A variable frequency drive (VFD / inverter) converts fixed mains AC into a controlled-frequency, controlled-voltage output so you can start, stop, and vary the speed and torque of an AC motor.

Use a VFD when the process needs adjustable speed (fans, pumps, conveyors, machine tools, winding), soft acceleration/deceleration, energy savings on variable-torque loads, or better process control (for example built-in PID). EPSIVO ES-series drives are intended for automation equipment in industries such as textile, packaging, food, machine tools, fans, and pumps (see each series manual preface).

A soft starter only reduces starting current and torque during start-up; it does not provide continuous variable-speed control. Prefer a soft starter when the motor runs at full line speed after start and you only need a gentler start (simple pumps/fans without speed modulation).

Choose a VFD when you need ongoing speed or torque control, process PID, multi-speed profiles, or braking/deceleration control. Soft-starter vs VFD selection is application engineering guidance; confirm the final choice with EPSIVO for critical loads.

From the motor nameplate and application, collect at least: motor type (asynchronous / PMSM), rated power (kW), rated voltage, rated current, rated frequency and speed, and whether the load is constant-torque (G) or variable-torque / fan-pump (P) where the series offers G/P dual ratings.

Also note supply voltage and phase (single- or three-phase), required overload, ambient conditions, need for braking, and any long motor cable or filter requirements. Manuals instruct you to enter motor nameplate data (for example P1 group) and perform auto-tuning where used for vector control.

Primary sizing for EPSIVO models is by rated output current and applicable motor power (kW) in the selection tables of each series manual / catalog. Full-load amps (FLA) of the motor should not exceed the drive’s rated output current for the selected G or P rating.

Horsepower can be converted to kW (approx. kW = HP × 0.746), but always cross-check voltage class and rated current in the official model table rather than relying on HP alone.

Use the catalog and series manuals as the source of truth. In brief:

• ES210 — mini economy VFD for compact machines; asynchronous and PMSM capable; keypad / terminal / Modbus control.
• ES230 — mini economy VFD for woodworking, textile, food, printing/packaging, plastics, machine tools, etc.; single-phase 200–240 V and three-phase 200–240 V / 380–480 V ranges (see current selection table).
• ES300 — sensorless vector control VFD with broad power coverage (including large 380–480 V frames up to hundreds of kW in the manual tables), torque/speed control, common DC bus support.
• ES500 — high-performance vector inverter for demanding automation (textile, paper, machine tool, packing, food, crane, fans/pumps, etc.); asynchronous and PMSM.
• ES530 — high-performance series with its own English manual and product brochure; similar terminal/parameter style to the compact ES210 family.

Match voltage class, power, control mode (V/F, SVC, FVC where available), I/O, and options (braking, communication) to the application, then confirm the exact model code in the series selection guide.

Single-phase input models (marked 2S in EPSIVO naming) accept single-phase 200–240 V class supply and output three-phase power to a motor in the same voltage class. They do not step the motor voltage up to a 380–480 V class.

Never connect a 200–240 V drive to a 380–480 V supply (or the reverse). Manuals require the supply voltage class to match the drive rating before power-on. Select a 4T (three-phase 380–480 V) model when the motor and mains are 380 V class.

Install only with qualified personnel. Key checks from the safety chapters:

• Mount on non-combustible metal; keep away from flammable materials; avoid strong EMI, vibration, and direct sunlight.
• Provide fire, electrical, and mechanical protection shells when the product is installed in a cabinet; IP/protection must meet IEC and local rules.
• Arrange spacing for cooling when multiple drives share a cabinet; keep air ducts clear.
• Do not drop screws/wire ends into the unit; do not loosen red-marked screws.
• Use a circuit breaker to isolate mains and drive; verify voltage class, R/S/T (or L1/L2/L3) vs U/V/W wiring, no short circuits, and secure connections before power-on.

English manuals emphasize correct motor cable sizing, shielding, and grounding, and warn that long leads and poor insulation can stress the drive. A fixed maximum cable length is not stated as a single universal number in the extracted EN manuals.

For long motor cables, high carrier frequency, or EMI-sensitive sites, ask EPSIVO about an output reactor / dV/dt or sine-wave filter for your model. Always megger-test motor and cable insulation with the drive disconnected (manuals specify ≥ 5 MΩ with a 500 V tester for ES300/ES500 family notes).

No. Before power-on, manuals require the supply voltage class to match the drive’s rated voltage. A 200–240 V (2S/2T) unit on 380 V mains will be damaged; a 380–480 V (4T) unit on 220 V will undervolt or fail to run correctly.

Also never connect mains to the U/V/W motor terminals — that can destroy the inverter or cause fire.

