Frequently Asked Questions

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Question Answer
Q: What kind of terminal is used on the KDR MA frame reactors?
In Categories: 		A: The bobbin terminal used in KDR MA frame reactors is a screw type terminal with an integrated saddle to clamp the wire.
Q: What do I sell for 690 V applications of KDR small frame reactors?
In Categories: 		A: The KDR MA frames are UL rated to a maximum voltage of 690 V. As a result, the 600 V product ratings can be used in 690 V applications. TCI has the only UL listed 690 V maximum voltage reactor.
Q: Does my KDR MA frame reactor come with the DIN rail clips installed?
In Categories: 		A: No, the KDR MA frame reactors with the DR suffix will not have the DIN rail brackets installed. The DR01 kit will be packaged in the same box as the reactor for customer installation.
Q: I would like to switch to the KDR MA frame reactor but my customer still needs the present KDR A frame mounting pattern. Is there an MA to A frame adapter plate?
In Categories: , 		A: Yes, customers can purchase kit AP03 to match the footprint of legacy KDR A frame reactors (4.45" X 3.51").  For kit AP03 see adapter plate drawing 30520.
Q: Do the KDR MA frame reactors support DIN rail mounting?
In Categories: 		A: Yes, this will be available as a kit option, or by adding a DR suffix to the open MA frame reactor part number to receive a DIN rail kit DR01 inside the box. KDR MA frame reactors can be DIN rail mounted using kit DR01 which is a bag containing two clips, mounting hardware, and installation instructions. Click the link for the DR01 drawing.
Q: Why are there no UL recognized KDR MA frame reactors?
In Categories: 		A: With recent UL file changes, TCI can offer cULus listed MA frame reactors.
Q: Why does the frame size of new KDR MA Frame reactors have two characters?
In Categories: 		A: The two characters differentiates the KDR MA frame from existing reactors, with the second character indicating basic frame characteristics.
Q: Why is the KDR MA frame rated 690 V maximum while most KDR reactors are 600 V maximum?
In Categories: 		A: TCI had UL investigate listing of the reactor bobbin terminals to 690 V so the maximum reactor voltage can be 690 V. This allows any of these reactors to be used in any application within the maximum current rating up to a maximum voltage of 690 V.
Q: Why doesn’t the KDR MA Frame reactor label show the reactor/schematic connections like the other KDR reactors?
In Categories: 		A: Due to the small size of the MA frame reactor nameplate label, the schematic and reactor connection diagram were molded into the terminal top cover to economize label space. The terminal top cover also lists the wire size and torque specs for the terminals.
Q: What does the footprint digit indicate?
In Categories: 		A: 1 = MA frame with side mounting
Q: Why do coils on my KDR MA frame reactors appear to be different colors?
In Categories: 		A: TCI uses both single build and heavy build insulated magnet wire for KDR MA frame reactors. This results in the coils having different colors.
Q: Is the KDR MA Frame reactor touch-safe?
In Categories: 		A: No, TCI cannot claim touch-safe on the MA frame reactor, but the reactor terminals are IP20 touch-safe. This matches the existing TCI A frame terminals.
Q: Why is there no tape covering the coils of the KDR MA frame reactors?
In Categories: 		A: Tape is used to hold the outer edge of coils in place until the reactor can be treated in varnish. The KDR MA frame reactors are constructed in such a way that there is no need for tape to hold components in place.
Q: What do the mounting feet look like on the KDR MA Frame reactor?
In Categories: 		A: The KDR MA frame reactor footprint is the smallest on the market. See drawing link for the footprint dimensions. KDR MA Frame Drawing Example
Q: How do I cross list my old KDR A frame reactor to the new MA frame reactor?
In Categories: 		A: See attached link for cross-reference guide for KDR MA Frame to KDR A Frame. MA Frame Ratings Table
Q: What type of DIN Rail can KDR and KLR DIN Rail Reactors mount to?
In Categories: , 		A: DIN Rail Drive Reactors mount to either “Standard Steel High Profile” or “Heavy Duty Steel” DIN Rails.
Q: Would I be able to purchase a KDR and KLR DIN Rail mounting assembly without the reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: DIN Rail Drive Reactors are already assembled with the appropriate DIN Rail mount due to the weight limitations of DIN Rails. However, the mounting assembly is available upon request.
