Danfoss VACON 20 Compact AC Drive 0.25-18.5 kW

VACON 20 compact AC drive, 0.25 to 18.5 kW

The VACON 20 is a compact machine-level AC drive from Danfoss covering 0.25 kW to 18.5 kW (0.35 to 25 HP) across single-phase and three-phase supplies. It is built for OEM and plant applications where panel space, fast commissioning and a wide choice of supply voltages matter more than a large power range: pumps, fans, conveyors, packaging and washing machines are the typical tasks named by the maker. Seven Star LLC supplies the VACON 20 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat, and this page explains how the type code is read, which ratings exist and what to specify when requesting a quotation.

Reading the VACON 20 type code

Every VACON 20 drive carries a code in the form VACON0020-3L-0009-4, optionally followed by a version suffix and option codes. The fields are the product name, the input phase count (1L or 3L), the rated output current in amperes, the voltage class digit and, for the cold plate version, the suffix CP.

• 1L / 3L – single-phase or three-phase supply.
• Current field (0001 to 0038) – continuous rated current IN in amperes; 0009 means 9 A.
• Voltage digit – 1 = 105–120 V, 2 = 208–240 V, 4 = 380–480 V, 7 = 520–600 V.
• -CP – VACON 20 Cold Plate version with a flat cooling surface and IP00 rating.

VACON 20 technical specifications

How the VACON 20 controls a motor

The drive rectifies the incoming supply to a DC link and rebuilds a variable-frequency, variable-voltage output for the motor. In U/f mode the voltage follows a fixed curve against frequency, which suits fans and pumps with many motors or unknown motor data. In open-loop vector mode the drive estimates motor flux from measured currents to hold torque at low speed, which helps conveyors and machines with stiff starting loads. A unique feature of this family is the built-in PLC: logic written to the IEC 61131-3 standard can run inside the drive and use spare I/O, so a simple sequence does not need a separate controller. The parameter list can also be edited to create application-specific defaults.

I/O, communication and options

The standard I/O includes a 10 V reference, two analog inputs (0–10 V, and 0(4)–20 mA selectable on AI2), six digital inputs, one analog output, one open-collector digital output and two relay outputs, with RS485 Modbus RTU on terminals A and B. An expansion slot accepts option boards, and the maker states that fieldbus options allow connection to systems such as CANopen, DeviceNet and PROFIBUS DP. The Cold Plate version adds STO inputs (Safe Torque Off) rated by the maker to SIL3.

VACON 20 frame sizes and ratings overview

Current ratings step from 1.7 A (0.25 kW at 230 V) up to 38 A (11 kW at 230 V and 18.5 kW at 400 V). Always confirm the exact current for your motor rather than selecting by kW alone.

VACON 20 selection and ordering checklist

• Supply voltage and phase count, including whether a 105–120 V or 520–600 V North American class is really needed.
• Motor nameplate current, not just kW; choose a drive whose IN covers it with margin for overload duty.
• Duty: light fan or pump load, or constant-torque conveyor requiring the 1.5 x IN overload.
• Mounting: standard air-cooled drive, DIN rail, or Cold Plate for sealed enclosures with a cooled surface.
• EMC level: C2 on 208–240 V and 380–480 V needs the internal +EMC2 option on standard drives; the Cold Plate does not need it.
• Fieldbus option, keypad or door-mount kit, IP21 or NEMA 1 kit, and parameter-copy adapter.
• Built-in choke: available as an option on types of 16 A and above for harmonic filtering to IEC 61000-3-12.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance

Easy-access terminals, DIN rail mounting and the MCA copy adapter, which clones parameters without mains power in the drive, are all aimed at short set-up times on repeated machine builds. Observe derating: full load up to 1000 m, then 1 % per 100 m up to 2000 m (3000 m for Cold Plate). Allow cooling air clearance, keep cable lengths and shielding in line with the manual, and note that some small types (for example 1L-0009-2, 3L-0007-2 and 3L-0011-2) are limited to +40 °C when used with certain enclosure kits. Periodically clear dust from heat sinks and fans and check terminal tightness.

Applications in Oman and the GCC

In Oman and the wider Gulf the VACON 20 is a practical choice for skid-mounted pumps, small ventilation fans, conveyor lines in food and packaging plants, laundry and washing equipment, and water-treatment auxiliaries where a full-size drive is not justified. High ambient temperature in outdoor cabinets makes the +50 °C rating and derating rules important, and dust and humidity favour correct enclosure kits or the sealed Cold Plate concept.

Information to send with an RFQ

• Complete type code or kW, voltage and phase.
• Motor data: rated current, speed, poles, induction or permanent magnet.
• Control and communication requirements, plus option boards.
• Ambient temperature, altitude and enclosure expectations.
• Quantity and delivery location in the GCC.

Documents and quotation

A selection guide for the VACON 20 and VACON 20 Cold Plate is attached on this page and lists ratings, I/O and options.

Send the full type code or your motor and supply data and we will confirm the matching drive and available documents.