VFD for Compressors: Selection Guide
How to select and size a VFD for screw, reciprocating and centrifugal compressors, covering overload rating, turndown limits and energy savings.
The Siemens SINAMICS G120 PM240-2 power module 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 delivers 22 kW low-overload and 18.5 kW high-overload output at 400 V 3AC, with a built-in braking chopper and an IP20 frame size FSD enclosure. It pairs with a separate control unit to form a modular G120 drive, rated for a 380-480 V line supply at 47-63 Hz.
At 22 kW LO / 18.5 kW HO this is a lighter frame FSD variant than the higher-current PM240-2 modules in the same series, at 16.6 kg against 18.3 kg for the next size up, which matters when the drive cabinet's mounting plate or lifting limit is a constraint. The 45 A output current headroom over the 42 A line-side LO rating gives margin for a motor running close to its nameplate current without tripping on the HO duty cycle (150% for 3 s, 110% for 57 s). As with the rest of the modular G120 line, this power module ships without a control unit, so a CU240 or CU250S-2 plus operator panel is needed to complete the drive.
Sized for 18.5-22 kW induction motors in modular G120 drive cabinets: pumps, fans, and conveyors in the mid-power range where the plant standardizes on separate power module and control unit hardware.
| Input: Number of phases | 3 AC |
|---|---|
| Input: Line voltage | 380 ... 480 V ±10 % |
| Input: Line frequency | 47 ... 63 Hz |
| Input: Rated current (LO) | 42.00 A |
| Input: Rated current (HO) | 38.00 A |
| Output: Number of phases | 3 AC |
| Output: Rated voltage | 1) |
| Output: Rated power (LO) | 22.00 kW / 30.00 hp |
| Output: Rated power (HO) | 18.50 kW / 25.00 hp |
| Output: Rated current (LO) | 45.00 A |
| Output: Rated current (HO) | 38.00 A |
| Output: Max. output current | 76.00 A |
| Output: Pulse frequency | 4 kHz |
| Output: Output frequency for vector control | 0 ... 200 Hz |
| Output: Output frequency for V/f control | 0 ... 550 Hz |
| Low Overload (LO) | 1.1 x rated output current (i.e. 110 % overload) for 57 s with a cycle time of |
| High Overload (HO) | 1.5 × output current rating (i.e., 150 % overload) for 57 s with a cycle time of |
| Power factor λ | 0.95 |
|---|---|
| Offset factor cos φ | 0.99 |
| Efficiency η | 0.98 |
| Sound pressure level (1m) | 72 dB |
| Power loss | 0.68 kW |
| Filter class (integrated) | - |
| Cooling | Internal air cooling |
|---|---|
| Cooling air requirement | 0.055 m³/s (1.942 ft³/s) |
| Installation altitude | 1,000 m (3,280.84 ft) |
| Ambient temperature: Operation LO | -20 ... 40 °C (-4 ... 104 °F) |
| Ambient temperature: Operation HO | -20 ... 50 °C (-4 ... 122 °F) |
| Ambient temperature: Transport | -25 ... 55 °C (-13 ... 131 °F) |
| Ambient temperature: Storage | -25 ... 55 °C (-13 ... 131 °F) |
| Relative humidity: Max. operation | 95 % RH, condensation not permitted |
| Part number | 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Siemens |
| Condition | New, factory sealed |
| Source | Siemens and its authorised distributors |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty |
| EAN | 4042948668078 |
| Line side: Version | screw-type terminal |
|---|---|
| Motor end: Version | Screw-type terminals |
| Max. motor cable length: Shielded | 200 m (656.17 ft) |
| Max. motor cable length: Unshielded | 300 m (984.25 ft) |
| Degree of protection | IP20 / UL open type |
|---|---|
| Frame size | FSD |
| Dimensions: Width | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Dimensions: Height | 472 mm (18.58 in) |
| Dimensions: Depth | 237 mm (9.33 in) |
| Compliance with standards | UL, cUL, CE, C-Tick (RCM), SEMI F47 |
|---|---|
| CE marking | Low-voltage directive 2006/95/EC |
| Page 1 of 1 | Generated Sun Nov 1 01:01:51 CET 2026 |
| Net weight | 16 kg |
|---|---|
| Shipping weight | 18.6 kg |
| Ships from | Türkiye |
| Dispatch | 16 Nov |
| Stock | In stock |
Source: manufacturer data · Last verified: 01 Nov 2026
No documents are on file for this part yet.
Ask us for the datasheetThe rated current of 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 is 42 A.
The rated operational voltage of 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 is 380–480 V AC.
The rated motor power of 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 is 22 (LO) – 18.5 (HO) kW.
The tariff (HS) code on file for 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 is 85044095.
The EAN (GTIN) of 6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 is 4042948668078.
6SL3210-1PE24-5UL0 ships from Türkiye. Shipping calculated at checkout · import duties and taxes paid on arrival. Stock items are dispatched within 1–2 business days.
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