How to wire up remote/external switches to a VFD

Hello everyone, it could be me but I had a lot of trouble understanding how to get the remote switches on to my first VFD, and searching for help this time around didn't find that much out there! So I've put this video up to maybe help someone in the same boat as I was. I am no expert but this works for me, would be glad for any feedback.

[@tinman5322]

Thanks so much Mate from the Northeast U.S.A.! I had made some good guesses but your thorough demonstration inspired confidence that I wasn't going to let out the magic smoke.

[@junolanding558]

I knew i would love this video within 20 seconds.

[@mikeharrington7535]

Fantastic video!!! No nonsense, just the facts. So helpful. Thank you!!!

[@rustical]

Had got the motors rewired, got the inverter instructions but not got the confidence my interpretation was right. Watched your video and it all fell into place, up and running in an hour. That's the lathe and a wreath wrapping machine sorted - just need one for emergency stops for the bandsaw now. Thanks.

[@dinsdalepiranah1189]

Just fitted one of these to my milling machine. I am not an electrician, but your exlpanation has helped me to understand the instructions and given me the confidence to continue with the remote controls. Thanks.

[@franzrussell1989]

Thank you so much Cliff that's so clear.It's the first time i find so good explanations, we at lest know how to use the connections and the programing. Great video.

[@planetpeckham1]

Thanks Cliff! I'm using my VFD on an old Startrite bandsaw which is now up and running thanks in large part to KZbinrs like yourself. Funnily enough I started with a Steve Jordan vid and then came here, only to find he was here before me in the comments! Now subbed to both of you. Cheers!

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that, a startrite bandsaw! lovely bit of gear! All the best, Cliff

[@shakes73499]

This the best video ive seen on this plain Engish. Thanks.

[@MarieCooper-q2k]

You are an absolute star, that is crystal clear to me now, many thanks

[@althetaff]

Fantastic video. I'm adding a foot pedal a VFD inverter identical to yours and your video has made things a lot simpler.

[@tonyatlantis4564]

A very good video Cliff.Clear and concise.Just what was needed.

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that, and thanks for watching

[@timtallent4355]

Just what I wanted to see, good video no fluff all business, clear and precise. Thank you.

[@TorxSeven]

Wow thank you so much for your help. This is what I have been looking for. Very clear guide.

[@user-wo7rz3yn4o]

Thank you so much for this. Everyone was saying it was easy to wire up but I am one who didn't know how to do it so it wasn't easy for me. I think I can handle it now because of this video.

[@YusufGwaniMuhammedMiskila]

Just got a three phase vfd to install and wire it for potentiometer control.This video came handy and well explained in details. Thanks

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped, I had a nightmare trying to figure out my first one! :-)

[@adolfobonciani6750]

congratulations for the explanations; they were very clear even for me who do not understand much about electronics

[@CliffsShed]

Hello Adolfo, Thank you for that, All the best, Cliff

[@Gangstercub]

Best explanation i have found so far. Thank u my friend...

[@lawrenceogden8682]

brilliant video very helpful just purchcased one of these units after watching your video, ordered it last week turned up today took about eight days to deliver, was expecting three to four weeks delivery time, so pleasantly surprised when it turned up, got it working tonight , watching your video now on how to adjust the speeds thanks for your video i found it very useful

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks Lawrence, All the best, Cliff

[@paddyharte4677]

Cliff I have been scouring youtube for this info. Thank you so much for a precise and clear video. Regards pat

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks Pat, they are really not that difficult, if only the instructions were clearer, life would be so much easier! All the best, Cliff

[@TheGreaseySpoon]

Great video Cliff, just got myself the same VFD but for a 1hp motor and was scratching my head with how to wire up the external controls, now have all my questions answered. Top job

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that, just about to do one for a 1hp motor on my Emco, hopefully with push button start and stop and the jog feature, I think I have figured it out! All the best Cliff

[@AndyJenkins999]

Just what I needed Cliff, saved me hours of work. Cheers

[@stephenmale4492]

Just got a VFD myself. It didn’t come with an earth terminal so had to wire it to the fins. Also came factory set for 3phase input. I do want to wire remote switches so, a timely video. Thanks Cliff

[@JohnBrown-hx5oy]

Thanks Cliff! I just bought this same vfd and needed some clarity on programming the functions and the switching terminals. I have a Teco vfd on another motor and found Clough42’s video on it, but was not expecting to find one on this model so quickly. Thank you for taking the time to help others out. Well worth a subscription from me, as I’m sure you must have other helpful information as well.

