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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

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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.

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About the Author

David Greenfield, editor in chief

Editor in Chief

David Greenfield joined Automation World in June 2011. Bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and media experience to his position, David’s contributions can be found in AW’s print and online editions and custom projects. Earlier in his career, David was Editorial Director of Design News at UBM Electronics, and prior to joining UBM, he was Editorial Director of Control Engineering at Reed Business Information, where he also worked on Manufacturing Business Technology as Publisher.