User Manual · Publication 520-UM001 · Rockwell Automation

PowerFlex 520-Series AC Drive User Manual (25A/25B)

This user manual covers the PowerFlex 520-series adjustable frequency AC drives, including the PowerFlex 523 (bulletin 25A) and PowerFlex 525 (bulletin 25B). It provides installation, wiring, startup, programming, and troubleshooting information for qualified personnel. Topics include power and control wiring, parameter groups, RS-485 (DSI)/Modbus, EtherNet/IP, Safe Torque Off, PID setup, encoder/pulse train usage, and PM and synchronous reluctance motor configuration.

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100…600V AC Voltage Range
Up to 62.1 A Max Output Current
A, B, C, D, E Frame Sizes
70 Max Ambient (with Fan Kit)

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Specifications

Ambient Operating Temperatures — Vertical Mounting

IP 20/Open Type — Max (No Derate) 50 °C (122 °F)
IP 20/Open Type — Max (Derate) 60 °C (140 °F)
IP 20/Open Type — Max with Control Module Fan Kit (Derate) 70 °C (158 °F)
IP 30/NEMA 1/UL Type 1 — Max (No Derate) 45 °C (113 °F)
IP 30/NEMA 1/UL Type 1 — Max (Derate) 55 °C (131 °F)
Minimum Ambient -20 °C (-4 °F)

Altitude Derating

No-derate altitude 1000 m (3300 ft)
Derate option 1 above 1000 m 5 °C (9 °F) per additional 1000 m (3300 ft)
Derate option 2 above 1000 m 10% output current per additional 1000 m, up to 3000 m (9900 ft)

Mounting Screw Torque by Frame

Frame A, B, C — Screw Size M5 (#10…24), 1.56…1.96 N•m (14…17 lb•in)
Frame D — Screw Size M5 (#10…24), 2.45…2.94 N•m (22…26 lb•in)
Frame E — Screw Size M8 (5/16 in), 6.0…7.4 N•m (53…65 lb•in)

Storage Conditions

Temperature range -40…+85 °C (-40…+185 °F); Frame E max 70 °C (158 °F)
Relative humidity 0…95%, noncondensing

Catalog Number Format

How to read an Allen-Bradley 520 catalog number. Each position encodes a specific configuration attribute.

Position
Meaning
Example
1…3
Drive type (25A = PowerFlex 523, 25B = PowerFlex 525)
25B
4
Dash separator
-
5
Voltage rating and phase (V=120V 1-ph, A=240V 1-ph, B=240V 3-ph, D=480V 3-ph, E=600V 3-ph)
B
6…8
Output current rating code (e.g. 2P3 = 2.3 A)
2P3
9
Enclosure (N = IP20 NEMA/Open)
N
10
Reserved
1
11
Emission class (0 = No Filter, 1 = Filter)
1
12
Braking (4 = Standard)
4
13…14
Dash separators
--

Communication Protocols

Supported industrial networks and field buses for the products covered by this publication.

RS-485 (DSI) / Modbus RTU Supported Modbus function codes include Read (03) and Write (06). Supports logic command data, frequency command, logic status, error codes, and drive parameter read/write. Network wiring and parameter configuration covered in Appendix C. EtherNet/IP (embedded, PowerFlex 525 only) Embedded EtherNet/IP adapter on PowerFlex 525. Ground connections for EtherNet/IP networks covered in Appendix H. Star and ring topology grounding guidance provided. DeviceNet (optional adapter) Available via optional communication adapter for PowerFlex 520-series drives. PROFIBUS DPV1 (optional adapter) Available via 25-COMM-P optional adapter for PowerFlex 520-series drives. PROFINET (optional adapter) Available via optional adapter for PowerFlex 520-series drives. Dual-port EtherNet/IP (optional adapter) Available via 25-COMM-E2P optional adapter for PowerFlex 520-series drives.

