Can GFCI breakers or outlets be used with Altivar Drives?

How can we help you today?

Issue:
Can GFCI breakers or outlets be used with Altivar Drives?

Product Line:
ALTIVAR, ATV12, ATV71, ATV320, ATV600, ATV900

Environment:
All

Cause:
GFCI breaker is tripping randomly

Resolution:
Because drives produce a high level of leakage current and depending of the sensibility of the breaker, tripping can occur.
At the start up of the drive, the capacitor bank is charging and we see the peak of leakage current. This peak is higher when there is more than one drive after the breaker.
Also, it is dependent on many installation parameters such as motor cable type, motor cable length, switching frequency, motor, ground connection.

To avoid the random tripping of the breaker due to earth leakage, it is recommended to use a GFCI called full immunized type A "SI". It is reinforced against high frequency leakage current. This type is not offered by Schneider Electric; however, there is a company called Bender that can provide these.