[@Donchampignon]

Really handy video that cleared up some confusion for me. Very well presented straight forward and easy to follow. Many thanks

[@nigel-matthews]

This video really helped me out a lot. I have a slightly different VFD but has the exact same control, display and instruction sheet. (I have the XSY-AT1, which was $60 on eBay new). I'm testing it on a 3 phase washing machine motor that wants 195v and 310 Hz. Couldn't quite figure out the programming on my own, but now it's clear. Thanks!!!

[@NickandMildred]

What a clear and easily followed video . Thanks Cliff ...

[@andrewcole9605]

Great job for those in the field.... Great illustration

[@wilsonmoreau4947]

I never seen a video well explain like this before

[@jjforeal2]

I bought this vfd because of this video. Thank you sir

[@DSIreland]

Ian , cliff you legend i just found 2 of them in the bin and o brougth a laid and need to learn how to wire it talk about faith and this pops up thanks for this

[@Man-in-da-shed]

D&S Ireland ya need a 3 phase dual voltage motor as well. I trust you ain't scrapped em all

[@DSIreland]

No i should have thanks ian ill do a video on the any would be appreciated

[@CliffsShed]

cheers, if they work that was a lucky find! Ian needs one for his Mill!

[@graystone3048]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@davidcouling7490]

Thanks Cliff...just what I was looking for ...thanks for sharing...

[@paulbrooks9327]

Thanks Cliff, Way better than the Chinese instructions it came with!

[@roeng1368]

Good video Cliff. That was an easy VFD to wire up. I had an older vfd on my Tom Senior milling machine, then i decided to mount a bridgeport head on the over arm and of course you need to run the motor both directions for the high and low range. It was a nightmare to wire it up, you needed diodes and all sorts of crap to get it to work.

[@CliffsShed]

They just keep getting better, well easier for the weak brained, thank god! :-)

[@melgross]

Very good. I do have to warn people that some VFDs are very industrial, even if the don’t cost much. With them, the manuals can get very complex and difficult to understand. I advise sticking to these simpler models.

[@workshopprojects2643]

perfect thank you been looking everywhere for this info. subscribed

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks, I know the feeling, ATB, Cliff

[@CathiiScott]

Fantastic. Easy to follow simple explanation.

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks Cat! All the best, Cliff

[@michel6223]

Hi . Very good thanks. How to add an auxiliary fan as connector TA TB TC are missing on tgis inverter. Does we van use any X to add that?

[@gregsmith2262]

As you said easy if you know how, now I have a much clearer understanding. Thank you.

[@samrodian919]

Thanks for that Cliff, it's very helpful because my instruction leaflet has disappeared into the black hole! Subscribed!

[@guye7763]

I agree entirely with the comment below.......well done !!

[@Robert-Smith]

Very helpful video thank you very much. Just one thing if you are just using an on off switch use the x4 and com like you said but only change the on off programming to external I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out why my saw was turning on but no rotation and finally a light bulb went off and I realized that I had to let the vfd manage the frequency LOL!

[@gustinochristopher7688]

This is excellent explanation and i am well understood

[@SamuelScottRhodesSam]

Thanks Cliff for a great video.

[@hpevans9041]

Excellent video Cliff, just subscribed

[@CliffsShed]

Thank you, Cliff

[@ralphkessler8772]

Thank you for showing things clearly

[@stringmanipulator]

very nice and clear explanation thank you very much

[@Vexis001]

Thanks cliff very helpful fella great help

[@themachinist6578]

