Franklin Electric SUBDRIVE CONNECT

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Overview

Technical Specifications (SubDrive 15 Connect/SubDrive 20 Connect)
Technical Specifications (SubDrive 30 Connect/SubDrive 50 Connect)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Franklin Electric SubDrive Connect is a family of variable frequency drives (VFDs) designed to control and protect 3-wire, single- or three-phase motors, enhancing pump performance for residential and light commercial water system applications. When used with Franklin Electric motors, the SubDrive Connect drives a motor and pump at variable speeds to maintain constant water pressure, even as user demands (water flow) change. The series also provides the capability to use a three-phase motor with single-phase incoming power, adding efficiency and quiet performance.

Technical Specifications (SubDrive 15 Connect/SubDrive 20 Connect):

Model: NEMA 3R (indoor/outdoor)
Input Voltage: 208/230 ± 10% VAC
Input Phase: Single-Phase
Input Frequency: 60/50 Hz
Input Current (max):
- SubDrive 15: 12 A
- SubDrive 20: 17.3 A
Power Factor: ~0.95
Power (idle):
- SubDrive 15: 4 Watts
- SubDrive 20: 5 Watts
Power (max):
- SubDrive 15: 2.5 kW
- SubDrive 20: 4.2 kW
Output Voltage: 272 VAC Maximum
Output Phase: Single-Phase (3-wire) OR Three-Phase
Output Frequency Range:
- 30-78 Hz: 1/2-rated pump (3-Phase)
- 30-70 Hz: 2/3 or 3/4-rated pump (3-Phase)
- 30-60 Hz: Matched pump (3-Phase)
- 30-63 Hz (Single-Phase Motors)
- 60-156Hz: 1/2-rated pump (MagForce)
- 60-156Hz: 2/3 or 3/4-rated pump (MagForce)
- 60-120Hz: Matched pump (MagForce)
Output Current (max):
- SubDrive 15: 5.9 A (three-phase), 10.4 A (single-phase 3-wire)
- SubDrive 20: 8.1 A (three-phase), 13.2 A (single-phase 3-wire)
Pressure Setting (Factory Preset): 50 psi (3.4 bar)
Pressure Setting (Adjustment Range):
- Transducer: 5-95 psi (0.3-6.6 bar)
- Pressure Sensor: 25-80 psi (1.7-5.5 bar)
Operating Temperature (at 230 VAC input): -13 °F to 122 °F (-25 °C to 50 °C)
Relative Humidity: 20-95%, non-condensing
Storage Temperature: -13 °F to 149 °F (-25 °C to 65 °C)
Shelf Life: 1.5 Years
Dimensions (NEMA 3R):
- SubDrive 15: 9-3/4” x 19-3/4” x 5-1/4” (25 x 50 x 13 cm)
- SubDrive 20: 9.75” x 16.9” x 5-1/4” (25 x 43 x 13 cm)
Weight (NEMA 3R):
- SubDrive 15: 26 lbs (11.8 kg)
- SubDrive 20: 19 lbs (8.6 kg)

Technical Specifications (SubDrive 30 Connect/SubDrive 50 Connect):

Model: NEMA 3R (indoor/outdoor)
Input Voltage: 208/230 ± 10% VAC
Input Phase: Single-Phase
Input Frequency: 60/50 Hz
Input Current (max):
- SubDrive 30: 23 A
- SubDrive 50: 36 A
Power Factor: ~0.95
Power (idle):
- SubDrive 30: 5 Watts
- SubDrive 50: 7 Watts
Power (max):
- SubDrive 30: 4.2 kW
- SubDrive 50: 7.2 kW
Output Voltage: 272 VAC Maximum
Output Phase: Single-Phase (3-wire) OR Three-Phase
Output Frequency Range:
- 30-78 Hz: 1/2-rated pump (3-Phase)
- 30-70 Hz: 2/3 or 3/4-rated pump (3-Phase)
- 30-60 Hz: Matched pump (3-Phase)
- 30-63 Hz (Single-Phase Motors)
- 60-156Hz: 1/2, 2/3, or 3/4-rated pump (MagForce)
- 60-120Hz: Matched pump (MagForce)
Output Current (max):
- SubDrive 30: 10.9 A (three-phase), 13.2 A (single-phase 3-wire)
- SubDrive 50: 17.8 A (three-phase), 17.0 A (single-phase 3-wire)
Pressure Setting (Factory Preset): 50 psi (3.4 bar)
Pressure Setting (Adjustment Range):
- Transducer: 5-95 psi (0.3-6.6 bar)
- Pressure Sensor: 25-80 psi (1.7-5.5 bar)
Operating Temperature (at 230 VAC input): -13 °F to 122 °F (-25 °C to 50 °C)
Relative Humidity: 20-95%, non-condensing
Storage Temperature: -13 °F to 149 °F (-25 °C to 65 °C)
Shelf Life: 1.5 Years
Dimensions (NEMA 3R):
- SubDrive 30: 9-3/4” x 19-3/4” x 5-1/4” (25 x 50 x 13 cm)
- SubDrive 50: 9-1/8” x 15-3/8” x 11-1/2” (66 x 39 x 29 cm)
Weight (NEMA 3R):
- SubDrive 30: 26 lbs (11.8 kg)
- SubDrive 50: 31 lbs (14.1 kg)

