Winnipeg Information Bulletin 2014-013-E/M

MOTORS CONTROLLED BY VARIABLE

FREQUENCY DRIVES (VFDs)

A motor intended for use with a VFD must be suitable for the purpose and marked as such as noted
in the associated CSA Part II Standards No. 100, Motors and Generators, and No. 145, Electric
Motors and Generators for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations:

CSA 22.2 No. 100-14, Motors and Generators

13.4 Marking
13.4.1
In addition to the marking requirements of Clause 6 and Clauses 8 to 10, inverter-duty machines
shall be permanently marked with the following:
a) the machine application (e.g., inverter-duty motor);
b) the speed range over which the machine is designed to operate, or if marked with a nominal
speed at a nominal frequency, the frequency range over which the machine is designed to
operate;
c) the type(s) of torque application for which the machine is designed (e.g., VT (variable torque),
CT (constant torque), CHp (constant horsepower), or the equivalent); and
d) the type(s) of inverter with which the machine is intended to be used (e.g., VSI or VVI (6-step
voltage-source), CSI (6-step current-source), VPWM (voltage-source pulse width modulated),
CPWM (current-source pulse width modulated), LCI (load commutated), cycloconverter, or the
equivalent).
13.4.2
Machines equipped with an integral inverter need not be marked in accordance with Clause
13.4.1c) and d).

CSA 22.2 No. 145-11, Electric Motors and Generators for Use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations
51 Markings
51.1 (I, II) A motor shall have a metal nameplate marked with the following information:

l) For a motor for use with variable-frequency inverter drives: The type or types of inverters,
motor load characteristics, and the frequency range; for example, PWM Constant Torque 6 to
60 Hertz. All motor base performance values in Items (c) through (k) are to correspond to rated
sine-wave operation. Additional markings for inverter operation may be included.

Issued by:
Shirley Jenken, CET, Electrical Technical Support Officer
Development & Inspections Division, Planning Property & Development Department
65 Garry Street Winnipeg Manitoba R3C 4K4
September 11, 2014 sjenken@winnipeg.ca Page 1 of 2
 Information Bulletin 2014-013-E/M

A motor that has not been specifically tested as suitable for operation by a VFD can cause various
problems to both the customers electrical system and the utility supply. Some of these concerns
include motor overheating from reduced cooling capabilities due to slower fan speeds and from
harmonic wave distortion. Harmonic wave distortion can reduce motor efficiency due to increased
losses, increased stress on motor insulation and increased heating of motors, circuit conductors and
transformers.

Consideration should also be given to the effects harmonic distortion could have on other areas of
the electrical system such as power quality degradation, voltage dips, premature equipment failure,
and interference with telephone or computer equipment.

Due to inconsistencies in the field with VFD controlled motor installations, the City of Winnipeg will
require the appropriate marking on the motors as follows:

New Installations:
Motors and VFDs intended for use in a variable speed application must be
compatible and motors must be marked accordingly.

Existing Installations:
Where a new VFD is being installed to control an existing motor, owners and
installers are responsible for assessing the compatibility of the motor with the
corresponding VFD. The inspection department will require a record of the
compatibility assessment information and documentation from the motor
manufacturer ensuring the motor is compatible with the VFD.

This requirement is effective for building permits, or where a building permit is not required, an
electrical permit, with an in-date of October 1, 2014.

September 11, 2014 Page 2 of 2