Excellent video. Thank you Cliff The ability to remote start it adds a lot of possibilities. I have the 4KW version. It has the same manual but slightly different wire connection points. Close enough. There is only 1 common but there is -5V which I am sure is also common ground. I did not test this. YMMV. My mill has 2 motors. One to run the spindle and the other to lift the head. Using a couple of double pole double throw switches and a few relays I can switch the motor that is going to be used and select a speed using X1 or X3. with a DPDT switch to run the mill or raise and lower the head. I don't care about VFD reverse because the mill has it already via relays. I notice that my VFD would ramp up very slow and ramp down very slow where as Cliff's VFD was rabbit fast. Ramp was 3-4 seconds either way. So I went into parameter 34 and set it to be 60 hz/s. ( it was 5) Now it starts almost instant. Went into parameter 42 and set that to be 150hz/s so it shuts off very fast. Ramp down is instant and so is starting for that matter. I will do this for the speeds I am going to use as well. I am told that these VFD's don't like to have the motor disconnected when they are running. It will eventually destroy the VFD. The reason is that the VFD needs to bleed off the power it currently has so it needs that motor to bleed the power to. Failure to bleed down the power means there is still power in the VFD when the contacts open and this will cause arching across the transistor contacts and you likely cannot replace the transistor. I will be incorporating an Arduino to make this work a little better. What this means is that I will add code and relays to connect the desired motor to the VFD wait 1 second, and start the VFD. When the motor is to stop I will stop the VFD wait 1 second and disconnect the motor. $40.00 in parts. I would hate to blow up the VFD. I also went into P12 stopping modes and set it to zero so the motor coasts to a stop like the designer probably wanted. I noticed that jog button does not work on mine once you go to remote so I will use P28 Speed 2 to do this and set it for 32 which is the minimum frequency that my motor will start. Put it on a DPDT momentary switch for jogging back and forth. Thanks again Cliff. I figured there was a way to do this stuff but was very hesitant. Your demo helped me immensely. Cheers EDIT: If you set the P34 - P40 which is rising velocity ( ramp speed ) too high you may end up tripping out the VFD on overload. Setting this to 60hz/s on my mill which is a 2HP motor driving a spindle and nothing else creates no problems but might if you were to try and start something heavy like a fan or a pump. In that case put in a smaller number for this parameter.

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that, your info is very useful, I have to strip everything down after the fire so I'll be using some of this info, Thanks again, Cliff

[@flatpackstairs-kwikstairsu8379]

Brilliant mate, nice job, very helpfull

[@magicman9486]

Thanks so much. was struggling with my vfd

[@CliffsShed]

Glad it helped

[@greenwellington]

Great tutorial Cliff and gives me a very good start to installing one on my Myford. One thing puzzles me though regarding the "Common" connection used. There are two of them and for the potentiometer connection I was about to use the one adjacent to the associated Vi! and 5V terminals, but you chose the other one at the extreme RHS. Then you used the middle one for the common on the switch with X4. It may be that these 2 "Commons" are connected together, in which case it makes no difference, but I would appreciate your comments.

[@atsernov]

I know it's an old post, but to clarify, "Common" in electronics will often refer to the "earth" (or ground). So yes, all the commons go to the same place. In this case, you could probably run it to the earth lead in the mains to the same effect. The reason it's called common in electronics is because things often run on batteries, or are isolated from earth. You can't call it V- because many circuits (like amplifiers) have positive and negative power sources. "Common" is where all the power ends up after being used. So on a simple 12V battery circuit, battery+ is V+ and the battery - is Common.

[@camatbattler2233]

Great video Cliff, very easy to follow on the programming. I just installed a replacement VFD (youtube vid posted) on my Lathe and Mill. Finding the program parameters was a little awkward and some of the instructions where a little bit ambiguous but got there in the end. Cam

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that Cam, Just had a look at your channel, good stuff, you should have more subscribers! All the best, Cliff.

[@camatbattler2233]

Thanks for the complement Cliff. Don't no if viewers are to interested in machine design/builds because it does tend to drag on until getting close to the finish. It's now looking more like a machine than pieces of rusty iron I got from the scrappers so it might generate a bit more interest. Cam

[@SteveJordan]

Excellent video, thanks for taking the time to explain this. I can continue to set mine up now. Regards Steve

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks Steve, Big fan of your channel, glad to help, All the best, Cliff

[@dennislinares2582]

Hi Cliff, I am using Vevor VFD on a 5hp table saw. I want to set up remote switch at operators reach. I just don't know what signal to use on the external ports that shows port relay on, relay off and relay on/off. should I use 5v out or 12v out?

[@bobloblaw7879]

Thanks for this, it is simple when explained.....I wish it it was more obvious with the manual.

[@CliffsShed]

Me too!😁, Thanks for watching and commenting, All the best, Cliff

[@superktmduke]

Nobody wants a wooden lathe that wooden work! Great vid, thanks.

[@Mariusz-c9x]

Is it possible to connect the engine temperature sensor to the inverter?

