What this MV drive is
The Schneider Electric ATV1200A52004242 is an Altivar 1200 medium voltage variable speed drive rated for 4347 kW motor power and 5200 kVA apparent power, drawing 720 A line current from a 2970...3630 V supply. It uses a 24-pulse diode rectifier bridge input stage, which significantly reduces line-side harmonics compared to 6- or 12-pulse topologies — a key consideration when connecting to weak grids or meeting IEEE 519 compliance without external filters. The drive is assembled in a floor-standing enclosure with separate air flows for power and control sections, and forced convection cooling moves 70000 m³/h of air through the cabinet.
Architecture and internal composition
Internally, the ATV1200A52004242 comprises 2 plinths, a phase-shifting transformer, medium voltage arrestors, cooling fans, a human machine interface, and 12 power cells — a modular cell topology that allows the drive to generate near-sinusoidal output voltage waveforms. The 24-pulse rectifier is effectively built from the phase-shifting transformer feeding the 12 cells, each with its own diode bridge, giving the drive its characteristic low harmonic distortion profile. Output voltage is limited to the supply voltage level, and the drive is designed for both synchronous and asynchronous motors.
Overload capability and protection
Standard overload rating: 1.2 × rated current for 60 seconds and 1.5 × rated current for 3 seconds. A high overload profile extends the 1.5 × capability to 60 seconds and allows 1.85 × for 3 seconds — useful for high-torque starting or short-duration peak loads. Ground fault protection is integral to the drive, and the prospective line short-circuit current rating is 31.5 kA for 150 ms, meaning the drive's input circuitry is designed to withstand that fault level without catastrophic failure. Dielectric strength between earth and power terminals is 20 kV AC, and the drive meets pollution degree 2 per EN/IEC 61800-5-1.
CE marked and designed to EN/IEC 60204-11, EN/IEC 60529, EN/IEC 61800-3, EN/IEC 61800-4, and EN/IEC 61800-5-1 — covering electrical safety, EMC, and enclosure protection for adjustable speed drive systems. An integrated EMC filter is included, and the drive's noise level is rated at 80 dB — relevant for installation planning in noise-sensitive environments. Operating altitude range: 1000 to 2000 m with a current derating of 0.6% per 100 m above 1000 m. Ambient relative humidity is 0...90%, with an optional 0...95% rating.
Physical dimensions and site planning
The floor-standing enclosure measures 1800 mm deep, 6670 mm wide, and 2740 mm high — these are the standard efficiency dimensions; the drive requires substantial floor space and overhead clearance for installation and maintenance access. The operating position is vertical within ±10 degrees, and vibration resistance is 4.9 m/s² over 10...50 Hz. Electrical connection uses M10 screw-type bars with a clamping capacity of 6 × 40 mm² per phase (/R, L2/S, L3/T), with cable entry from the top or bottom.
Control interface and I/O
The drive offers 4 software-configurable analogue inputs (0...20 mA / 4...20 mA, 24 V max, 250 Ω impedance) and 1 analogue output of the same type. Discrete inputs: 6 standard, expandable to 10 optional. Control supply is 220 V AC at 3 kVA (external), with an optional 220 V AC/DC supply. The cooling fan runs on a separate 380 V AC supply — this split supply arrangement allows the control electronics to remain powered for diagnostics when the main power is disconnected. Electrical isolation between power and control circuits is standard, and the speed range is 20...100%.
This is a large, project-scale MV drive; it is sourced to order against the BOM quantity through independent distribution channels. No pin-compatible or form-fit-function alternative exists within the Altivar 1200 family — the ATV1200A52004242 is a specific configuration of power cells, transformer, and enclosure that is built to order for the rated power level.