Danfoss 132F0028 VLT Micro Drive FC 51 5.5 kW 380-480 V Frequency Converter

A 5.5 kW drive for medium pumps, compressors and conveyors

132F0028 is the Danfoss VLT Micro Drive FC 51 at 5.5 kW (7.5 hp), three-phase 380-480 V, model code FC-051P5K5T4E20H3BXCXXXSXXX. It sits in the M3 frame, so the enclosure is the same size as the 3, 4 and 7.5 kW units, yet the electrical load is much higher: the Design Guide lists 12.0 A continuous output at 380-440 V and an input current of 19.2 A. It is the rating most often chosen for 5.5 kW motors driving booster pumps, air compressors, belt conveyors and ventilation fans.

Technical specifications

Cooling, cabling and overload considerations at 5.5 kW

At 5.5 kW the heat loss reaches 131.0 W best case and 166.8 W typical, so panel ventilation matters more than at 3 kW. The drive tolerates a 150 percent overload for 1 minute (intermittent output 18.0 A at 380-440 V). Mains and motor terminals accept cable up to 4 mm2 (10 AWG). Non-UL installations use 40 A gG fuses; the Design Guide also lists Line Filter MCC 107 130B2528 for this code. The Design Guide gives a maximum ambient temperature of 40 degrees C and lists derating for higher ambient temperature, so review that section for hot switch rooms.

Because 5.5 kW motors often run for long hours, efficiency counts: the Design Guide gives 98.0 percent best case and 97.5 percent typical. The 131.0 W best-case loss is about 2.4 percent of the shaft rating. The 150 percent overload for 1 minute allows short peaks such as pump start-up against a closed valve, and the programmable relay can signal a fault to a plant controller. The housing is 239 mm high, 90 mm wide and 194 mm deep, and the Danfoss store lists a net weight of 3.26 kg for this order number. Use shielded motor cable and a clamp to the decoupling plate (132B0107) for an EMC-correct installation.

Ordering number, accessories and availability

FC-051P5K5T4E20H3BXCXXXSXXX uses P5K5 for 5.5 kW; the rest of the string is common to the family (IP20, H3 filter, brake, coated PCB). For the M3 frame the Design Guide lists a Type 1 kit 132B0105 and a decoupling plate 132B0107 and an IP21 kit 132B0110. Line Filter MCC 107 130B2528 is paired with 132F0028 in the ordering table. This ordering number is marked by Danfoss with last time buy 30 June 2026 and last delivery 30 September 2026; an iC2-Micro upgrade is offered, so confirm stock and migration. Quote 132F0028 together with the full model code when requesting a price.

Key features of the FC 51 at 5.5 kW

• Compact M3 frame: 90 mm wide, allowing several drives to be mounted side by side in a small panel.
• Integrated RFI filter (H3): reduces conducted emissions without a separate external filter in many installations.
• Built-in brake chopper: an external brake resistor can be connected for loads that must decelerate quickly, such as conveyors with high inertia.
• Two control principles: VVC+ up to 200 Hz for good torque at low speed, and U/f up to 400 Hz for special motors or parallel motors.
• Coated PCB: indicated by the model string, giving extra protection against humid or polluted atmospheres.

Selecting the drive for the motor

A drive should be chosen by motor current, not only by kilowatt rating. Check that the motor nameplate full-load current at the supply voltage is not above 12.0 A at 380–440 V or 11.0 A at 440–480 V. Some 5.5 kW motors, especially older or low-efficiency designs, draw more than this; for them the next rating up is required. For pumps and fans with a quadratic torque curve the drive is rarely stressed, but for compressors and loaded conveyors that start against high torque, check that the 150 percent overload for 1 minute covers the starting peak.

Pumps and fans

For centrifugal pumps and fans, the main benefit of speed control is energy saving: because power falls steeply with speed, a modest speed reduction can give a significant reduction in power. The FC 51 also gives a soft start, which limits water hammer in pipelines and belt wear on fans.

Installation and maintenance

• Mount the drive vertically with the clearances given in the Design Guide above and below for cooling air.
• Use shielded motor cable, clamp the shield to the decoupling plate and keep motor cables separated from control wiring.
• Protect the input with the fuses listed above (40 A gG maximum).
• Clean the heatsink and fan regularly; dust build-up raises the internal temperature and shortens component life.
• Keep the parameter set backed up, for example using the local control panel, so a replacement drive can be set up quickly.

Use in Oman and GCC conditions

Since the Design Guide gives 40°C as the maximum ambient without derating, panels in Oman should be designed so that the air around the drive stays at or below this level, or the derating curve must be applied. With up to 166.8 W typical loss per drive, an enclosure with several FC 51 units usually needs forced ventilation or air-conditioning in summer. IP20 protection means the drive must be installed in a cabinet; in sandy areas use filtered fans and in coastal areas consider the corrosive atmosphere. Typical regional applications are irrigation and transfer pumps, booster sets in buildings, cooling tower fans, small air compressors and conveyors in packaging and building materials plants.

What to include in your RFQ

Give the order code 132F0028 and the full model code, the motor nameplate data, supply voltage, the application and duty, required accessories (Type 1 kit, IP21 kit, decoupling plate, line filter, brake resistor) and quantity. Because of the last-time-buy status, please indicate whether an iC2-Micro alternative is acceptable.

Documents and quotation

The FC 51 Design Guide MG02K402 from Danfoss is linked on this page. See the AC drives category for related drives and the smaller FC 51 ratings. Requests to Seven Star LLC, an independent supplier based in Muscat, should include the drive nameplate and the application. Please verify ratings, filters and availability with us before ordering.