The VW3A46173 is a passive filter from Schneider Electric's Altivar accessory range, designed to reduce current harmonics on the line side of variable speed drives. It's built for 480 V ±10 % three-phase networks at 60 Hz, rated 291 A input and 302 A output. The headline spec: it holds THDI to 5 % across compatible Altivar models — ATV61H, ATV71H, ATV61Q, ATV71Q at 355 kW each, and ATV630 and ATV930 at 160 kW/250 hp.
The 5 % THDI figure means that with this filter installed, the total harmonic current distortion at the drive input stays at or below 5 % of fundamental — compliant with IEC 61000-3-12, IEC 61000-3-4, and G5/4 engineering recommendation. That's the level that keeps nuisance tripping off your upstream protection and avoids penalties from the utility on large installations. Power factor runs near unity — cos φ of 0.99 at 100 % line current, 0.85 at 75 %, and 1.0 at 150 % overload. That means the filter also corrects displacement power factor across the load range, not just at full load. It handles 1.5× nominal current for 60 seconds — enough for drive inrush during acceleration or a momentary overload event. Thermal losses are 1288 W at rated load, so factor that into your enclosure ventilation when panel-mounting; at 98 % efficiency the heat is manageable but not trivial.
The filter carries IP20 as standard and IP55 when enclosure-mounted — meaning it's suitable for cabinet installation but also for standalone use in a washdown area if you add the right enclosure. Operating temperature range is 5…45 °C without derating; above that, derate 3 % per °C up to 60 °C. Above 1000 m altitude, derate 5 % per 1000 m up to 4000 m. Vibration resistance is 2 mm peak-to-peak from 5…13.2 Hz and 0.7 gn from 13.2…150 Hz per IEC 60068-2-6. That's standard for industrial panel mounting but worth noting if it's going on a machine frame with high shock. Connection terminals: main power terminals accept 25…300 mm² cable; the control terminal strip (X1-1…X2-3) takes 2.5 mm². Storage temperature range is -25…55 °C in original packaging, up to 65 °C during transport.
Quantity per drive varies: ATV61H/71H/61Q/71Q at 355 kW need two filters per drive; ATV630 and ATV930 at 160 kW/250 hp need one. Factor that into your BOM count — a single-drive order for an ATV61H needs two of these.