Purchased an xxx VFD along with the a reactor that is to be used for a 10 HP. Line or load. We are using it on the line side.
VFD says 19 amp input, reactor says max amp of 14. O bother.
Larger reactor?
Yes, possibly. If you saturate it, you may as well not have it there.
But just because the VFD is rated for 19A doesn't mean it will draw that much. That will be determined by the LOAD. If your MOTOR is rated for 10HP, it's not likely to draw more than 14A, assuming it's a motor made in the last 20 years or so. VFD max input amps are often determined by the voltage
CLASS, ie 240V or 400V
CLASS, and the 400V class will often include 480V ratings. IEC kW and NEMA HP motor ratings tend to be equivalent, but because Asian and European VFD mfrs use 380-400V as a standard, their current for the same motor will be higher. Therefore, when you buy a "460V 10HP" drive from one of them, it is often MADE for a 7.5kW 380V motor, which at the equivalent mechanical HP rating, will draw more current. Hence that drive being rated for 19A instead of 14A.
And by the way, on the LINE side of the VFD, the current draw will always be LOWER than the load current, because the VFD will correct to .95 PF, so if the motor nameplate says 14A at a .8PF, that will only equate to around 12.9A input current (assuming 3% losses in the VFD).