Q: Why does there seem like there is a lot of empty space in my KDR or KLR enclosure?
In Categories: , 		A: Larger enclosures provide space for additional heat dissipation as well as room for the agency required wire bending space.
Q: Which safety standards do KDR and KLR Line Reactors meet?
In Categories: , 		A: KDR and KLR Reactors meet UL safety standards and have either the UL Listed mark or the UL Recognized Component mark. KDR and KLR Reactors are also CE-marked.
Q: Which KDR and KLR Line Reactors are available as UL Listed products?
In Categories: , 		A: All KDR and KLR Line Reactors are available as UL Listed products.
Q: What’s the difference between NEMA and UL enclosures for KDR or KLR?
In Categories: , 		A: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) develops standards for the electrical manufacturing industry. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, non-profit, product-safety testing and certification organization. Their ratings are based on similar application descriptions and expected performance. Installations require varying levels of standards and ratings to which TCI offers a range of products that meets those requirements.
Q: What type of enclosure do I need for my KDR or KLR Reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: The enclosure you select for your reactor will depend on two things: the degree of protection the reactor must have against indoor and outdoor environments as well as the certification requirements of the installation. TCI offers NEMA 1 enclosures, UL Type 1 enclosures and UL Type 3R enclosures.
Q: What size KDR or KLR DIN Rail Drive Reactors are available?
In Categories: , 		A: DIN Rails can support a limited amount of weight. DIN Rail Drive Reactors weigh 8 pounds or less and are equipped with a DIN Rail mounting assembly.
Q: Can I use the 690 volt KDR and KLR reactors on the output of my drive?
In Categories: , 		A: 690 volt reactors are available to be placed on the output of a drive.
Q: Are the 690 volt KDR and KLR reactors UL Listed?
In Categories: , 		A: UL Listed 690 volt reactors are available upon request.
Q: Can reactors be considered “IGBT-protected” by passing a 4000V hipot test?
In Categories: , 		A: "IGBT protected" is a fabrication. A reactor applied at the output terminals of an IGBT based drive will see a maximum of 680V for a 480V system. A hipot test is a method of testing insulation integrity, and is a destructive test. In the real world, the only time that a reactor might see excessive voltages is when it is applied at the end of a long set of motor leads, which is an ill-advised and improper installation. This technique is used as a last ditch effort, in an attempt to batter the reactor with high overshoot voltages, instead of the motor. It will eventually lead to insulation destruction in the reactor, regardless of the reactor's ability to pass a one or two-time 4000V hipot test back at the factory. In addition, this sacrificial lamb technique does nothing to protect the insulation of the motor lead wires, another susceptible system component. The appropriate solution to dv/dt longlead motor failures is the V1k output filter.
Q: Do 690 volt KDR and KLR reactors have the same terminations as other reactors?
In Categories: , 		A: Units rated 14 amps and lower have Quick Disconnect (QD) terminations. Units rated between 14 amps and 80 amps have Ring Lugs (RL) terminations. Units rated above 80 amps have Copper Bus (CB) terminations.
Q: Do I need specialized tools to install a KDR or KLR DIN Rail Reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: No specialized tools are required to install a DIN Rail Drive Reactor. The Reactor simply snaps onto the DIN Rail and then you connect the wires.
Q: Does it matter which way I wire through the KDR or KLR reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: No, as long as you are consistent for all three phases.
Q: Have the impedances changed for 690V KDR/KLR reactors? What will my impedance be at 690 volts?
In Categories: , 		A: The units will have the same design as the 600 volt reactors, thus impedance is proportionately lower. Impedance is down to 4.3% (from 5%) or 2.6% (from 3%). 600/690 = 86.9% multiplied by 5% results in 4.3% (or multiplied by 3% results in 2.6%). Current ratings are standard 600 volt ratings.
Q: How do I size a three-phase reactor for a single-phase application?
In Categories: , 		A: Single-phase applications of the three-phase reactors are acceptable, however, it is important to size the unit based on the single phase Full Load Amperage of the VFD. The input and output connections should be on terminals A and C to ensure proper performance.
Q: How do the KDR/KLR reactors have a 600v rated insulation, but be labeled a 690 volt reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: We are allowed to label reactors at 690 volts maximum based on additional insulation added and testing performed at the time of UL approved/witnessed heat runs.
