If you’re considering replacing a DC drive for an older motor instead of buying an AC motor and inverter drive, you might save more time and money than you think. DC drives are normally less expensive as well as straightforward to install than AC drives. That’s why so many industrial facilities choose to stay with their older DC motors and simply replace the drive. Plus, the newer DC drives are innovative in design – they have upgraded features that can make an older DC motor really shine when it comes to performance.

Why are DC drives often less expensive and less time consuming to install than AC drives? Although Ac drives require only three power conductors, and DC motors require four, there are other factors to consider. AC motors that have cables over 100 feet long may require a lead filter. Also, many suppliers of AC drives recommend using special shielded cables for powering the device to reduce electrical interference that may come from the drive. There are also installations that require special EMI filters. So when comparing your options for installing DC drives versus AC drives, be sure to consider any possible add-on costs. Contact a DC drive manufacturer such as Carotron, Inc. or distributor to speak with someone about your DC drive needs before ordering.

While AC drives seem to be the motor drive of choice for many new installations in steel mills, crane operations, paper mills, etc., DC drives still have a prominent place in the market. Why is this so when so many are going with newer type AC motors and drives? In many cases, it’s a matter of cost as well as availability. There are manufacturers and other facilities around the world that use DC motors…some motors being two or more decades old. Replacing the actual DC motor and drive with a new AC motor, drive and inverter could end up costing big when considering the installation process that’s involved as well as the cost of a new motor. That’s why many manufacturers are replacing ONLY the DC drive for their older motor instead of replacing the entire motor setup, and updating controllers to help it run more smoothly and efficiently.

While replacing the entire motor/drive might eventually bring rewards and cost savings, sometimes it’s just not feasible for the company. This is especially true in a weak economy. The good news is, there are still a few reliable companies that still manufacture high quality DC drives. Carotron, Inc. (located in SC, USA) is an example. This company not only manufactures new DC drives, but also provides custom or retrofit solutions for older DC motors that require special installation needs. If you’re in a bind with your older DC drive down, and can’t decide which is best, consider all your options. Compare pricing for both a DC drive replacement as well as an entire motor replacement. Also, make sure there can even be a replacement for your type of operation. DC drives just simply work better for some applications!

Are you a distributor in the industrial control market that’s hesitant to offer DC drives due to lack of availability? Here are just a few tips to help minimize your costs and risks without doing away with this important segment of the market! DC drives are still available from a number of manufacturers, but the number of companies that specialize in these is slowly diminishing. As AC motors came on the scene, many industrial facilities switched over to AC motor setups for various reasons…mostly in hopes of being more efficient in production and to save money in the long run. But there are still many companies that rely on the older tried-and-true DC motors. These companies are your prime targets for selling DC drives.

But what can you do about the minimum orders if you only sell these occasionally? Thankfully there are a few companies that have a no-limit policy on drive orders (like Carotron, Inc.). This means you can still advertise that your distribution company sells DC drives, but without having to stock a large number of products. In fact, with no minimum order limits at all, you can simply order a drive when you need it. Just make sure the manufacturer offers training and reliable technical support for the DC drives they sell. This ensures you’ll be able to help your customers with confidence so there will be no need to turn those sales away..even if you’re only approached occasionally for these products.