Typical control wiring (see each series terminal chapter and wiring diagram):

• Command source (P0-02): 0 = keypad, 1 = terminals, 2 = communication.
• 2-wire: DI configured as Forward (FWD) / Reverse (REV); factory example hardware notes often show DI1 = FWD.
• 3-wire: assign a DI to “Three-wire operation control” (function code 3 on P4 DI functions) plus run/stop inputs per the wiring diagram.
• Speed reference: keypad potentiometer, digital setpoint (P0-08), AI1/AI2 (0–10 V or 4–20 mA via jumper), pulse, multi-speed, PID, or Modbus (P0-03).

Use the series manual’s “typical wiring diagram” and DI function table (P4 group) for exact terminal names.

Braking resistor / unit: Required when deceleration regenerates enough energy to raise DC bus voltage (high inertia, fast stop, overhauling loads). ES300/ES500 manuals include braking package tables (recommended resistor power/Ω by model); many smaller frames have a built-in braking unit and P+/PB terminals for an external resistor. Enable overvoltage suppression parameters if used.

Input filters / reactors: Consider when the supply is weak, several drives share a bus, or site EMC/harmonic limits require it. Output filters/reactors: consider for long motor cables or EMI. Final accessory selection should follow the model table and EPSIVO application support.

Each English series manual has a Connection / wiring chapter with the typical terminal diagram, main-circuit terminals (L1/L2/L3 or R/S/T, U/V/W, P+/PB, PE), and control-terminal tables.

• ES210 / ES230 / ES530 — Chapter “Connection” (terminal diagram + DI/AI/AO/relay/RS485 tables).
• ES300 / ES500 — Product information and wiring chapters in the user manual.

Download the PDF for your series from Support → Downloads.

A practical sequence aligned with the manuals:

1. Verify mechanical installation, clearances, and cooling.
2. Confirm mains voltage class, protective devices, and motor insulation (≥ 5 MΩ where specified) with the drive disconnected.
3. Wire mains, motor, PE, and control circuits; double-check that mains is not on U/V/W.
4. Power up with cover fitted; confirm keypad display and bus voltage.
5. Set motor nameplate data (P1 group), control mode, command and frequency sources, accel/decel times, and limits.
6. Perform motor auto-tuning when using vector modes (SVC/FVC).
7. Run unloaded, verify direction, then apply load gradually and tune protections.

Use the keypad monitoring parameters (U0 group) described in each manual. Common monitors include:

• U0-00 running frequency, U0-01 set frequency
• U0-02 bus voltage (V)
• U0-03 output voltage, U0-04 output current (A)
• U0-05 output power, U0-06 torque

On ES210/ES230/ES530-style keypads, P7 display bit parameters select which values appear while running or stopped. Shift through monitors with the keypad keys as shown in the Panel Operation chapter.

Before loading the machine, set at least:

• P0: control mode, command source, frequency source, max/upper/lower frequency, accel/decel times.
• P1: motor type, rated power/voltage/current/frequency/speed (from the nameplate).
• P4: DI functions if using terminal control.
• Motor auto-tuning (when required for vector control).
• Overload / fault protection related P9 settings as needed for the application.

Parameter symbols in the manuals mark which codes can change while running (☆/√) versus stop-only (★/×).

Use parameter PP-01 (Parameter initialization) from the stopped state. Typical values:

• ES210 / ES230 / ES530: 0 = no operation; 1 = restore factory mode 1; 2 = clear fault records; 3 = restore factory mode 2 (see that series PP-01 row for any extra backup codes).
• ES300 / ES500: 01 = restore factory settings except motor parameters; 02 = clear records; plus user backup/restore options (04/05 on ES300).

After a restore, re-enter motor nameplate data and application parameters. If PP-00 password lock is set, unlock before changing parameters.

1) Read the fault code on the keypad (Exx / E-xx). 2) Note operating condition (accel, decelerate, constant speed). 3) Check mains voltage, motor wiring, mechanical jam, and recent parameter changes. 4) Review P9 fault history (recent fault types) where available. 5) Reset only after the cause is safe to clear (keypad RESET / DI fault reset / power cycle per manual).

If the fault repeats, record model, barcode/SN, code, and photos before contacting support — do not keep resetting into a hard short or ground fault.

From the series fault chapters (examples use ES210-style Exx codes; ES300/ES500 use similar names with E-xx numbering):

• Overcurrent (accel/decel/constant): ground/short on output, motor parameters not tuned, accel too short, undersized drive, load jam, or interference.
• Overvoltage: high mains, regenerative load, decel too short, missing braking resistor/unit, or OV suppression not tuned.
• Undervoltage: supply dip/outage, input voltage out of range, or bus/hardware issues.
• Overload (drive or motor): overload, stall, wrong sizing, V/F boost too high, or missing autotune.
• IGBT / module overheat: high ambient, blocked duct, fan failure, or excessive carrier frequency.

Always follow the countermeasure table for your exact code in the series manual.