Q: Is a DC bus choke the same thing as a line reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: No, they're very different. The addition of DC bus chokes of significant inductance in 6 pulse AC drives will result in lower harmonic line currents as compared to drives without those chokes. However, the DC bus choke does not guarantee against the possibility of inverter shut down on DC bus over-voltage trips becuase in normal operation the magnetic structure is near saturation. (The inrush current that is delivered to the bus capacitor when a 2000V AC line voltage transient occurs easily saturates the DC choke, resulting in no circuit inductance.) The drive still trips, bus choke or no bus choke. Drives have a bus over-voltage trip mechanism to prevent against high bus voltages seen when the motor tries to regenerate, and to protect the diode bridge from high line-side voltages. Since the bus choke is not positioned in front of the diode bridge, it is unable to protect the drive from the former. A line reactor drops the high frequency transients that cause short DC bus over-voltage conditions, allowing the drive to continue operation through the transient period.
Q: What are the benefits of KDR or KLR DIN Rail Reactors?
In Categories: , 		A: DIN Rail Drive Reactors reduce installation time. They have all of the capabilities of the smaller KDR and KLR Line Reactors. The convenient DIN Rail mounting assembly reduces installation time by over 75%. Simple 3 lines in, 3 lines out means clean cable layouts and improved cabinet organization.
Q: What is the advantage of having a UL Listed KDR or KLR Reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: The UL Listed mark provides a higher level of acceptability. KDR Optimized Drive Reactors that are UL Listed or UL Recognized meet the same safety standards but are viewed differently by Underwriters Laboratories. They consider UL Listed products as being complete end-products, versus components that will be used as part of a larger system. While a UL Recognized Reactor may adequately address a system’s needs, the field inspection may require UL Listed products in a given installation. UL Listed Reactors meet a broad range of installation requirements. UL Recognized products may require an addition to a user’s UL file, whereas UL Listed products may not.
Q: What is the difference between KDR and KLR reactors that are UL Listed and UL Recognized?
In Categories: , 		A: The UL Listed Mark on a product is the manufacturer’s representation that samples of that complete product have been tested by UL to nationally recognized safety standards and found to be free from reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, electric shock and related hazards. UL’s Component Recognition Service covers the testing and evaluation of component products that are incomplete or restricted in performance capabilities. These components will later be used in complete end-products or systems Listed by UL.
Q: What is the impedance of the KDR reactors?
In Categories: , 		A: KDR Low Z reactors are 3% and High Z reactors are 5%. The output reactors are 1.5% Z.
Q: What is the intended use of NEMA 1 enclosures for KDR or KLR?
In Categories: , 		A: NEMA 1 enclosures are best used when your application is indoors and you need protection against dust. The vent slot size provides cooling for the unit. KDR and KLR Reactors fit mechanically in the smaller NEMA 1 enclosures.
Q: What is the intended use of UL Type 1 enclosures for KDR or KLR?
In Categories: , 		A: When your application is indoors and requires a larger space for wire bending, UL Type 1 enclosures are the optimal choice. UL Type 1 enclosures provide protection against a limited amount of falling dirt as well as a vent slot size that provides cooling for the unit. This larger enclosure provides the necessary space for heat dissipation.
Q: What is the intended use of UL Type 3R enclosures for KDR or KLR?
In Categories: , 		A: Outdoor applications require an enclosure that provides a degree of protection against falling rain and the formation of ice on the enclosure. UL Type 3R enclosures are intended for outdoor use. This larger enclosure provides space for wire bending and adequate space for heat dissipation.
Q: What is the peak voltage for the 690 volt KDR and KLR reactors?
In Categories: , 		A: 690 volt reactors have a peak voltage of about 976 volts.
Q: What is the Short Circuit Current Rating, SCCR, for KDR and KLR reactors?
In Categories: , 		A: Reactors are exempt per UL508A SB4.2.1.
Q: What lead lengths should I apply an output line reactor?
In Categories: , 		A: Line reactors should be placed on the output of the variable frequency drive at lead lengths of up to 100 feet. dv/dt output filters should be applied at the output of the drive at lead lengths more than 100 feet, up to 3,000 feet.