ACS355-03E-23A1-4 Variable Frequency Drive 11kW 23.1A 400V

The ACS355-03E-23A1-4 is an 11 kW variable frequency drive designed for speed and torque control of compatible three-phase motors in industrial machinery.

It operates from a three-phase 380–480 V AC supply and delivers a rated output current of 23.1 A. Its 11 kW or 15 hp rating distinguishes this model from the lower-power 15A6 version and the higher-power 31A0 version.

The drive supports scalar control and sensorless vector control for compatible AC induction and permanent-magnet motors. This allows it to serve both general variable-speed applications and machinery that requires improved low-speed torque or speed regulation.

Standard RS-485 communication supports Modbus RTU integration. The drive also provides analog and digital inputs and outputs for connection to machine controllers, sensors, reference signals, switches and control relays.

Its R3 frame measures 236 × 169 × 169 mm and has a listed net weight of approximately 3.6 kg. The IP20 open-type enclosure is intended for installation inside a suitable electrical control cabinet.

Key Differentiating Features

• Exact ACS355-03E-23A1-4 configuration
• Product identification number 3AUA0000058192
• 11 kW or 15 hp rated motor power
• 23.1 A rated output current
• 16 kVA apparent output power
• Three-phase 380–480 V AC input
• Compact R3 frame
• IP20 open-type enclosure
• Sensorless vector and scalar motor control
• Compatible with selected induction and permanent-magnet motors
• Built-in RS-485 Modbus RTU
• Integrated Safe Torque Off input
• Eight-step sequence programming
• Integrated brake chopper
• Two analog inputs and five digital inputs
• Cabinet-mounted module construction
• Approximately 3.6 kg net weight
• Base ordering code supplied without a control panel

Understanding the Model Code

The complete ACS355-03E-23A1-4 designation identifies its input configuration, rated current and voltage class.

The complete code must be checked when replacing an existing drive. Similar-looking versions can have different power ratings, current capacities, input phases or voltage classes.

Rated Power and Output Current

This specific model is rated for 11 kW under normal-use conditions with a continuous output current of 23.1 A.

The wider product family contains several power levels, but a family range such as 0.75–25 kW must not be entered as the rating of this individual model.

Drive selection should consider:

• Motor nameplate current
• Required continuous torque
• Starting torque
• Acceleration time
• Repeated overload cycles
• Motor operating speed
• Braking demand
• Switching frequency
• Ambient temperature
• Installation altitude
• Motor-cable length

A motor with an 11 kW nameplate is not automatically compatible. Its rated current, duty cycle and load characteristics must also be checked against the drive ratings.

Three-Phase 380–480 V Supply

The ACS355-03E-23A1-4 is designed for a three-phase 380–480 V AC input supply.

It is not the correct version for a 200–240 V system or a standard single-phase input. The supply configuration must be confirmed before installation.

Check the following electrical requirements:

• Actual supply voltage
• Number of supply phases
• Supply frequency
• Upstream fuse or circuit protection
• Cable conductor size
• Protective grounding
• Short-circuit capacity
• Isolation arrangement
• Applicable electrical standards

The drive output must be connected to a compatible three-phase motor. Switching devices between the drive and motor should only be operated according to the approved machine-control sequence.

Motor Control Modes

The drive supports scalar and sensorless vector control.

Scalar control is suitable for general variable-speed machinery where basic frequency and voltage control provides sufficient performance.

Sensorless vector control can provide improved speed and torque performance without a separate motor encoder. Correct motor parameters and commissioning procedures are required for stable operation.

Available motor-control functions can support:

• Variable-speed operation
• Controlled acceleration and deceleration
• Forward and reverse rotation
• Torque limitation
• Multiple preset speeds
• Process reference control
• Motor protection monitoring
• Mechanical brake-control sequences

Motor suitability must be evaluated when operating continuously at low speed or above the motor’s rated base frequency.

Induction and Permanent-Magnet Motors

The drive can control compatible AC induction motors and selected permanent-magnet motors.

Permanent-magnet motor operation requires correct motor data and a compatible control configuration. A motor should not be connected solely because its rated power matches the drive.

Before commissioning, verify:

• Motor type
• Rated voltage
• Rated current
• Rated frequency
• Rated speed
• Motor power
• Pole configuration
• Thermal protection
• Required control mode

Incorrect motor data can cause unstable operation, excessive current or reduced torque performance.

Integrated Inputs and Outputs

The drive provides configurable control terminals for machine integration.

Standard control resources include:

• Two analog inputs
• One analog output
• Five digital inputs
• One digital output
• One relay output
• RS-485 communication
• Safe Torque Off terminals

Digital inputs can be assigned to start, stop, direction selection, fault reset, preset speed selection and sequence-control functions.

Analog inputs can accept compatible speed, torque or process references. Terminal configuration and signal types must be checked before transferring wiring from an existing drive.

Modbus RTU Communication

RS-485 Modbus RTU communication is available as a standard feature.

It can exchange operating commands, reference values, drive status, fault information and selected process data with a compatible PLC, HMI or supervisory controller.

Before connecting the drive to an existing network, confirm:

• Modbus device address
• Baud rate
• Parity
• Stop-bit configuration
• Register mapping
• Communication timeout settings
• RS-485 termination
• Cable shielding and grounding

Protocols such as PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP or PROFINET require the appropriate optional communication adapter. They are not all physically integrated into the base drive.