Usage Features:

Configuration:
- Compatible with submersible and surface pumps and motors, including Franklin Electric MagForce permanent magnet submersible motors.
- Three-phase operation allows enhanced water delivery performance using a smaller pump with a standard rated motor.
- No programming required with easy DIP switch setup.
- Built-in Duplex Alternator for Lead/Lag pump operation.
- Works with small pressure tanks or existing larger tanks.
Operation:
- Easy-to-read LCD display for system status identification.
- User-defined motor frequency range and control inputs.
- Auxiliary control input allows for additional external control.
- Run and alarm relays provide switching for external monitors or systems.
- Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) reduces average current used by the drive.
- Advanced filtering to remove radio frequency interference.
Protection:
- Protection against short circuit, under-load, overheat, under-voltage, surges, open circuit.
- Broken-pipe detection.
- User-defined underload sensitivity and off time.
- Ground Fault Protection for motor output.
- Moisture Sensor input stops pump when water is detected.
- Soft-start feature prevents water hammer and increases motor life.
Communication:
- The FE Connect mobile app can be used to adjust advanced settings, monitor drive characteristics, and view fault history.
- The FE Connect app provides simple drive setup for quick and easy startup, advanced feature programming, real-time system performance monitoring, fault and change history time and date logging, email system logs directly to FE support, and wireless drive firmware updates.
- Wi-Fi connection for mobile app communication.

Maintenance Features:

System Diagnostic Fault History: The SubDrive Connect continuously monitors system performance and detects abnormal conditions. It compensates as needed to maintain continuous operation, but will stop and display a fault condition if there is a high risk of equipment damage. The drive attempts to restart itself when the fault condition subsides. Up to 500 events are recorded with date and time, viewable and emailable via the FE Connect mobile app.
Battery Replacement: The SubDrive Connect uses a replaceable CR 2032 3V battery to power the real-time clock for fault and configuration change logging. This battery is located to the left of the display. Power must be removed and internal voltage allowed to discharge for 5 minutes before replacement. Lithium batteries should be handled with care and disposed of according to local regulations.
Fan Replacement: In case of cooling fan failure leading to frequent Overheated Drive faults (Fault 7), replacement fan kits are available.
Enhanced Pressure Input Board Replacement: If a lightning strike causes a surge on the drive's I/O terminals, the Enhanced Pressure Input Board (EPIB) may be damaged, rendering the drive inoperable. The EPIB can be replaced to repair the drive, rather than replacing the entire unit.
Periodic Maintenance: Regular checks and adherence to safety instructions are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. This includes ensuring proper grounding, correct wiring, and appropriate environmental conditions.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide based on fault codes (e.g., F1 Motor Underload, F2 Undervoltage, F3 Overcurrent or Locked Pump, F4 Incorrectly Wired, F5 Output Open Phase, F6 Short Circuit, F7 Overheated Drive, F9 Internal PCB Fault, F12 Overvoltage, F14 Broken Pipe, F15 Phase Imbalance, F16 Ground Fault, F17/F18 Inverter/PFC Temperature Sensor Fault, F19 Communication Fault, F22/F23 Display/Main Board Startup Fault, F24 Invalid DIP Switch Setting, F25 Moisture Sensor Fault, F26 Aux Input Fault, F27 Pressure Transducer Error, F28 Real Time Clock Fault, F41 Duplex Alternator Sensor Mismatch, F42 Duplex Alternator Firmware Mismatch, F43 Duplex Alternator Comm Fault, F44 Duplex Alternator Unexpected Comm, F45 Duplex Alternator Demand Fault) and symptoms (e.g., no water, pressure fluctuations, pump won’t stop, audible noises, no display, cannot connect to Bluetooth, RFI-EMI interference, system regulates but displays 199P). Corrective actions are provided for each.