[@vikrammoorthy2679]

Thank you very much sir. That was very good and informative video.

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that, All the best, Cliff

[@simonbyrne6332]

Thanks, based on this brilliant vid I’ll get a couple of these VFDs to convert a 2 x 2.6kw motored car hoist to single phase

[@CliffsShed]

thanks Simon, All the best, Cliff

[@G1951-w1y]

Great explanation. Glad I saw this.

[@stephenlisa9839]

HI Cliff, Great video just set my AT1 up, I have discovered that if you went to use forward and reverse remotely you must use X6 this will only reverse when the Run switch is ON if use the other the motor will run in reverse even though the Run switch is OFF not sure why , at least that what happens with my VFD and its the same as yours just 1.5KW version.

[@simonwing7993]

Hi my VFD seems to have only one com can both the com wires be put to the one com thanks

[@bonkersscience732]

Hi Cliff, I notice this project is a few years old now but I've just bought the same VFD to put on my 3 phase Fobco drill press. I've sorted most of it out but wondered if you ever wired up an emergency brake switch. After doing tests on it all day I am now convinced mine has a firmware program fault - reverse jog and emergency stop don't work. If you haven't done this, it is pretty damned impressive. Just connect a simple push button to any free set of the 6 contacts and set it to 19. You just clear it by pressing the resset on the panel. By the way, if you ever do another one, there is no real need to wire up your own NVR arrangement - the VFD frops out if power is lost and stays inactive when power is restored. Thanks for the video - let me know if you try the panic button. Will

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that, I didn't know about the panic button, it did occur to me after I done it that the vfd would deal with a power out, head slapping moment but there you go! I'll try the emergency button when I get round to sorting one out on my old meddings drill press! All the best, Cliff

[@ДаворДабић]

Thank You Cliff, it was very useful explanation

[@CliffsShed]

Thank you. All the best, Cliff

[@darynradcliffe2909]

That was a great help ,thanks cliff !

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks Darin, appreciate that, Thanks for watching, ATB, Cliff

[@MichaelBott-k7d]

Hi can you please help i have a cross cut saw and need to put in a two way switch so that i can have it running continuously or on the hand button stop&start also i need to put in an emergency stop

[@andreaschristodoulou4274]

Great tutorial ....Why is this necessary to connect an extra variable trimmer resistor if there is built one ?? Is this possible to connect a limit switch to VFD for example if conveyor is used to stop the motor when has reach the end ??

[@JCP1152P]

Thanks, I'm planning on doing this to a pottery wheel.

[@paulrietveld7130]

Very helpful video Thank you very much

[@wingles69]

Hi Cliff - am in the process of also going 3 phase motor/VFD on my Myford. Have the motor ( a new 1 HP 3 phase ) but am unsure which size VFD to get - is it alright just to get a .75KW one or should I get a larger capacity ( say 1.5KW ) so that it isn't running at the limit of it's own capacity ? Would also appreciate an idea what to buy ( & where ) for the separate remote switches - I can follow your wiring etc but it's what switches/relays to get Many thanks - really impressed with what you have done

[@MrSh3ck]

Could you tell me how you switch to r/min with this VFD ?

[@gregsmith2262]

I just bought the same inverter, looking forward to doing this on my metal lathe.

[@lb9970]

Does the relay output work? I've set P51 to 20 but the relay doesn't actuate. I'm trying to wire up a start/stop circuit

[@piecetoyou8285]

Cheers Cliff, just looking to use a VFD for my home made belt grinder, Unfortunately I have taught my brain from a young age to have a mental block when it comes to wiring up and understanding electricity `because what I don`t understand may kill me when it comes to electric, Now in my 50`s I use a lot of electric motors in my shed but I struggle to get my head around wiring the motor to a VFD I don`t even know what was meant by star or delta, unless I watched a video using the same VFD and motor as the person on the video and just follow what they do. I wanted to get a single phase VFD that puts out 3 phase into a 3 phase motor as this is what most are doing now, But as I am using a single phase motor at the moment on my belt grinder it has a capacitor and a starter motor on top of it ,how would I now if its a star or delta what ever that means,and whether a VFD is compatible with the motor I have? This is how bad my knowledge is I do not even understand what com means lol,

[@33fordrod1]

I really like your video's on the VFD's. I've been able to power my Columbus McKinnon hoist but unfortunately I've not been able to properly wire the handheld controller. This controller has a button for up and another button for down, with a total of 4 wires which includes a ground. I have my 4 wires running from the VFD to the hoist motor and would like to configure the setup so that I don't have to run additional wires between the VFD and the hoist. do you think this will be possible? I can currently operate the hoist thru the VFD from the face panel of the VFD but this is very inconvenient. Motor is 3phase 224v and the power source is 224v 1phase.

