The VW3A5208 is a sinus output filter rated 300 A continuous, designed for Altivar variable-speed drives to smooth the motor voltage waveform and reduce bearing currents and motor noise. It handles a maximum permissible voltage of 500 V AC and operates with a switching frequency range of 4 to 8 kHz. This filter is obsolete. For an active install or a critical spare, that means it is no longer manufactured by Schneider.
Rated 300 A continuous. The overload capability is 1.5 x nominal current for 60 seconds — useful for motor starting or short-duration load transients without oversizing the filter. Thermal losses are 1360 W at 100 Hz output frequency. That heat must be dissipated — the filter is IP00, so it relies on cabinet airflow or forced ventilation. Mount it where the enclosure's thermal design can handle that dissipation, especially if the drive runs near full load at high output frequency. Operating ambient temperature range: -10 to 40 °C without derating; up to 50 °C with a 1.5 % per °C current derating. Above 1000 m altitude, derate current 1 % per 100 m. These derating curves matter if the cabinet sits in a warm plant or at elevation. Pollution degree 2 per EN 50178 — suitable for normal industrial environments with non-conductive contamination. Shock resistance 15 gn for 11 ms and vibration resistance 1 gn at 13–200 Hz confirm it can handle typical drive cabinet vibration and occasional shock.
Schneider lists the VW3A5208 as obsolete. Because it is obsolete, there is no manufacturer last-time-buy window open. If you hold Altivar drives that use this filter, securing a spare unit now avoids a no-spare situation later. No spare, no sleep.