanded with performance-improving options, the drive is equally suited to both new and retrofit projects.

  • Specially designed software prevents water hammering
  • Back-channel-cooling transfers 90% of heat away
  • Built-in, scalable RFI filter and integrated DC link chokes
  • Freely programmable warnings and alerts

VLT Automation Drive FC 301/302

VLT AutomationDrive FC 301/302

Versatile, reliable and consistently awesome.

Built to last, these drives operate effectively in demanding applications and challenging environments. AutomationDrive comes in a standard version (FC 301) and an advanced high dynamic version (FC 302) with additional functionalities.

  • Suits asynchronous and permanent magnet motors
  • Save energy with increased flexibility
  • Reduce costs related to spare parts and servicing
  • Optimise process control on industrial production lines

VACON 20 / 20 X

VACON 20

Built-in functionality for enhanced control.

  • Compact in size and packed with functionality
  • Integral DIN rail mounting
  • Easy-access terminals for fast installation and set-up
  • Create application-specific parameter sets
  • Build individual control logic into the drive with PLC functionality

VACON 20 X

Maximum performance in demanding environments.

Decentralised drives can either be mounted directly onto a motor or close by. Outdoor enclosure protection ensures maximum performance in challenging conditions where heat, dirt and vibration levels are high.

  • Reduce cabling costs by installing close to the motor
  • Protective vent ensures interior pressure is equalised
  • Quick to install and easy to keep clean
  • Built-in PLC functionality for custom-made software solutions

VACON 100 FLOW / 100 X

VACON 100 FLOW

Dedicated functionality for pumps, fans and compressors.

VACON 100 FLOW is an AC drive dedicated to improving flow control and saving energy in industrial pump and fan applications.

  • Multipump solutions and application selection menus
  • Protect pipes and equipment to ensure reliable operation
  • Standard PID control uses a sensor to control pump speed
  • Accurate process control, optimised energy savings
VACON 100 X

Maximum performance in demanding environments.

VACON 100 X features highly advanced control capability for almost all kinds of applications where a decentralised and robust solution is the best option.

All power components, including harmonic filtering chokes, are built into one compact and robust unit. A single terminal box contains the control unit and all wiring, freeing up space elsewhere.

VACON NXS / NXP / NXC

VACON NXS

AC drive for heavy use in machines, buildings, and industry.

Typical applications for the VACON NXS include pumps, multi-pump, conveyors, and compressors. Get simplified programming, flexible I/O selection, and modular packaging to suit your application.

VACON NXP

Precise and powerful performance.

VACON NXP Air Cooled drives offer precision and power to applications that require a robust and dynamic performance. Available in a complete power range up to 2 MW, they are provided as wall-mounted, standalone enclosed and IP00 modules.

VACON NXC

Flexible, robust and serviceable.

VACON NXC are compact, enclosed drives that perform reliably in harsh operating conditions within the mining, oil and gas, or water and wastewater industries. A thermally managed enclosure extends drive lifetime and ensures trouble-free operation.

 

VLT Compact Starter MCD 201/202

VLT Compact Starter MCD 201/202

Compact but powerful soft starters.

Two series of soft starters that provide a total motor starting solution for motors up to 110 kW. The MCD 201 compact starter offers efficient motor-starting features, while the extended MCD 202 version of the compact starter provides enhanced soft-start functionality and additional motor-protection features.

The series of soft starters offer easy DIN rail mounting for sizes up to 30 kW, 2-wire or 3-wire start/stop control and excellent starting duty (4 x le for 6 seconds; heavy starting ratings at 4 x le for 20 seconds). They are compatible with grounded delta power systems.

 

VLT Soft Starter MCD 600

VLT Soft Starter MCD 600

Superior soft start performance for fixed-speed applications.

The VLT Soft Starter MCD 600 combines the latest in advanced controls and protections with an increased level of intelligence for superior performance in fixed-speed applications.

The MCD 600 is more flexible than ever to install, thanks to a wide variety of Ethernet and serial-based communication option cards, application-dedicated smart cards and support for eight languages.

  • Integrated bypass ensures efficient harmonic-free operation
  • Reduces energy consumption and required cooling capacity
  • Pump-clean function & PowerThrough operation
  • Calendar or run time-based scheduling
  • Extensive motor and starter protections