Don’t Short Me

What happens when fault current exceeds what your system can handle? It’s not just theory—short circuit events can lead to arc flash, equipment destruction, or worse. Host Greg Weichman sits down with Steve Perreault, Yaskawa’s chief product line manager for low voltage drives, to unpack the real implications of SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating), AIC (Amps Interrupting Capacity), and UL standards in VFD applications. From understanding how protection devices work with your drive to why following manufacturer instructions matters more than ever, Steve draws from 35 years of industry experience to walk you through the details that safeguard your equipment, operations—and most importantly, your people.

 

02:04 Understanding Available Fault Current

04:05 Built-in Protections in Variable Frequency Drives

06:51 Importance of Over Current Protection Devices (OCPD)

07:47 SCCR vs. AIC: Key Differences

18:37 UL Standards: From 508C to IEC 61800-5-1

21:54 Ensuring Compliance and Safety

29:37 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

 

Link to Steve’s webinar on Drive short circuit protection and UL standards

Video: Drive short circuit protection and UL standards - Control Engineering

 

Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!