VFD Replacement RFQ Checklist: Power, Voltage, Control and Load Details
Prepare a variable frequency inverter RFQ with kW, voltage, current, control mode, braking, enclosure, load type, and replacement notes.
Variable frequency inverter requests often start with a simple power rating, but a safe replacement quote needs more than kW or horsepower. Voltage, current, control mode, communication, braking, enclosure, overload capacity, and load type can all affect model selection. Use this checklist before sending a VFD or AC drive RFQ.
Information to prepare
- Brand and full inverter model number
- Input voltage, output voltage, phase, current, and power rating
- Motor power and load type, such as pump, fan, conveyor, spindle, hoist, or compressor
- Control method, such as keypad, analog signal, digital input, PLC communication, or fieldbus
- Braking resistor, EMC filter, keypad, or option card requirement
- Installation environment and destination country
Replacement risk for discontinued drives
Older drives may be discontinued, but the replacement path is not always one-to-one. A newer inverter may need parameter conversion, panel rewiring, a different keypad, or an option card. For hoist, crane, elevator, spindle, or safety-related applications, do not treat a generic same-kW drive as automatically compatible.
Use the Variable Frequency Inverters category for drive sourcing, or search exact inverter models in the Parts Catalog. For mixed maintenance lists, combine VFDs, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and power supplies into one RFQ and mark the urgent items clearly.
Photos to include
- Nameplate label showing model and ratings
- Terminal wiring photo if replacement is uncertain
- Option card or communication board photo
- Panel photo showing enclosure and airflow limits
- Motor nameplate if the drive model is missing
Fast RFQ wording
A good VFD RFQ states: full model number, quantity, destination, urgency, motor/load type, and whether exact replacement is required. If a compatible alternative is acceptable, say which constraints cannot change: voltage, power, communication, mounting size, or parameter migration. This helps SmartNexMSK route the request to exact sourcing or replacement review.
Confirm power, voltage, control mode, load, and option cards
Use exact inverter models for sourcing, or send load and wiring notes when an alternative drive is being reviewed.