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Brand: Danfoss
Danfoss VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101, 0.25-90 kW
Description
VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101 for fans and pumps
The VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101 is a compact variable frequency drive from Danfoss aimed at simple, mass-produced building-services machinery: air handling units, ventilation fans, circulation and booster pumps and small compressors. It covers 0.25 kW to 90 kW depending on supply class and offers HVAC-specific functions such as Fire Override Mode, sleep mode and sensorless pump control without the cost of a full-featured industrial drive. Seven Star LLC supplies the FC 101 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat; this page summarises ratings, functions and what to specify when asking for a quotation.
FC 101 power ranges and enclosure options
The maker lists three supply classes for the series. Each ordering code of the FC 101 defines power, voltage, enclosure, filter and options, so the information below is the starting point for decoding a specific drive.
| Supply voltage | Motor power range |
|---|---|
| Supply class | Power range |
| 3 x 200–240 V | 0.25 – 45 kW |
| 3 x 380–480 V | 0.37 – 90 kW |
| 3 x 525–600 V | 2.2 – 90 kW |
Three enclosure ratings are available: IP20 (UL Chassis), IP21/UL Type 1 through a separate kit, and IP54 for the larger frames. Frame sizes run from H1 to H10 for IP20 and I2 to I8 for IP54 in the datasheet tables. A VLT Control Panel LCP 32 with a two-line alphanumeric display supports 7 languages with a numeric menu and a copy function for uploading and downloading parameters.
FC 101 technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / part number | Danfoss VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101 |
| Supply | 3-phase 200–240 V, 380–480 V and 525–600 V classes |
| Power factor and harmonics | Near unity (cos φ > 0.98); meets EN 61000-3-12 using integrated DC coils |
| Output frequency | 0 – 400 Hz; ramp times 1 – 3600 s |
| Digital inputs | 4 programmable, PNP or NPN, 0–24 V DC |
| Analog inputs | 2, voltage 0 to +10 V or current 0/4–20 mA, accuracy 0.5 % of full scale |
| Analog outputs | 2 programmable, 0/4–20 mA, 1 % accuracy; usable as digital outputs |
| Relay outputs | 2, 240 V AC / 2 A and 400 V AC / 2 A max. terminal load |
| Fieldbus (built in) | Modbus RTU, BACnet MS/TP, N2 Metasys, FLN Apogee, FC Protocol |
| EMC | Built-in filter meets category C1 and C2 of EN 61800-3 |
| Ambient temperature | Up to 50 °C |
| Humidity | 5 to 95 % non-condensing (IEC 721-3-3 class 3K3) |
| Efficiency | Up to 98.5 % |
| Environment | Coated/uncoated 3C3/3C2 (IEC 60721-3-3); vibration test 1.14 g |
| Compliance | SEMI F47 voltage sag immunity; UL LZGH2 in line with UL 60335-2-40 |
How the FC 101 saves energy and protects the plant
On variable-torque loads such as fans and centrifugal pumps, power falls with the cube of speed, which is why the maker quotes roughly 50 % energy cost saving for a 20 % speed reduction. The FC 101 adds Automatic Energy Optimisation, a sleep mode that stops the drive when flow falls below a setpoint and restarts it when pressure drops, and sensorless pump control that avoids an external pressure transmitter. Fire Override Mode keeps fans running regardless of control signals, warnings or alarms, accepting possible drive damage to maintain smoke extraction or stairwell pressurisation, and the display shows clearly that the mode is active. The drive works equally with induction and permanent magnet motors across the whole power range, and power-loss ride-through improves behaviour when the grid is unstable.
Where the FC 101 fits in the Danfoss drive family
The FC 101 shares the parameter structure of the wider VLT FC family, so technicians who know the VLT HVAC Drive FC 102, AQUA Drive FC 202 or AutomationDrive FC 302 can commission it quickly. It is the simpler, lower-cost option: choose the FC 102 where more I/O, higher enclosure ratings or advanced HVAC cascade functions are needed, and the FC 101 where the machine needs basic speed control. The VLT Mains-Free Interface tool lets a technician configure drives on the production line without mains power.
FC 101 selection and ordering checklist
- Motor rated power and current at the supply voltage in use.
- Frame size and enclosure: IP20, IP21/Type 1 kit or IP54 for dusty or damp locations.
- Load type: variable torque fans and pumps are the intended use; compressor loads need the compressor-torque settings.
- Fieldbus protocol required by the building management system.
- Cable lengths and whether the built-in C1/C2 filter meets the site EMC rules.
- Control panel, mains-free interface and IP21 kit as separate ordering items.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance
The ultra-compact design allows mounting inside an air handling unit or panel, and IP54 drives can be mounted through a panel front. Use the Quick Menu wizard to set up open-loop or closed-loop control and motor data. Keep clear airflow around the heat sink, respect the 50 °C ambient limit, and use screened motor cables with the supplied bonding accessories. The maker describes the drive as maintenance free apart from general cleaning because of its self-protection and monitoring features; protection covers motor thermal overload, heat sink temperature, short circuit, earth fault and mains phase loss.
Typical applications in Oman and the GCC
Building services in Muscat and the Gulf run HVAC plant for long hours in high ambient temperature, so efficient fan and pump control cuts electricity use directly. The FC 101 is used for chilled-water circulation pumps, fresh-air and extract fans, cooling-tower fans and small booster sets in hotels, hospitals, malls and industrial facilities, and the Fire Override Mode is relevant to smoke extraction fans. In dusty sites choose the IP54 versions and check the coated-board option for corrosive coastal air.
