The Schneider Altivar VW3A68505 is a 3-phase line choke (mains reactance) rated for 365 A continuous current with a saturation current of 685 A. Its 0.066 mH inductance limits current rise and reduces harmonic distortion on the supply side of a variable-speed drive — the application is reduction of current harmonics per the manufacturer's designation. Rated for 400/500 Vac at 50/60 Hz, the choke can handle 1.65× nominal current for 60 seconds — useful for short-duration overloads during motor acceleration. Maximum voltage drop at rated load is 5 %, which is within typical drive design margins.
Where it fits — panel and environment
Footprint is 320 mm wide × 380 mm high × 250 mm deep. The choke body is IP00 (open frame); terminals are IP20. That means it needs to live inside a cabinet — no direct washdown exposure. Mount it with clearance distances of 5.5 mm minimum (IEC 60664) and leakage distance of 11.5 mm. Pollution degree 2 environment (typical for a clean, dry control room). Terminals accept 6 mm² / AWG 8 wire with a tightening torque of 0.8 to 1.0 N·m. Thermal losses are 270 W at rated load — factor that into your cabinet cooling budget.
Operates from 0 to 45 °C without derating; above that, derate 2 % per °C up to 55 °C. Shock resistance is 15 gn for 11 ms (IEC 60068-2-27); vibration resistance is 1 gn at 13–200 Hz and 1.5 mm peak-to-peak at 3–13 Hz (IEC 60068-2-6). Altitude derating starts above 1000 m at 1 % per 100 m up to 3000 m. Relative humidity 0–95 % non-condensing. Insulation class F, compliant with VDE 0160 level 1, IEC 60076 (with HD398), and EN 50178. Environmental classification 3B1, 3C2, 3S1 per IEC 721-3-3.