Safe Torque Off

The drive includes a Safe Torque Off input for integration into a properly designed machine safety circuit.

When activated correctly, the function prevents the drive from generating motor torque. It does not disconnect the incoming mains supply or make the power terminals safe to touch.

Electrical isolation is still required before installation or maintenance. The machine manufacturer must complete the necessary safety assessment, circuit design, validation and documentation.

Safe Torque Off should not be described as a complete emergency-stop system without evaluating the other machine components.

Sequence Programming

Eight-step sequence programming allows the drive to execute simple repetitive operating sequences.

Individual states can be configured with functions such as:

• Speed reference
• Running direction
• Acceleration time
• Deceleration time
• State duration
• Digital output status
• Transition conditions

This feature can reduce external control requirements in simple standalone machinery. Complex coordinated systems should continue to use a suitable PLC or motion controller.

Braking and Deceleration

The integrated brake chopper allows a compatible external braking resistor to dissipate regenerative energy during rapid deceleration.

A braking resistor may be required for:

• High-inertia loads
• Rapid stopping
• Repeated start-stop cycles
• Vertical movement
• Winding and unwinding machinery
• Centrifugal equipment
• Material-handling systems

The external resistor must be selected according to resistance, energy capacity, duty cycle and thermal conditions. It is not automatically included with the base drive.

Model Comparison

The target model is the highest-rated model in this comparison that uses the R3 frame.

Moving between these drive sizes may require changes to power cables, protective devices, cabinet cooling, motor parameters and mounting arrangements.

Dimensions and Cabinet Installation

The ACS355-03E-23A1-4 uses an R3 frame measuring approximately:

• Height: 236 mm
• Width: 169 mm
• Depth: 169 mm
• Net weight: 3.6 kg

The previous 236 × 169 × 195 mm dimension should not be retained because the listed product depth is 169 mm.

The IP20 enclosure does not provide protection against water or severe dust. Install the drive inside a suitable industrial cabinet.

The cabinet design should provide:

• Adequate cooling airflow
• Required installation clearances
• Separation of power and control wiring
• Protective grounding
• Electromagnetic compatibility
• Space for cable bending
• Access for commissioning
• Access for future replacement

Do not obstruct the cooling openings or install the drive directly above a major heat source.

Control Panel and Accessories

The base ACS355-03E-23A1-4 ordering code is normally supplied without a control panel.

Confirm the actual package contents before purchasing. A compatible control panel may be required for local parameter entry, commissioning and fault diagnosis.

Possible accessories include:

• Basic control panel
• Assistant control panel
• Remote panel mounting kit
• Fieldbus adapter
• External braking resistor
• Input or output choke
• EMC accessories
• PC commissioning connection
• Cabinet cooling equipment

An added suffix such as +J404 identifies a configured option and should not be assumed to be included in the base model.

Typical Applications

• Conveyor systems
• Packaging machinery
• Material-handling equipment
• Mixers and agitators
• Food-processing machinery
• Textile equipment
• Printing machinery
• Rubber-processing machines
• Plastic-processing equipment
• Woodworking machinery
• Pumps and fans
• Winding and unwinding equipment
• Automated production lines
• Replacement of an existing ACS355-03E-23A1-4
• Industrial control-panel maintenance

Replacement Checklist

Before ordering, confirm:

• Complete model ACS355-03E-23A1-4
• Product ID 3AUA0000058192
• Three-phase 380–480 V supply
• 11 kW motor-power requirement
• 23.1 A rated output current
• R3 frame dimensions
• Existing motor nameplate
• Power and motor cable sizes
• Upstream protective devices
• Control terminal assignments
• Modbus communication settings
• Braking-resistor configuration
• Optional communication adapter
• Control-panel requirement
• Existing parameter backup

Back up the existing parameters before removing the original drive. After replacement, verify the motor direction, current limits, acceleration and deceleration times, control source, safety circuit and communication settings before returning the machine to service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the rated power of ACS355-03E-23A1-4?

Its rated output power under normal-use conditions is 11 kW or 15 hp.

2. What is the rated output current?

The rated output current is 23.1 A.

3. What input voltage does it require?

It requires a three-phase 380–480 V AC supply.

4. What frame size does it use?

It uses the R3 frame.

5. What is its protection rating?

The standard enclosure is IP20 open type and should be installed inside a suitable control cabinet.

6. What are the correct dimensions?

The listed dimensions are approximately 236 × 169 × 169 mm.

7. What is the correct product net weight?

The listed product net weight is approximately 3.6 kg, not 5.30 kg.

8. Does it include built-in Modbus communication?

Yes. RS-485 Modbus RTU communication is available as a standard feature.

9. Are Ethernet and PROFIBUS built in?

No. These networks require compatible optional communication adapters.

10. Does it support sensorless vector control?

Yes. It supports sensorless vector control as well as scalar control.

11. Can it control a permanent-magnet motor?

It can control selected compatible permanent-magnet motors when the motor data and drive configuration are correct.

12. Does it include Safe Torque Off?

Yes. Safe Torque Off is built in, but the complete machine safety circuit must still be designed and validated correctly.

13. Is a braking resistor included?

No. The drive includes a brake chopper, but the required external braking resistor is selected separately.

14. Is a control panel included?

The base ordering code is normally supplied without a control panel. Check the complete option code and supplied package.

15. Can it directly replace ACS355-03E-15A6-4?

Not automatically. The output current, wiring, protective devices, parameters and motor requirements must be checked before changing drive size.