Common-fault tables (ES300/ES500 family) list for no display at power-on: missing/low supply, switch-mode power on the inverter board, rectifier damage, control board/keypad fault, or broken keypad/control cables — check supply and bus voltage, reseat cables, then seek service if needed.

If the display is normal but the motor will not turn: verify run command source, DI wiring, frequency reference, motor cables, and that the drive is not in a fault or coast-to-stop state. “HC” or similar at power-on points to board/cable/motor ground issues per the manual table.

Before emailing or calling overseas support, collect:

• Full model code from the nameplate
• Body barcode / serial number (also used for warranty dating on ES210/ES230/ES530 manuals)
• Fault code(s) and when they occur (power-on, accel, running, stop)
• Supply voltage, motor nameplate data, and approximate cable length
• Photos of nameplate, wiring, and keypad fault screen
• Application description and recent parameter changes

Contact: overseas@szepsivo.com / 0769-88860169 (see After-sales).

Open Support → Downloads and filter by series or document type. English manuals are listed for ES210, ES230, ES300, ES500, and ES530; product brochures are listed for ES230, ES300, ES500, and ES530. CE EMC/LVD PDFs include the covered model lists in their appendices. ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management-system certificates and the ES500 CE Machinery Directive certificate are listed separately.

Warranty text in the English manuals differs by series family — treat the manual shipped with your unit (and your sales contract) as controlling, and confirm with EPSIVO if unsure:

• ES210 / ES230 / ES530 Warranty Agreement: free warranty covers the drive itself for 18 months from the factory date; the body barcode is the basis for the period. Normal use failures are repaired free during that period.
• ES300 / ES500 Guarantee Agreement: warranty period is 12 months from the date of purchasing the product (per those manuals).

Typical chargeable exclusions in the manuals include misuse or unauthorized modification, operation outside specifications, drop/transport damage after purchase, corrosive environments, natural disasters / abnormal voltage, removed or mismatched nameplate/SN, and unpaid goods.

Provide model, barcode/SN, purchase or shipment reference, fault code and description, photos, and contact details. ES210/ES230/ES530 warranty notes ask you to fill in the Product Warranty Card correctly when the product is faulty. Ship or return units only under guidance from EPSIVO service so that transport damage is avoided.

Contact the overseas team for warranty diagnosis, RMA/repair routing, and spare parts:

• Email: overseas@szepsivo.com
• Phone: 0769-88860169

More detail: After-sales Service. Local agents may also assist for on-site checks.

From the ES210 manual terminal chapter and P4 defaults:

• Main circuit: L1/L2/L3 (AC in), U/V/W (motor), P+/PB (braking resistor), PE.
• Control power: +10V-GND, +24V-COM; OP for external DI power.
• AI: AI1 (0–10 V / 4–20 mA via jumper, default voltage), AI2 (0–10 V); AO1 voltage/current selectable (default voltage).
• DI defaults: P4-00 DI1 = Forward (1); P4-01 DI2 = Forward jog (4); P4-02 DI3 = Fault reset (9); P4-03 DI4 = multi-reference 1 (12); P4-04 DI5 = multi-reference 2 (13). Hardware note: DI1 FWD, DI3 Fault RESET; relay T1 used for fault output.
• RS485: 485+/485− Modbus; optional 120 Ω jumper (default off).

Each series English manual contains the full function-code list:

• ES230 / ES530 — Parameter chapter (P0 basic, P1 motor, P3 V/F, P4 inputs, P5 outputs, P7 keypad, P8 auxiliary, P9 fault/protection, PP user, H groups, U0 monitors).
• ES300 / ES500 — Chapter “Function Parameter List” with the same overall group structure and monitoring U0 addresses for Modbus.

Download the matching PDF from Downloads and use the parameter index for your firmware version printed in the revision log.

Open the fault chapter in your series manual:

• ES210 / ES230 / ES530 — “Fault diagnosis and countermeasures” (panel codes such as E01.xx, E04.00 overcurrent, E05–E07 overvoltage, E09 undervoltage, E10/E11 overload, E12/E13 phase loss, E14 overheat, E16 communication, etc.).
• ES300 / ES500 — Chapter “Faults and Solutions” (named faults such as overcurrent during acceleration, module overheat, plus common symptoms like no display / HC).

Match the exact code on the keypad to the table; do not rely on another series’ numbering if the display format differs.

All series support on-keypad programming (standard LED keypad and, where fitted, LCD keypad). Panel Operation chapters show how to enter menus, change function codes, and monitor U0 values.

Parameters can also be read/written over RS485 Modbus-RTU (protocol appendix in ES300/ES500 manuals; 485 terminals on compact series). Catalog materials mention upper-computer monitoring software for ES230-class products — use the tool EPSIVO provides for your series, or keypad/Modbus if no PC tool is issued for that unit.