When it comes to variable frequency drives (VFDs), few manufacturers have built a reputation as strong as ABB. Their general-purpose drives are widely used across industries—from HVAC systems to manufacturing lines—because they strike a balance between performance, reliability, and ease of use.
If you’ve worked in automation long enough, you’ll know that choosing the right drive isn’t just about horsepower or voltage. It’s about selecting the right series for your application.
ABB’s general-purpose drive portfolio is built around several key series, each designed for a specific level of complexity, flexibility, and performance. In this article, we’ll walk through the most important series—how they differ, where they fit, and how to choose between them.
Understanding ABB General Purpose Drives
ABB general-purpose drives are AC drives designed to control the speed and torque of electric motors in a wide range of applications. These drives are typically used in:

• Pumps and fans
• Conveyors and material handling systems
• HVAC systems
• Basic machinery automation

What makes ABB drives stand out is their “all-compatible” platform approach, meaning users benefit from consistent interfaces, tools, and parameter structures across different drive families. At the core, these drives:

• Improve energy efficiency
• Extend equipment lifespan
• Provide precise motor control
• Enable process optimization

Overview of ABB General Purpose Drive Series

ABB’s general-purpose drives are typically grouped into the following widely used series:

• ACS150 (Micro Drives)
• ACS310 (Compact General Purpose Drives)
• ACS355 (Machinery Drives)
• ACS550 (Standard General Purpose Drives)

Each series targets a different segment of industrial automation—from simple motor control to more advanced machine-level integration.
ACS150 Series (Micro Drives)
What Is the ACS150 Series?
The ACS150 is ABB’s entry-level micro drive, designed for simple motor control applications where space, cost, and ease of installation are critical. These drives are compact, all-in-one units that integrate essential features into a small footprint, making them ideal for basic automation tasks.
Key Features of ACS150

• Compact design for tight installation spaces
• Built-in control panel and potentiometer
• Simple configuration and commissioning
• Integrated EMC filter for improved reliability
• Suitable for single-phase and three-phase systems

The ACS150 typically covers low power ranges up to around 4 kW, making it perfect for smaller applications.
Typical Applications
In practice, you’ll find ACS150 drives used in:

• Small conveyors
• Fans and blowers
• Basic pumps
• Packaging machines

These are the kinds of applications where you don’t need advanced logic—just reliable speed control.
When to Use ACS150
Choose ACS150 when:

• Your application is simple and repetitive
• You need a cost-effective solution
• Space is limited
• Minimal programming is required

ACS310 Series (Compact General Purpose Drives)
What Is the ACS310 Series?

The ACS310 is a step up from the micro drive category. It is specifically designed for pump and fan applications, where energy efficiency and ease of use are key priorities. Unlike the ACS150, this series includes application-specific features tailored for fluid handling systems.
Key Features of ACS310

• Built-in pump and fan control functions
• Multipump control capability
• Energy-saving algorithms for centrifugal loads
• Preconfigured I/O and setup assistants
• Compact cabinet-friendly design

The ACS310 typically supports power ranges up to 22 kW, making it suitable for medium-duty applications.
Typical Applications
This drive is commonly used in:

• HVAC systems
• Water and wastewater treatment plants
• Irrigation systems
• Ventilation systems

Its built-in features reduce the need for external controllers in many pump and fan systems.
When to Use ACS310
Use ACS310 when:

• Your application involves pumps or fans
• Energy efficiency is a priority
• You need basic automation with minimal customization

ACS355 Series (Machinery Drives)
What Is the ACS355 Series?

The ACS355 is often considered one of the most versatile drives in ABB’s general-purpose lineup. It is designed for machine builders, OEMs, and system integrators who need flexibility and performance in a compact package. This series bridges the gap between basic drives and advanced automation systems.
Key Features of ACS355

• Compact design with high power density
• Support for multiple enclosure ratings (IP20 to IP69K)
• Adaptive programming capabilities
• Built-in Safe Torque Off (STO) safety feature
• Wide range of fieldbus communication options
• Capability to control both induction and permanent magnet motors

Typical Applications
ACS355 drives are widely used in:

• Packaging machines
• Material handling systems
• Food and beverage processing
• Wood, plastic, and rubber machinery

These are applications where flexibility and customization are critical.
When to Use ACS355
Choose ACS355 when:

• You need machine-level control
• Your system requires communication with PLCs or networks
• You want flexible programming and customization
• Your environment demands rugged or washdown-rated drives

ACS550 Series (Standard General Purpose Drives)
What Is the ACS550 Series?

The ACS550 is a classic general-purpose drive designed for broad industrial applications where simplicity and reliability are key. It has been widely used across industries for years and remains a popular choice for standard motor control tasks.
Key Features of ACS550

• Easy installation and commissioning
• Intuitive control panel and setup tools
• Built-in energy monitoring features
• Harmonic reduction capabilities
• Wide power range up to 355 kW

Typical Applications

ACS550 drives are commonly found in:

• HVAC systems
• Industrial fans and pumps
• Conveyor systems
• General manufacturing processes

When to Use ACS550

Use ACS550 when:

• You need a reliable, proven drive
• Your application does not require complex customization
• You want a balance between performance and simplicity

Key Differences Between ABB Drive Series

Understanding how these series differ is critical when selecting the right drive.
Level of Complexity

• ACS150 → Basic control
• ACS310 → Application-specific (pumps/fans)
• ACS355 → Machine-level flexibility
• ACS550 → General-purpose industrial control

Flexibility and Customization

• Low: ACS150
• Medium: ACS310
• High: ACS355
• Moderate: ACS550

Power Range

• ACS150 → Small motors
• ACS310 & ACS355 → Medium applications
• ACS550 → Wide industrial range

Application Focus

• ACS150 → Simple machines
• ACS310 → HVAC and fluid systems
• ACS355 → OEM and machine builders
• ACS550 → General industrial use

How to Choose the Right ABB Drive Series

Choosing the correct drive series is less about brand preference and more about matching the drive capabilities to your application requirements.
Consider Application Type
If you’re working with:

• Pumps/fans → ACS310
• Basic systems → ACS150
• Complex machinery → ACS355
• General industrial use → ACS550

Consider Control Requirements

If your system requires:

• Minimal control → ACS150
• Some automation → ACS310
• Advanced logic and communication → ACS355

Consider Environment

• Harsh or washdown environments → ACS355
• Standard industrial environments → ACS550

Consider Future Scalability

If your system may evolve or require integration later, it’s often better to choose a more flexible drive like the ACS355.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are ABB general purpose drives used for?
ABB general-purpose drives are used to control motor speed and torque in applications such as pumps, fans, conveyors, and industrial machinery.
What is the difference between ACS150 and ACS355?
The ACS150 is a basic micro drive for simple applications, while the ACS355 is a more advanced machinery drive designed for flexible control, communication, and customization.
Which ABB drive is best for pumps and fans?
The ACS310 is specifically designed for pump and fan applications, with built-in features that optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
Is ACS550 still used in industry?
Yes, the ACS550 remains widely used due to its reliability, ease of use, and suitability for general industrial applications.
How do I choose the right ABB drive?
Choosing the right drive depends on:

• Application type
• Power requirements
• Level of control needed
• Environmental conditions
• Future scalability

Are ABB drives compatible with PLC systems?
Yes. Most ABB drives—especially the ACS355 and ACS550—support communication protocols such as Modbus and fieldbus adapters, allowing integration with PLC systems.