What this filter does for the drive line
The VW3A5406 is an output sinus filter for Altivar variable-speed drives. Its job is to clean the PWM waveform from the drive output so the motor sees a near-sinusoidal voltage — which cuts motor heating, reduces acoustic noise, and lets you run longer cable runs. Rated at 180 A continuous on a 480 V AC line, it is sized for a drive feeding a motor in the 90–110 kW range depending on duty. The filter can handle 1.2× nominal current for 60 seconds — enough for starting or short overloads without oversizing. The enclosure is IP00, so it is panel-mounted, not floor-standing; plan for forced airflow or enough natural convection clearance around the 495 mm depth × 430 mm width × 350 mm height footprint.
Cable length and connection
This filter supports motor cable runs up to 1000 m with unshielded cable, or 500 m with shielded cable. That is the main reason to add a sinus filter on a long drop — reflected wave spikes at the motor terminals get suppressed. The electrical connection is via M10 copper bars, accepting up to 120 mm² or AWG 4/0. That is a substantial lug; verify your cable lug ring size matches M10 before terminating.
Environmental and mounting conditions
The filter is also rated for biological, chemical, and dust resistance classes 3B1, 3C3, and 3S3 respectively per IEC 60721-3-3, and meets shock and vibration class 3M4. Operating temperature range is -15 to 50 °C without derating; above 50 °C up to 60 °C, derate current by 1.5% per °C. At altitude above 1000 m up to 4000 m, derate 1% per 100 m. Relative humidity 5–95% non-condensing.
Switching frequency and voltage drop
The filter is rated for a switching frequency range of 2.5 to 6 kHz. Maximum output frequency is 100 Hz — fine for standard induction motors, not for high-speed spindles. Expect a maximum voltage drop of 8% at rated load, which means the drive may need to boost output voltage slightly to compensate; factor that into the motor terminal voltage budget.