[@ahmedabram7738]

Can i use a 4 kilowatt motor for this inverter

[@roymcmanus6721]

I have the same Box but cant get good torque from it..Do you have any settings recommendations..Thanks

[@acrobbo1937]

Cliff Thanks, for the video very informative with clear information. I have an issue with my VFD (AT-1) I have it set up on the bead roller that I motorised. I have a new dual-motor running delta through a reduction gearbox 30:1. I running a Pot foot pedal however I need a little more torque when I switch it on it dose not show zero on the screen I think I have my settings wrong for this set-up. Can you suggest what to try Regards Allan (Aust)

[@minutzionel]

nice....can you do a video on how to use max torque using this VFD?

[@whirled_peas]

VFDs don't like dust. Talked to someone who does automation maintenance (VFD expert) and says 2/3 drives die from dust so putting them in an enclosure (or buying an IP66 one) is highly recommended. Though the chinese ones are pretty cheap.

[@princeemesumoses6373]

Thank u i learnt very well

[@SaroCata86]

Usefull video ! I have a question. Is it better using a 220V delta configuration (XSY-AT1) for tool machines i.e. a lathe or a 380V star configuration (XSY-AT4 as in this case) ?

[@iCMAN-kv6yn]

Bro my drive port got full frequency at half turn of potentiometer problem. What program paramete i can change to solve this problem

[@ЖаныбекОрозакунуулу]

hello, how to connect pressure sens 4-20mA? Becauce not find CI port.

[@laurenceprice8040]

As you say, It’s easy if you know how, and now I do. Cheers.

[@CliffsShed]

Thanks for that and watching, ATB, Cliff

[@TechTins_Projects]

You from South London by any chance?

[@martinpreece7773]

Thanks for this video Cliff. How has the new vfd lasted?

[@CliffsShed]

Still going strong, even survived the fire, I do only use that lathe now and again though.

[@dworf.trallin]

i love your scottish accent

[@Dusty6014]

Hi like video did have problems with programing Freezing.

[@lislefamily6406]

Hi Cliff. Can you wire up the microswitches? Do they just go in series with the on/off? Thanks

[@CliffsShed]

Did you want the micro switches to operate safety features? Guards etc? If so you might want to have a look at the more recent video I did for the vfd on my Emco lathe, ATB, Cliff

[@lislefamily6406]

@@CliffsShed Yes - I have a Union Graduate with foot button and two sets of microswitches in the body; it'd be good for them still to work as cut-outs. Will check the other video. Thanks again - good channel!

[@Oktober20051]

How to set this vfd to suits up with hoist application? Specially for centrifugal brake at main rotor?

[@franksulzle6293]

is it possible to get a signal that shows the Motor is running (or the VFD started the motor)? Does it have a Relais or a Digital Output?

[@Ak47ram]

I've got an AT2 single to single phase output to reduce the speed of HVAC indoor fan. The fan wire from the thermostat is 24v. To which port should I connect and is the voltage required to be stopped down?

[@TheJimtodd]

it,s made sense to me Cliff , very helpful.

[@minnesota-boston9620]

Wow, it is very helpful.

[@kay-leeedgar6359]

Hi Cliff, excellent video. Very helpful indeed. I have exactly the same VFD, I want to wire it to a wireless remote control. Having already blown up one inverter, I am awaiting delivery of a new one. I need your help. What ports do I use to connect the wireless remote control please? Is it X5, then X4, then common? Thanks.

[@CliffsShed]

Really sorry Kay-Lee, I have never wired up a wireless set up! Sounds interesting though.

[@kevin00861]

Hi Kay, Could you please share the wireless control device model, please

[@thermalflyer3601]

Excellent. Thank you

[@BritishLifeSafetySystems]

how is the VFD, have you had any issues with it

[@TheJimtodd]

Just wired mine as per your instructions perfect THANKS

[@CliffsShed]

Thats great, thanks for watching and letting me know, All the best, Cliff