E500-4T0055 Variable Frequency Drive E500 5.5kW 3x380

E500-4T0055 is 5.5 kW, 3-phase 380 V supply, 3-phase 380 V output, rated current 13 A, output up to 400 Hz. One of the top three-phase frames in the series.

Typical applications:

• Industrial 5.5 kW pump or fan
• Conveyor, crusher or extruder on a mid-size line
• Spindle or feed of a more powerful machine

Note: at this rating the E500 is already near the top of its mini-type range. If you need a fuller feature set or a PLC, look at the bigger DX100 series. The E500 has no PLC.

Simphoenix E500 — compact budget VFD for simple motor speed control

The E500 is the mini-type line from Simphoenix (the same series is sold in the West under the SUNFAR brand). In plain terms: a small, cheap drive for roughly the 0.7–7.5 kW range, for jobs where you just need to vary the speed of a pump, fan or machine with no automation on top. If the task is to spin a shaft at an adjustable frequency without overpaying, the E500 does that job.

Per the manufacturer, the series runs scalar V/F plus simple sensorless vector control (SVC), has a built-in PID controller and a simple counter, and tolerates input voltage within ±20%. Comms are RS485 with Modbus, so the drive can tie into a PLC or SCADA. What it does not have is a built-in PLC — on our data the E500 has none, unlike the bigger series. So multi-step program logic needs an external controller.

What the E500 is for

• Pumps and fans: the built-in PID can hold pressure or flow in a simple closed loop.
• Single-phase 220 V mains: the 2S models run off single-phase 220 V — most build a 3-phase 220 V output for a three-phase motor, while a few give a 1-phase 220 V output for a single-phase motor.
• Machine tools, conveyors, extruders, augers: basic speed control where V/F or light vector is enough.
• Woodworking and CNC spindles: the E500/E550 is often used on small CNC router spindles — as a plain speed drive, not a closed-loop position spindle.

How the E500 differs from rivals

Honestly, the E500 is the bottom, cheapest floor. While the task stays simple — one motor, V/F or a PID on a pump — there is no point paying more. The moment you need logic, several drives or a SCADA link, look at the bigger DX100 or at our supported compact Veichi lines.

When the E500 is NOT the right choice

• You need a built-in PLC or a complex program — pick a class with a real PLC, such as Veichi AC310.
• You want a simple replacement from our stock with a warranty — see Veichi AC10 or Veichi AC01.
• Dusty or wet sites — the enclosure is IP20 on every model, so it needs a cabinet.
• Long motor cable or sensitive neighbours in the panel — the series has no built-in EMC filter, so add an external one.

Our experience with the E500

The E500 is a typical Chinese budget compact: it wins on price and simplicity, not on features. Two questions come up most: whether single-phase 220 V will drive a three-phase motor (yes — the 2S models with a 3-phase 220 V output are made exactly for that) and whether it has a PLC like the dearer series (on our data, no — only a PID and a counter). If you are unsure between the E500 and a supported Veichi series, get in touch and we will tell you honestly where the saving is worth it and where it is better to spend a bit more.