The ACS150 is a micro drive which is typically used with motors that do not have extensive braking requirements. Each drive comes with an internal brake chopper to connect a braking resistor.

Selecting a braking resistor

If you already know your drive model number, and your braking power refer to the selection table below. Otherwise use our Braking Resistor Sizing Calculator first, and then come back to the selection table.

Braking resistor cables:

• Use a shielded cable with the same conductor size as for drive input cabling
• The maximum length of the resistor cable is 5m or 16ft

Installation location:

• Make sure there are no flammable materials nearby
• The resistor should be in a place protected from unintentional contact
• Ensure there is adequate air flow, resistors are typically rated up to an environment of 40°C (104°F)

Protection against overheating:

• All MegaResistors DBRs come with built in thermal protection, this should be wired to the drive properly
• Ensure your drive is equipped with a main contactor, and wire the contactor so that it opens if the resistor thermal switch opens (due to resistor overheating)

Drive parameter set up:

• The ACS150 has overvoltage control which must be disabled
• Set parameter 2005 (OVERVOLT CTRL) to 0 (DISABLE)

The ACS255 is a micro drive which is typically used with motors that do not have extensive braking requirements. All frames except frame E1 come with an integrated braking chopper.

If you know your drive model number and your desired duty cycle, select a resistor from the ACS255 Braking Resistors Table.

If you have a more intensive duty, get in touch with us and we’ll help you size a resistor for your specific application.

The ACS355 is a compact drive aimed at machine builders. All drives come with an integrated braking chopper to perform dynamic braking. This model replaces the ACS350, although the braking resistors required are identical.

If you know your drive model number and your desired duty cycle, select a resistor from the ACS355 Braking Resistors Table.

If you have a more intensive duty, get in touch with us and we’ll help you size a resistor for your specific application.

The ACS380 is a compact drive aimed at machine builders, while the ACS480 is a general purpose drive. Both come with an integrated braking chopper to perform dynamic braking. The resistors required for them are identical.

If you know your drive model number use the ACS380 / ACS480 Braking Resistor Specifications Table, and provide the values to request a quote. The only additional information we need from you is your required duty cycle, or we’ll assume it’s 50%. This allows us to size a resistor perfectly fit for your application.

The ACS550 is a general purpose drive with a wide power range. Frames R1 and R2 come with an integrated brake chopper, and have out-of-the-box support for braking resistors. Frames R3 to R6 require an external brake chopper.

If you have a more intensive duty, get in touch with us and we’ll help you size a resistor for your specific application.

Our ACS550 cross-reference list is under construction will be published shortly.

The ACS580 is a general purpose drive that comes in different form factors.

• The ACS580-01 is wall-mounted and can support to 250 kW
• The ACS580-04 provide compact drive module options
• The ACS580-07 is cabinet built and can support between 250 and 500 kW

For the ACS580-01: Frames R0 to R3 have a built-in brake chopper, and support external resistors out of the box. Frames R4 to R9 require external brake choppers, some of which come with built-in resistors. Any brake choppers starting with “NBRA-” require external resistors.

If you know your drive model number use the ACS580 Braking Resistor Specifications Table, and provide the values to request a quote. You will find a column that provides the maximum braking power, we recommend using this as your peak braking power, and providing us your duty cycle. If the maximum braking power is above 15 kW, we recommend you use our Braking Resistor Sizing Calculator to calculate your required power.