VFD004EL21A Variable Frequency Drive VFD-EL 0.4kW 1x220

Delta VFD-EL — compact V/f drive on DIN rail for pumps, fans and conveyors

The VFD-EL is Delta's smallest, simplest compact series: a little DIN-rail drive that does exactly what a simple machine needs, with no premium for features you will not use. In our range it comes in two supply branches: single-phase 220 V (0.7–2.2 kW, 3-phase 220 V output to the motor) and three-phase 380 V (0.7–3.7 kW). IP20 enclosure for cabinet mounting, maximum output frequency around 600 Hz.

One thing not to confuse: marketing versus the data sheet. Delta brands the series "Sensorless Vector", but the control system on the spec line is SPWM V/f with auto-torque / auto-slip compensation; starting torque is 150% at 5 Hz and overload is 150% for one minute. This is not FOC with an encoder: the VFD-EL is built for soft start, pump/fan energy saving and fixed-speed operation — not precise crane torque or positioning. There is no built-in PLC (unlike the larger VFD-E) — instead you get a built-in smart PID, up to 16 fixed speeds (multi-step 0–15), auto accel/decel and, for pumps, dry-run detection with auto restart.

Communication, EMC filter and braking

For comms, Modbus (ASCII/RTU) over RS-485 is standard on every drive — enough for SCADA and supervisory control. Fieldbuses — CANopen, PROFIBUS and DeviceNet — are added via option modules (in our list that is CME-COP01 for CANopen and CME-PD01 for PROFIBUS — match the part number to your version). The manufacturer fits a built-in EMC filter specifically on the 230 V single-phase and 460 V three-phase versions — exactly the ones we carry, so an external filter is usually unnecessary (confirm by part number).

On braking there is good news: per the data sheet a built-in brake chopper is present on all models up to 11 kW, and our range tops at 3.7 kW, so the chopper is on board in all seven items. For real dynamic braking you just add an external brake resistor (for the VFD-EL that is the BUE family — sized to power).

When to choose the VFD-EL, and when an alternative

The VFD-EL is first of all a like-for-like replacement of what already sits on the machine: fitting the same drive avoids reworking the wiring. For new simple pump/fan/conveyor projects a modern in-stock equivalent is usually smarter — Veichi AC10 covers the same V/f duty with single- and three-phase input. If you need an on-board logic controller for a simple node, that is the larger Delta VFD-E with its built-in PLC; if you need accurate low-speed torque (crane, hoist, winder), look at the Veichi AC310.

Our experience

The VFD-EL is most often bought as a one-to-one replacement on existing equipment. Two practical tips: first, do not expect vector accuracy — it is an honest V/f drive, and on a hard start it is the auto-torque compensation that helps, not a "vector" mode; second, the chopper is on board, but without a BUE brake resistor the drive will still trip on overvoltage when braking a high-inertia load hard — plan the resistor from the start. Send us the exact part number of your old drive and we will advise the correct replacement and the option modules you need.