Information to send with an RFQ
- Full ordering code, or motor kW, voltage and enclosure rating.
- Quantity and application (fan, pump, compressor).
- Building-management protocol and any option modules.
- Ambient temperature and installation type (panel, plant room, outdoor).
- Delivery location in Oman or the GCC.
Documents and quotation
A selection guide for the VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101 is attached on this page.
Send the FC 101 ordering code or the motor and supply data and we will confirm the matching drive and any further documents.
Datasheets & Documents
- Datasheet Danfoss FC 101 Datasheet Download
Reviews (0)
About brand
Danfoss is the Danish engineering group that makes refrigeration and air-conditioning controls, heating components, variable speed drives and mobile hydraulics. Mads Clausen founded it on 1 September 1933 at his parents' farm in Nordborg on the island of Als, after making his first refrigeration expansion valve in 1932. Nordborg is still the group's headquarters, and Danfoss remains controlled by the Clausen family through the Bitten & Mads Clausen Foundation.
Danfoss company profile
| Founded | 1 September 1933, Nordborg, Denmark, by Mads Clausen (1905–1966) |
|---|---|
| First product | Thermostatic expansion valve for refrigeration |
| Headquarters | Nordborg, Denmark |
| Ownership | Private; majority controlled by the Bitten & Mads Clausen Foundation and the Clausen family |
| Size | About 42,000 employees (2023) |
| Business segments | Danfoss Climate Solutions (refrigeration, air conditioning and heating), Danfoss Drives (VLT and VACON frequency converters, soft starters), Danfoss Power Solutions (mobile and industrial hydraulics) |
| Brands in the group | VLT, VACON, Eaton Hydraulics (bought 2021), Ikusi radio remote controls |
Milestones
- 1932–1933: First expansion valve; the company is founded in Nordborg.
- 1939: 26 employees. By the 10th anniversary in 1943 the company has 179.
- 1950s: Rapid growth turns Nordborg into a Danfoss town with housing and schools for its workforce.
- 1968: Danfoss launches its VLT frequency converter, one of the first mass-produced AC drives.
- 2014: Acquisition of the Finnish drives maker Vacon, now the VACON brand.
- 2021: Acquisition of Eaton's hydraulics business.
Choosing Danfoss products
For solenoid valves, check the operating principle. A direct-operated valve such as EV210B opens even at 0 bar differential pressure. A servo-operated valve such as EV220B needs a minimum differential (typically about 0.3 bar) to open, while an assisted-lift valve such as EV250B works from 0 bar. Coils are ordered separately, so the voltage on the coil (for example 230 V AC or 24 V DC) must match the control circuit. For drives, the VLT family is split by application: FC 51 Micro Drive for small machines, FC 102 HVAC Drive for fans and pumps in buildings, FC 202 AQUA Drive for water, and FC 302 AutomationDrive for demanding industrial duty.
Where Danfoss products are used
In Oman and the GCC, Danfoss drives run pumps, fans and compressors in district cooling plants, water and wastewater stations, desalination and building HVAC. Danfoss pressure switches, transmitters and solenoid valves are built into chillers, refrigeration plants, boilers and hydraulic systems, and AB-QM valves balance chilled-water circuits in large buildings.
Danfoss products we list
| Family | Examples |
|---|---|
| Variable speed drives and soft starters | VLT Micro Drive FC 51, VLT HVAC Drive FC 102, VLT AQUA Drive FC 202, VLT AutomationDrive FC 302, FC 280, iC2-Micro, VACON NXP, MCD 600 soft starter |
| Solenoid valves and coils | EV220B, EV210B, EV250B, EV225B steam, EVR 25, AM230C coil |
| Pressure switches and thermostats | KP 37, KP 44, RT 200, CS, MBC 5000, KPS 77, RT 101 |
| Pressure transmitters | MBS 3000, MBS 5100, MBS 3250, MBS 4251 Ex, AKS 33, DST P92S SIL 2 |
| HVAC and refrigeration valves | AB-QM PICV, NovoCon S, AB-PM, AVTA, ICV, TE 5 element |
Ordering Danfoss products: what we need
Send the Danfoss code number from the label (for example 032U7115 or 131B0149) or the full drive type code (FC-302P3K0T5...). For drives, add the motor power, supply voltage and any fieldbus option. For valves, add the size, connection, medium and coil voltage. For pressure switches and transmitters, add the range, output and pressure connection.
Facts checked against Danfoss's company history pages and published company data, October 2026.
Browse Danfoss products by category: AC Drives, Pressure Instrumentation, Control Valves, Solenoid Valve.
FAQ
Questions about the Danfoss VLT HVAC Basic Drive FC 101, 0.25-90 kW
Answers from our engineering team on installation, compatibility and integration.
01What power range does the FC 101 cover?
The maker lists 0.25-45 kW for 3 x 200-240 V, 0.37-90 kW for 3 x 380-480 V and 2.2-90 kW for 3 x 525-600 V.
02Does the FC 101 have Fire Override Mode?
Yes. Fire Override Mode keeps the drive running despite warnings, alarms or control signals, which is intended for smoke exhaust and stairwell pressurisation fans.
03Which fieldbus protocols are built in?
Modbus RTU, BACnet MS/TP, N2 Metasys, FLN Apogee and the FC Protocol are listed as standard.
04What EMC category does the FC 101 meet?
The built-in EMC filter meets categories C1 and C2 of EN 61800-3 without extra components, even with long motor cables.
05Can it drive permanent magnet motors?
Yes. It works with induction and permanent magnet motors over the full power range, so motor type does not need to change when retrofitting.
Reviews
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