The VW3A68506 is a 3-phase line choke from the Schneider Altivar range, designed to reduce current harmonics on the mains supply side of a variable speed drive. It carries a rated current of 455 A with an inductance value of 0.049 mH, and its saturation current is 855 A — meaning it can handle transient overloads up to 1.65× nominal for 60 seconds without saturating the core. Thermal losses run at 270 W, so panel ventilation needs to account for that heat rejection. The choke is rated for a maximum voltage drop of 5% at rated load, which is typical for input line reactors used to smooth drive current draw and comply with harmonic distortion limits.
Schneider has marked the VW3A68506 as obsolete.
The choke measures 320 mm wide × 380 mm high × 250 mm deep. Its IP00 rating on the choke body means it is not protected against dust ingress or moisture — it must be mounted inside an enclosure. The terminals carry an IP20 rating, offering finger-safe touch protection. Electrical connection uses 6 mm² / AWG 8 terminals with a tightening torque of 0.8 to 1.0 N·m. Operating altitude is 1000 to 3000 m with a current derating of 1% per 100 m above 1000 m. Ambient temperature range is 0 to 45 °C without derating, and 45 to 55 °C with a derating of 2% per °C. Storage temperature spans -25 to 70 °C.
Standards and environmental qualification
The choke complies with EN 50178 (electronic equipment for power installations) and IEC 60076 (power transformers, with HD398). Insulation coordination follows VDE 0160 level 1, with a minimum clearance distance of 5.5 mm and a creepage (leakage) distance of 11.5 mm per IEC 60664, pollution degree 2. Insulation class F. Vibration resistance is 1 gn at 13–200 Hz and 1.5 mm peak-to-peak at 3–13 Hz per IEC 60068-2-6; shock resistance is 15 gn for 11 ms per IEC 60068-2-27. Relative humidity range is 0 to 95%.