Vega Variable Speed Drives
A Vega variable speed drive (VSD) changes the speed of a pump motor to hold a set pressure or flow, instead of switching the pump fully on and off. The result is steady pressure, soft starts that protect the motor and pipework, and lower power bills. Vega offers the F3053 frequency inverters from 0.75 to 45 kW, the AR100 intelligent pump controllers up to 110 kW and the compact AR200 for single-phase boosters. This guide explains how to choose and set one up, with current prices.
Power Range
0.75 – 110 kW
220V, 380V and 525V
Constant Pressure
4–20 mA transducer
10, 16 or 25 bar
Protection
Dry-run, overload, phase
Plus soft start and stop
F3053 VSDs
From R3 607
Incl. VAT
AR200 Controllers
From R3 064
Compact booster controller
AR100 Controllers
3 – 110 kW
380V and 525V
What a VSD does for a pump
A pump sized for the busiest moment runs flat out even when one tap is open. A VSD reads a pressure transducer on the delivery line and slows the motor down to deliver only what is being used. Because power drops sharply with speed, a pump running at 80% speed uses roughly half the power. The drive also ramps the motor up and down gently, which ends water hammer and the current surge of a direct start.
The VSD must suit the motor current, not just the kW. Check the motor nameplate current and choose a drive rated at or above it, for the right supply voltage. Submersible borehole motors need the ramp time and minimum frequency set to the motor manufacturer's limits.
Which Vega drive?
| Situation | Vega product |
|---|---|
| House booster pump on single-phase, up to 1.5 kW | AR200 1.5 kW, 230V single-phase |
| 220V three-phase pump or motor on a single-phase supply, up to 2.2 kW | F3053 220V single-phase in, three-phase out or AR200 2.2 kW |
| Three-phase booster or borehole pump, 380V, 0.75 – 45 kW | F3053 380V VSD with a pressure transducer |
| 525V mining or industrial supply, 0.75 – 45 kW | F3053 525V VSD |
| Larger or dedicated constant-pressure systems, 3 – 110 kW | AR100 intelligent pump controller |
F3053 variable speed drives
The model code reads: F3053 series, F intelligent water pump controller, the four-digit motor power (0015 = 1.5 kW), frequency range L (0 – 400 Hz), input voltage (2 = 220V, 4 = 380V, 5 = 525V) and output phases (1 or 3). Used with a 4–20 mA pressure transducer the drive holds constant pressure and protects against motor overload, phase loss and voltage faults.
| Motor | Case size (H × W × D) | 220V in, 3-phase out | 380V | 525V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75 kW | 180 × 120 × 150 mm | R3 607 | R3 607 | R3 786 |
| 1.5 kW | 180 × 120 × 150 mm | R4 321 | R4 321 | R4 500 |
| 2.2 kW | 180 × 120 × 150 mm | R4 761 | R4 761 | R5 199 |
| 3 kW | 250 × 160 × 195 mm | – | R5 363 | R5 855 |
| 4 kW | 250 × 160 × 195 mm | – | R5 910 | R6 457 |
| 5.5 kW | 250 × 160 × 195 mm | – | R6 566 | – |
| 7.5 kW | 322 × 220 × 194 mm | – | R7 497 | R8 209 |
| 11 kW | 322 × 220 × 194 mm | – | R8 919 | R9 795 |
| 15 kW | 322 × 220 × 194 mm | – | R10 287 | R11 272 |
| 18.5 kW | 472 × 295 × 222 mm | – | R11 765 | R12 914 |
| 22 kW | 472 × 295 × 222 mm | – | R13 680 | R15 048 |
| 30 kW | 472 × 295 × 222 mm | – | R16 963 | R18 659 |
| 37 kW | 580 × 380 × 270 mm | – | R24 624 | R27 086 |
| 45 kW | 580 × 380 × 270 mm | – | R29 001 | R31 901 |
Case sizes are from the Vega VSD datasheet and are approximate by power band.
AR100 VSD intelligent pump controllers
The AR100 is a dedicated pump controller built on a variable speed drive. With a pressure transducer it holds constant pressure or flow, soft-starts and soft-stops the pump, and protects it against dry running, overload, phase loss and voltage faults. It suits borehole, booster, irrigation and industrial pumps.
| Motor | 380V | 525V |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | – | R5 855 |
| 4 kW | R5 910 | R6 457 |
| 5.5 kW | R6 566 | R7 224 |
| 7.5 kW | R7 497 | R8 209 |
| 11 kW | R8 919 | R9 795 |
| 15 kW | R10 287 | R11 272 |
| 18.5 kW | R11 765 | R12 914 |
| 22 kW | R13 680 | R15 048 |
| 30 kW | R16 963 | R18 659 |
| 37 kW | R24 624 | R27 086 |
| 45 kW | R29 001 | R31 901 |
| 55 kW | R32 832 | R36 115 |
| 75 kW | R43 776 | R48 154 |
| 93 kW | R53 625 | R58 988 |
| 110 kW | R65 664 | R72 230 |
AR200 compact controllers
The AR200 turns a standard pump into a constant-pressure booster with soft start, dry-run and overload protection and quiet running. Fit it with a 5-way connector, pressure gauge and a small 2 or 3 litre pressure tank from the Vega accessories range. Pump not included.
