VFD folks!!

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JLTibbetts

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Did you install yours in an enclosure? Are there code requirements that makes an enclosure mandatory?
Trying to get edjumakated about these. Apparently they get warm/hot and need open air flow, but that makes them susceptible to problems with fine dust accumulating inside.
Opinions, thoughts, and experiences welcome !!
Thanks.
 
I have one. It is not currently in an enclosure but will be at some point. No problems so far but I use compressed air to blow dust out of the shop machines regularly.
 
Powermatic doesn't seem to think you need one otherwise they more than likely would have installed theirs in an enclosure. My first 3520A was 24 years old before I totaled it, and the VFD still worked. The second PM 3520 A is about 4 years older than the first one, and it's VFD still works. Both were on the backside of the headstock. ............ Nubs
 
I have 2 of them. One from the factory on my laguna lathe and one runs my southbend metal lathe, neither is in an enclosure and been that way for years. Never had a problem with either one due to dust. The dust settles and isn't drawn in. Some people put way too much thought into things and try to put fear into others. If a thing just put a flat cover on top so the dust doesn't settle on it. K.i.s.s.
 
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My Jet lathe has one that has never been a problem. I have been inclined to go with Greg and just hang a rag over it when it isn't running, but I always like to check with those with experience. Very much a fan of K.I.S.S. 😁
My other concern is models that appear to have exposed input and output terminals. Are they a valid safety issue without an enclosure?
Thanks for all the replies.
 
If they are high voltage I would say yes. But most with terminals like that are for.low.voltage connections. I would stay away from one with exposed high voltage terminals, that would be a style that requires an enclosure.
 
JLTibbetts said:
Did you install yours in an enclosure? Are there code requirements that makes an enclosure mandatory?
Trying to get edjumakated about these. Apparently they get warm/hot and need open air flow, but that makes them susceptible to problems with fine dust accumulating inside.
Opinions, thoughts, and experiences welcome !!
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Made me smile. Clicked on seeing VFD, Volunteer Fire Department folks....nope.
 
When my mechanical wizard updated my 3520a, since I turn outside, he made my VFD detachable and it hangs on a gate 4 or 5 feet from the lathe when I use it, otherwise disconnected and stored in a cabinet.
 
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