Certifications & Compliance

CE — Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) CE — EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) CE — Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) CE — ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) UKCA — Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations (2016 No. 1101) UKCA — Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations (2016 No. 1091) UKCA — Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations (2008 No. 1597) UKCA — Equipment and Protective Systems for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (2016 No. 1107) UL 61800-5-1 Safe Torque Off — SIL 2/PLd (EC and UK Type Examination) Safe Torque Off — SIL 3/PL e (with external +24V supply)

Document Contents

Full PDF covers the following topics in detail:

  • Preface: catalog number explanation, drive frame sizes, general precautions, additional resources
  • Chapter 1 — Installation/Wiring: mounting considerations, ambient temperature and derating, AC supply source, grounding, fuses and circuit breakers, power and control wiring, CE/UKCA conformity
  • Chapter 2 — Startup: drive startup task list, display and control keys, viewing and editing parameters, Smart Startup, LCD QuickView, USB port and MainsFree programming
  • Chapter 3 — Programming and Parameters: parameter groups (Basic Display, Basic Program, Terminal Block, Communications, Logic, Advanced Display, Advanced Program, Network, Fault/Diagnostic, AppView, CustomView)
  • Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting: drive status, fault indication, manually/automatically clearing faults, auto restart, fault descriptions, common symptoms and corrective actions
  • Appendix A — Supplemental Drive Information: certifications, environmental specifications, technical specifications, power specifications
  • Appendix B — Accessories and Dimensions: product selection, product dimensions, adapter plate dimensions, optional accessories and communication adapter installation
  • Appendix C — RS-485 (DSI) Protocol: network wiring, parameter configuration, Modbus function codes, logic command/status data, frequency command, drive parameters
  • Appendix D — Velocity StepLogic, Basic Logic, and Timer/Counter Functions
  • Appendix E — Encoder/Pulse Train Usage and Position StepLogic Application
  • Appendix F — PID Setup: PID loop, exclusive/trim control, reference and feedback, analog signals, gains
  • Appendix G — Safe Torque Off Function (PowerFlex 525): safety concept, PFD/PFH data, wiring, connection examples, certification
  • Appendix H — EtherNet/IP: establishing connection, ground connections
  • Appendix I — Control Diagrams: induction motor tuning diagrams, speed control parameters
  • Appendix J — PowerFlex 525 PM Motor Configuration: motor control, data, feedback, stop mode, auto tune, open/closed loop PM setup
  • Appendix K — PowerFlex 525 Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) Configuration: structure, control diagram, configuration procedure

In-Stock Products Covered by This Document

Every product below is in stock at our Charlotte, NC warehouse and covered by this publication. Ships same-day (orders before 4 PM ET) with 2.5-year warranty included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drive models are covered in this manual?
This manual covers the PowerFlex 520-series, which includes the PowerFlex 523 (bulletin 25A, series B) and PowerFlex 525 (bulletin 25B). Both models share this user manual.
What voltage and power ranges are available for PowerFlex 520-series drives?
Drives are available for 100…120V 1-phase, 200…240V 1-phase, 200…240V 3-phase, 380…480V 3-phase, and 525…600V 3-phase inputs. Output current ratings range from 0.9 A up to 62.1 A depending on voltage class and frame size (A through E).
Does the PowerFlex 525 support Safe Torque Off (STO)?
Yes. The PowerFlex 525 includes a Safe Torque Off function. It supports SIL 2/PLd with coast-to-stop or controlled stop configurations, and SIL 3/PL e using an external +24V supply. EC and UK Type Examination certifications are documented in Appendix G.
What communication protocols does the PowerFlex 520-series support?
The drives support RS-485 (DSI)/Modbus RTU natively. The PowerFlex 525 includes an embedded EtherNet/IP adapter. Optional communication adapters support DeviceNet, PROFIBUS DPV1, PROFINET, and dual-port EtherNet/IP.
How should the drive be derated for high-altitude installations?
Above 1000 m (3300 ft), either derate the maximum ambient temperature by 5 °C (9 °F) per additional 1000 m, or derate output current by 10% per additional 1000 m up to 3000 m (9900 ft). Maximum altitude limits vary by voltage rating and grounding system type, as listed in the Altitude Limit table in Chapter 1.
What motor types can the PowerFlex 525 control?
The PowerFlex 525 supports induction motors, permanent magnet (PM) motors in both open loop and closed loop configurations, and synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM). Separate appendices (J and K) cover PM motor and SynRM configuration procedures.
What fuse types are recommended for PowerFlex 520-series drives?
For IEC applications, BS88 Parts 1 and 2, EN60269-1 type GG or equivalent fuses are recommended. For UL applications, UL Class CC, T, or J fuses should be used. Specific ratings by catalog number and voltage class are listed in the fuse and circuit breaker tables on pages 23 through 28.

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