Does the Cable Connecting Your VFD and Motor Really Matter?

In this episode, we connect with Steve Wetzel, a member of IEEE and principal applications engineer with Southwire Company, one of North America's largest wire and cable manufacturers and the sponsor of this podcast, to learn more about how the cable connecting a VFD to a motor might be costing you thousands of dollars in premature motor failures, unexpected downtime and interference with other equipment.

David Greenfield, editor in chief

Nov. 4, 2025

Key Highlights

The impedance difference between proper and improper termination can have dramatic impacts at VFD frequencies.
If shielded cabling was installed but incorrectly terminated, accessories like EMC plates and VFD cable glands can fix the problem with minimal space requirements.
A new IEEE standard requires thermoset insulation for VFD cables and specifies three acceptable shield types: continuously corrugated welded aluminum armor, copper tape shield and copper braid shield.