5.5 kW VFD: when we ship for pumps and when to size up
A 5.5 kW VFD is the workhorse drive in our catalog: pump stations, industrial ventilation, mid-size conveyors. Our typical customer this year: a farmer with an irrigation pump, a small workshop with a compressor, a manufacturer of ventilation units. The input is normally three-phase 380V (82 of 86 catalog SKUs), with 4 single-phase 220V models for sites without a 3-phase supply. At 5.5 kW single-phase you are already at the edge: input current 20-25 A, you need a 32 A breaker. If you can pull a three-phase line, do it.
From our warehouse the most common picks are Veichi AC10-T3-5R5G-B (budget tier, V/f and basic vector), Delta VFD055E43A (general industrial), and INVT GD20-5R5G-4 (full set of protections). We size the VFD by motor rated current, not motor kW. For a 5.5 kW motor that is 11-14 A at 380V. That is why we always look at the "output current" column in the datasheet.
First question: what is the load type, ND or HD
At 5.5 kW this matters a lot. ND (Normal Duty) holds 110% overload for 60 seconds: that is fine for pumps and fans where torque stays steady. HD (Heavy Duty) holds 150% overload for 60 seconds: that is what you need for loaded conveyors, compressors, crushers, anything with a hard start. If your machine is a crusher or a screw, take either a model with confirmed HD at 5.5 kW or step up to 7.5 kW. Cheaper and more reliable.
Second thing we ask: cable cross-section to the motor. Up to 15 m, 2.5 sq.mm is enough; up to 50 m you need 4 sq.mm. Beyond 50 m we recommend a motor choke or du/dt filter, because PWM on a long cable produces overvoltage at the motor terminals. That is a common surprise on borehole pumps where the cable is 80-100 m down the pipe.
What else we ask before the order
Do you have a PLC or SCADA. That decides which interface we look for. Modbus RTU is on almost every model; Profinet/EtherCAT we take in ABB ACS580, Siemens G120, Schneider Altivar 320. For a single PID loop (pressure control in a pump station), it is cheaper to take a model with built-in PID, like Danfoss iC2 or Delta MS300. No separate PLC needed in that case. Warranty 18-24 months depending on the brand, shipping across Ukraine from our Kyiv warehouse in 1-3 days.
| Model | Series | Supply | Current (A) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veichi AC10-T3-5R5G-B | AC10 | 3ph 380V | 13 | Conveyors, machine tools, general industrial |
| Delta VFD055E43A | VFD-E | 3ph 380V | 13 | Universal industrial mechanisms |
| INVT GD20-5R5G-4 | GD20 | 3ph 380V | 14 | Conveyors, extruders, compressors |
| Veichi AC310-T/S2-5R5G-B | AC310 | 1ph 220V | 20 | Sites without 3ph supply (pumps, fans) |
| Danfoss 132L6134 | iC2 | 3ph 380V | 12 | Pumps, fans (built-in PID) |
ND and HD Mode: Choosing by Load Type
For 5.5 kW applications, the load class is particularly important:
- ND (Normal Duty) — 110% overload for 60 s. Suitable for pumps, fans, and other equipment with light starting and constant torque.
- HD (Heavy Duty) — 150% overload for 60 s. Required for loaded conveyors, compressors, crushers, and mechanisms with heavy starting torque.
If a 5.5 kW motor operates in HD mode, it is recommended to choose a 7.5 kW VFD or verify that the specific model supports HD rating at 5.5 kW.
Power Supply: 3ph 380V vs 1ph 220V
| Parameter | 3ph 380V (82 models) | 1ph 220V (4 models) |
|---|---|---|
| Input current | 11–14 A | 20–25 A |
| Input breaker | 16–20 A | 32 A |
| Cable cross-section | 2.5–4 mm² | 6 mm² |
| Available series | All manufacturers | Simphoenix E500, Veichi AC310, AC70 |
| Price range | from UAH 10,709 | from UAH 11,543 |
For 5.5 kW, three-phase 380V supply is the optimal choice: lower input current, more stable operation, and the full range of models available.
5.5 kW VFD Manufacturers
Brands available in the catalogue (by range size):
- Siemens — 13 models (SINAMICS V20, MicroMaster 420/440, G120). From compact to high-performance series. Prices from UAH 22,706.
- Schneider Electric — 12 models (Altivar 310, 320, 340, 610, 630, 950). Full range from basic to premium. Prices from UAH 26,115.
- Danfoss — 7 models (iC2, VLT FC301/FC302, AQUA). Specialised series for pumps and ventilation. Prices from UAH 32,153.
- Veichi — AC10, AC310, AC01, AC70 series. Sales leader in the budget and mid-range segment. Prices from UAH 10,962.
- Delta Electronics — VFD-E, MS300, C2000, CP2000 series. Optimal price-to-reliability ratio. Prices from UAH 21,443.
- ABB — ACS180, ACS480, ACS880, ACQ80 series. Premium solutions for critical applications. Prices from UAH 24,569.
- Mitsubishi Electric — FR-D, FR-E, FR-F, FR-A series. Japanese quality and precision control. Prices from UAH 26,125.
- INVT — GD20, GD200A series. Budget segment with a full set of protections. Prices from UAH 15,599.
Typical 5.5 kW Model Specifications
- Rated output current: 11–14 A (3ph 380V)
- Frequency range: 0–400 Hz (most series)
- Control modes: scalar (V/f), sensorless vector (SVC), closed-loop vector (FVC)
- Protection functions: overcurrent, short circuit, overvoltage, phase loss, overheating
- Ingress protection: IP20 (panel mount) — standard for most models
- EMC filter: built-in on most series (Delta, Danfoss, ABB, Siemens)
Warranty and Delivery
All 5.5 kW VFDs come with an official manufacturer warranty of 18 to 24 months. Delivery across Ukraine — Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Lviv, and other cities. Free delivery for orders over UAH 5,000.
Related Categories by Power
- VFD 3 kW — for small mechanisms and domestic pumps
- VFD 7.5 kW — next size up for power headroom or HD mode
- VFD 11 kW — for heavy-duty industrial drives
- VFD 15 kW — for pumping stations and large ventilation systems
