TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH, the power supply cable for motors with VFD drives

Variable frequency drive (VFD) motors require specialized power cables to handle electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ensure optimal performance. Standard industrial cables often fail to provide adequate shielding, leading to equipment malfunction, motor bearing damage, and system inefficiency. TOPDRIVE® VFD ROZ1-K VFD EMC 2XSL (ST)CH cable has been specially engineered by Top Cable, a European cable manufacturer with over 30 years of experience, to address these critical challenges in industrial VFD installations.

This high-performance VFD power cable features a symmetrical 3C+3G conductor configuration, double-layer electromagnetic screening with 100% coverage, and XLPE insulation rated for 0.6/1 kV applications. Manufactured in compliance with IEC 60502-1 and CPR Cca standards, TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH ensures electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) while delivering superior flexibility, halogen-free safety, and long-term reliability for demanding industrial environments.

Datasheet

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DESIGN:

1 – Copper conductor class 5 (flexible).

2 – Protective conductor: the earth conductor is divided into three conductors (3G).

3 – XLPE insulation.

4 – Double shield of overlapping aluminium-polyester tape, plus a braid of tinned copper wires. 100% shielding.

5 – Halogen-free polyolefin (LSZH) outer sheath.

WHY VFD MOTORS REQUIRE SPECIALIZED POWER CABLES

Understanding VFD operation and EMI challenges

Variable frequency drives convert standard AC power into variable frequency and voltage output through pulse width modulation (PWM). This switching process generates high-frequency harmonics and common mode currents that standard cables cannot adequately handle. Without proper shielding, these electrical disturbances cause:

• Motor bearing currents that reduce bearing lifespan by up to 50%.
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting nearby electronic equipment.
• Voltage reflections at motor terminals creating insulation stress.
• Ground loop currents disrupting control systems.

The right cable selection for best VFD performance

According to industry research, 25% of global electrical energy consumption comes from electric motors. VFD technology improves motor efficiency by 20-40%, but only when paired with appropriate cabling. The cable acts as the transmission medium between the drive and motor, with its electrical characteristics directly impacting system performance, energy efficiency, and equipment longevity.

TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN FEATURES

Symmetrical 3C+3G conductor configuration

The TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL (ST)CH employs a symmetrical arrangement of three phase conductors (3C) plus three ground conductors (3G) positioned alternately around the cable core. This geometric configuration:

• Minimizes common mode current (CMC) by balancing electromagnetic fields.
• Provides multiple low-impedance ground paths for fault current dissipation.
• Reduces ground loop impedance by up to 40% compared to single ground designs.
• Ensures equal current distribution during VFD operation.

Conductor specifications:

• Material: Bare copper (99.9% purity).
• Class: 5 (fine-stranded for maximum flexibility.
• Cross-sections available: 1.5 mm² to 240 mm².
• Temperature rating: 90°C continuous, 250°C short circuit.

Double-Layer EMC screening

TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH features a comprehensive dual-screen  construction providing 100% electromagnetic coverage:

First layer: Overlapping aluminum-polyester tape with minimum 20% overlap, creating a continuous metallic barrier against radiated EMI from 1 kHz to 1 GHz frequency range.

Second layer: Tinned copper braid (optical coverage ≥85%) providing:

• Low DC resistance for effective grounding.
• Mechanical protection for the aluminum tape.
• Corrosion resistance through tin plating.
• Enhanced flexibility for cable routing.

This double-screening approach achieves transfer impedance values below 10 mΩ/m at VFD operating frequencies, significantly outperforming single-shield designs.

XLPE insulation for superior electrical performance

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation offers critical advantages over PVC in VFD applications:

• Lower dielectric constant (εr = 2.3 vs PVC’s 7.4) reducing capacitance by 68%.
• Higher temperature rating (90°C continuous vs PVC’s 70°C).
• Superior voltage spike resistance withstanding transients up to 3 kV.
• Reduced dielectric losses improving overall system efficiency.
• Better aging characteristics maintaining properties over 30+ year lifespan.

Halogen-Free LSZH outer sheath

The polyolefin-based outer sheath provides:

• Flame retardancy per EN 50399 (CPR Cca rating).
• Zero halogen content (compliant with IEC 60754-1).
• Low smoke emission (>80% light transmittance per IEC 61034).
• Non-corrosive combustion gases (pH ≥4.3, conductivity <10 μS/mm).
• UV resistance for outdoor/indoor installations.
• Oil and chemical resistance for industrial environments.

INSTALLATIONS WHERE TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH VFD (EMC) 0,6/1 kV CABLE IS SUGGESTED FOR USE

TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH VFD EMC cable has proven reliability in:

Manufacturing and automation:

• CNC machining centers with servo motors.
• Automated assembly line conveyors.
• Robotic welding and material handling systems.
• Packaging machinery with variable speed control.

Process industries:

• Variable speed pump systems for water/wastewater treatment.
• Chemical processing with corrosion-resistant requirements.
• Petrochemical refineries (Oil & Gas applications).
• Mining operations with mobile and fixed equipment.

HVAC and building systems:

• Large commercial HVAC systems with VFD compressors.
• Chilled water pumping systems.
• Ventilation fans with demand-based control.
• Building automation with multiple VFD installations.

Power generation:

• Wind turbine pitch and yaw control systems.
• Solar tracking systems with motor drives.
• Auxiliary systems in power plants.
• Energy storage system (ESS) cooling pumps.

Comparing VFD Cable Options

WHERE TO BUY TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH VFD (EMC) FOR FREQUENCY INVERTERS?

To buy TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K cable on drums in various formats, please see our sales conditions for Electrical Distributors and Wholesalers here. We can also put you in touch with your nearest Top Cable distributor.

Some of the most common cross-sections with immediate stock are as follows:

If you need to consult additional technical aspects of this cable, such as its maximum admissible current or voltage drop, please contact us.

PARTNER WITH A LEADING EUROPEAN VFD CABLE MANUFACTURER

Since 1992, Top Cable has specialized in manufacturing high-performance industrial cables for demanding worldwide applications. Our TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH VFD EMC cable represents over three decades of engineering expertise in electromagnetic compatibility and motor power supply solutions.

Why choose Top Cable as your VFD cable supplier?

• European manufacturing excellence with ISO 9001 certified facilities 
• Immediate stock availability of common cross-sections from 1.5mm² to 240mm² 
• Technical support team with in-depth VFD application knowledge 
• Custom cable solutions for specialized VFD requirements 
• Complete documentation including DoP, test certificates, and technical data sheets

Ready to specify TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH for your next VFD installation?

Contact our technical sales team for:

• Technical data sheets and installation guidelines.
• Connection to your nearest Top Cable authorized distributor.

TOPDRIVE® ROZ1-K / 2XSL(ST)CH

Flexible EMC LSZH screened cable for Variable Frequency Drive motors

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