The 2009 Hannover Fair marked the official launch of ABB’s IP66-protected range of drives first seen at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nuremberg last November. The wall-mounting drives, in ratings from 0.37–7.5kW, are designed to be mounted close to the process and the operator in applications subject to dust, moisture, high-pressure washdowns and cleaning chemicals.

The drives have a diecast aluminium chassis with GRP covers and smooth, slanted surfaces to ensure that water drains away. Natural convective cooling avoids the need an external cooling fan, while the cooling fins are open from the top to bottom for easy washing. A moulded gasket, that fits into a machined groove, stops dirt collecting.

An optional switch allows the drive to be shut down and isolated from the network quickly and safely when maintenance is needed on the drive or motor.

The IP66 drives are being offered in two frame sizes: one for 0.37–1.5kW, 200V and 0.37–4kW, 400V ratings; the other for 2.2–4kW, 200V and 5.5–7.5kW, 400V ratings. IP69K versions are available as an option.

For more Hannover Fair news, see our in-depth report.