When engineers talk about “the range of ABB drives,” they’re not referring to a single product line—they’re referring to one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industrial drive market. ABB has built a drive ecosystem that spans everything from fractional kilowatt applications to multi-megawatt heavy industrial systems.
In practical terms, ABB drives cover an enormous spectrum of power ratings, voltage classes, applications, and industries. Whether you are controlling a small pump or a massive compressor in an oil refinery, there is an ABB drive designed for that exact use case.
This guide breaks down the full range of ABB drives in a way that reflects how engineers actually think about them—by power, voltage, application, and drive family.
Understanding the Range of ABB Drives
At a high level, ABB organizes its drives into three major categories:

• Low voltage AC drives
• Medium voltage AC drives
• DC drives and specialized systems

Within these categories, ABB offers multiple product families tailored for specific industrial applications such as machinery, general-purpose systems, and heavy industrial processes. The overall range is extremely broad:

• Low voltage AC drives: ~0.18 kW to 5,600 kW
• Medium voltage drives: ~250 kW to over 100 MW
• DC drives: Below 10 kW to over 20,000 kW

That range alone tells you something important: ABB isn’t just a drive manufacturer—it’s a full-spectrum motion control provider.
Low Voltage ABB Drives
Low voltage drives are the most widely used category. These are typically used in applications such as pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and general machinery.
General Purpose Drives
General-purpose drives are designed for standard industrial applications where simplicity, reliability, and efficiency are the priority. A well-known example is the ACS series used across industries for basic motor control.
Key Characteristics

• Easy installation and commissioning
• Built-in application macros
• Suitable for pumps, fans, and conveyors
• Optimized for energy savings

For example, compact drives like ACS480 operate from around 0.37 kW up to 22 kW and support voltages up to 480 V .
Machinery Drives
Machinery drives are specifically designed for machine builders and OEM applications. These drives offer:

• High precision motor control
• Compact design
• Easy integration into machines
• Flexible communication options

For instance, the ACS380 machinery drive supports power ranges starting from about 0.25 kW up to 22 kW with voltages up to 480 V. These are commonly used in:

• Packaging machines
• Material handling systems
• Textile equipment
• Food processing machinery

Industrial Drives

Industrial drives are the workhorses of ABB’s portfolio. They are designed for heavy-duty applications and harsh environments. A flagship example is the ACS880 series.
Key Capabilities

• High power handling
• Advanced motor control (including Direct Torque Control)
• Built-in safety features
• Compatibility with multiple motor types

ACS880 drives cover an impressive range—from about 0.55 kW up to 6,000 kW and voltages up to 690 V. These drives are widely used in:

• Mining operations
• Cement plants
• Oil and gas facilities
• Heavy manufacturing

Medium Voltage ABB Drives

When power requirements go beyond what low voltage systems can handle, medium voltage drives come into play. These drives are designed for high-power industrial applications where efficiency, reliability, and precise control are critical.
High-Power Industrial Applications
Medium voltage drives are commonly used in:

• Large compressors
• Pumps in oil & gas pipelines
• Power generation systems
• Steel mills
• Chemical processing plants

Example: ACS5000 Series

The ACS5000 is a good representation of ABB’s medium voltage capability.
Key Specifications

• Power range up to 36 MW
• Voltage up to 13.8 kV
• Efficiency exceeding 99%

These systems are engineered for: Continuous operation, High reliability, Maximum energy efficiency. In large industrial plants, these drives are often mission-critical assets.
DC Drives and Specialized Drive Systems
Although AC drives dominate modern industry, ABB still offers DC drives for applications where DC motors provide advantages.
DC Drive Applications
DC drives are typically used in:

• Steel rolling mills
• Paper production
• Crane systems
• Legacy industrial systems

ABB’s DC drive range extends from below 10 kW to more than 20,000 kW.
Why DC Drives Still Matter
Despite the rise of AC technology, DC drives are still preferred in certain cases due to:

• High starting torque
• Precise speed control
• Compatibility with existing systems

In industries with legacy infrastructure, replacing DC systems is often not economically viable, so ABB continues to support this segment.
ABB Drive Families Explained (ACS Series)
ABB organizes many of its AC drives under the ACS product family. Understanding this naming structure helps clarify the range.
ACS Micro Drives
These are compact drives used for small-scale applications. Typical uses:

• Small pumps
• HVAC systems
• Light-duty conveyors

They are designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
ACS General Purpose Drives
These drives balance performance and simplicity. Examples include:

• ACS480
• ACS560

They are widely used across industries due to their flexibility and ease of use.
ACS Machinery Drives
Machinery drives like the ACS380 are tailored for OEMs and machine builders.
They focus on: Integration, Compact design, and High control precision.
ACS Industrial Drives
Industrial drives like the ACS880 are designed for demanding environments. They offer:

• High power capability
• Advanced control features
• Robust construction

These are the backbone of large industrial systems.
Key Factors That Define the Range of ABB Drives
When engineers evaluate ABB drives, they typically look beyond just product names. The “range” is better understood through technical parameters.
Power Range
One of the most important factors. ABB drives range from:

• Fractional kilowatt systems
• To multi-megawatt industrial drives

This makes ABB suitable for everything from small machines to large industrial plants.
Voltage Range
ABB drives cover:

• Low voltage (typically up to 690 V)
• Medium voltage (up to 13.8 kV and beyond)

Voltage selection depends on application size and efficiency requirements.
Application Range
ABB drives are used in virtually every industry:

• Manufacturing
• Oil and gas
• Power generation
• Water treatment
• HVAC systems
• Mining

This broad applicability is one of ABB’s key strengths.
Control and Technology Features
Modern ABB drives include advanced features such as:

• Direct Torque Control (DTC)
• Built-in safety functions (Safe Torque Off)
• Industrial communication protocols
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics

These features make ABB drives highly adaptable to modern automation environments.
How to Choose the Right ABB Drive
Selecting the right drive is not just about picking a model—it’s about matching the drive to the application.
Consider the Application Type

• Pumps and fans → General-purpose drives
• Machines → Machinery drives
• Heavy industry → Industrial drives

Evaluate Power Requirements
Always determine:

• Motor power (kW or HP)
• Load type (constant vs variable torque)
• Duty cycle

Consider Environmental Conditions

Industrial drives must withstand: High temperatures, Dust and moisture, Vibration.
ABB offers different enclosure ratings (IP classes) to handle these conditions.
Integration and Communication
Modern systems require drives that can communicate with:

• PLC systems
• SCADA platforms
• Industrial networks

ABB drives support a wide range of communication protocols for seamless integration.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the power range of ABB drives?
ABB drives cover a very wide power range, from approximately 0.18 kW up to over 100 MW, depending on whether you are using low voltage or medium voltage systems .
What voltage levels do ABB drives support?
ABB drives support both:

• Low voltage systems (up to 690 V)
• Medium voltage systems (up to 13.8 kV and higher)

What industries use ABB drives?

ABB drives are used in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, power generation, water treatment, and HVAC systems.
What is the difference between ACS380 and ACS880 drives?

• ACS380 is a machinery drive designed for OEM applications and smaller systems
• ACS880 is an industrial drive designed for heavy-duty, high-power applications

Are ABB drives suitable for Industry 4.0?

Yes. ABB drives support modern automation features such as digital connectivity, remote monitoring, and integration with industrial control systems, making them suitable for Industry 4.0 environments.
What makes ABB drives unique?
ABB drives stand out due to:

• Extremely wide power and voltage range
• Advanced control technologies like Direct Torque Control
• Strong reliability in harsh industrial environments
• Global support and service network