| Model | Motor | Supply | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR200 Intelligent Pump Controller 1.5kW (230V 1-Phase) | 1.5 kW | 230 V 1-phase | R3 064 |
| AR200 Intelligent Pump Controller 2.2kW (230V 3-Phase) | 2.2 kW | 230 V 3-phase | R3 064 |
| AR200 Intelligent Pump Controller 3kW (380V 3-Phase) | 3 kW | 380 V 3-phase | R4 049 |
Pressure transducers
| Range | Output | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–10 bar | 4–20 mA | R629 | Buy online |
| 0–16 bar | 4–20 mA | R629 | Buy online |
| 0–25 bar | 4–20 mA | R794 | Buy online |
Choose a range comfortably above your working pressure: a 10 bar transducer for a house booster set at 3 bar, 16 or 25 bar for high-head irrigation and borehole systems.
Setting up constant pressure
- Mount the transducer on the delivery line after the non-return valve, with a small pressure tank close by to absorb small draws and leaks.
- Enter the motor data from the nameplate: rated power, voltage, current, frequency and speed.
- Set the target pressure, typically 2.5 – 3.5 bar for a house.
- Set the ramps. Short ramps for submersible motors, which must reach cooling speed quickly; longer ramps for surface pumps to prevent water hammer.
- Set the minimum frequency so the pump never runs below the speed at which it can lift water to the outlet.
- Set the sleep and dry-run functions so the pump stops when there is no demand and when it runs out of water.
Worked example
A farmhouse runs a 1.1 kW three-phase booster at 380V. With the F3053 1.1 kW drive not listed, choose the 1.5 kW 380V drive (R4 321), which covers the motor current, plus a 10 bar transducer (R629). Set 3 bar target pressure and a 2 litre tank. The pump now idles at low speed for a single tap and speeds up for a shower and garden hose together.
Installation notes
- Ventilation. Mount the drive vertically in a clean, dry, ventilated place, out of direct sun. Heat is the main cause of drive failure.
- Cable length. Long cables between drive and motor, typical on boreholes, may need an output filter; ask us for the limit on your model.
- Earthing and screened cable reduce interference with other equipment.
- Do not switch a contactor between the drive and a running motor.
- Protect from lightning with surge protection on rural overhead supplies.
Price guide
| Product | Models | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| F3053 VSD, 220V single-phase in, three-phase out | 3 | R3 607 – R4 761 | Shop |
| F3053 VSD, 380V | 14 | R3 607 – R29 001 | Shop |
| F3053 VSD, 525V | 13 | R3 786 – R31 901 | Shop |
| AR100 VSD intelligent controllers | 29 | R5 855 – R72 230 | Shop |
| AR200 compact controllers | 3 | R3 064 – R4 049 | Shop |
| Pressure transducers | 3 | R629 – R794 | Shop |
Prices include VAT and are correct at the time of writing. The product page always shows the current price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a VSD and a pump controller?
A VSD varies motor speed. The AR100 and AR200 are variable speed drives set up specifically for pumps, with constant pressure, dry-run protection and pump menus built in. The F3053 is a general VSD that also has pump control with a transducer.
Can a VSD run a three-phase pump from single-phase power?
Yes, up to 2.2 kW. The F3053 L23 models and the AR200 2.2 kW take 220V single-phase in and give 220V three-phase out, so the motor must be wound for 220V three-phase.
Does a VSD save electricity?
Yes, whenever the pump would otherwise run at full speed against a partly closed demand. Power falls roughly with the cube of speed, so a small speed reduction gives a large saving.
Which pressure transducer do I need?
A 4–20 mA transducer rated above your working pressure: 10 bar for house boosters, 16 or 25 bar for high-head systems.
Can I use a VSD on a borehole pump?
Yes. Set a short ramp and a minimum frequency that keeps the motor cooled and lifting water, and use the dry-run function. Long cables may need an output filter.
What size VSD do I need?
At least the motor kW and nameplate current, at the supply voltage on site. Where there is no exact size, go one size up.
Is the AR200 a pump?
No. It is a compact controller that mounts on your pump to make it a constant-pressure booster.
Do I still need a pressure tank?
A small one, 2 or 3 litres, so the drive can stop for very small draws and leaks without cycling.
Need a VSD specified?
Send us the motor nameplate, supply voltage, cable length and what the pump does. We will choose the drive, transducer and settings.
Related guides
- Vega Surface Pumps — including built-in VSD boosters
- Vega DL Pumps
- Vega Borehole Motors
- Vega Solar Pumps — solar pump inverters
- Vega Pumps
- Vega Variable Speed Drive — shop the category