Allen-Bradley 20BC085A0NNNANC0 — PowerFlex 700 AC Drive Detailed Product Overview

The Allen-Bradley 20BC085A0NNNANC0 is a high-power industrial AC variable-frequency drive from the PowerFlex 700 family. It is designed for three-phase motor speed control in industrial automation applications where stable speed regulation, adjustable acceleration and deceleration, and reliable motor control are important.

This model is rated for 400 V AC, three-phase input, 85 A output current and 45 kW normal-duty power. It uses vector control and is supplied in an IP20 / NEMA Type 1 style enclosure. The configuration includes an EMC filter and common-mode choke, while the standard configuration does not include an internal braking resistor or brake IGBT.

The product is particularly suitable for industrial machinery, conveyors, pumps, fans, material-handling equipment, processing machinery and other applications requiring controlled operation of medium-to-high-power three-phase motors.

1. Basic Product Information

The dimensional value should be treated as an approximate installation reference rather than a fabrication dimension. For a replacement, cabinet layout, or mounting-plate project, the actual physical drawing for the exact unit should be checked before machining or installation.

2. Product Introduction

The 20BC085A0NNNANC0 belongs to the PowerFlex 700 AC drive family and is positioned in the higher-power range of the series.

Its main purpose is to control the speed, acceleration, deceleration and operating characteristics of three-phase induction motors. Instead of connecting a motor directly to a fixed-frequency power supply, the drive regulates the electrical output supplied to the motor so that motor speed can be adjusted according to the process requirement.

For industrial machinery, this type of control is considerably more flexible than simple direct-on-line starting. The drive can gradually accelerate the motor, regulate operating speed and provide controlled deceleration. This helps reduce mechanical shock and can also make the overall machine easier to operate.

The 85 A / 45 kW rating makes this model appropriate for relatively substantial industrial loads. It is not intended primarily for small machine motors; rather, it is suited to equipment where motor power, torque and continuous operation are important considerations.

The model also incorporates an EMC filter and common-mode choke, making the configuration more appropriate for installations where electromagnetic compatibility and reduction of high-frequency electrical disturbance are important design considerations.

3. Understanding the Model Number

The catalog number 20BC085A0NNNANC0 contains configuration information that distinguishes this drive from other PowerFlex 700 models.

The important point for purchasing and replacement is that two PowerFlex 700 drives can have very similar electrical ratings while having different option codes. Differences may include braking hardware, feedback, communication modules, enclosure characteristics, control configurations and other factory options.

Therefore, 20BC085A0NNNANC0 should not be replaced solely according to voltage and kW rating. The complete catalog number should be compared when replacing an existing drive.

4. Main Technical Parameters

5. Dimensions and Weight

For equipment selection and cabinet planning, the physical characteristics are especially important.

The 11.1 kg figure is an approximate equipment weight corresponding to this configuration/class. Actual shipping weight can be higher because of packaging and accessories.

The dimensions above should also be regarded as approximate reference dimensions. For a new cabinet, the clearance around the drive should not be determined solely from the outside dimensions. Airflow, cable bending radius, terminal access, cooling requirements and maintenance space should also be considered.

6. Product Advantages

6.1 High-power motor control

With an 85 A current rating and 45 kW normal-duty capacity, the 20BC085A0NNNANC0 can control relatively large industrial motors.

This makes it suitable for machines where a small general-purpose inverter would not provide enough current capacity.

6.2 Vector control

The drive uses vector-based motor control, which provides considerably better control characteristics than simple scalar speed control for many industrial applications.

For machinery that experiences changing loads, starting torque requirements or speed-regulation demands, vector control can provide better dynamic behavior.

Typical examples include conveyors, material-handling machinery and processing equipment.

6.3 Wide adjustable speed range

The drive can operate with a substantially higher output-frequency capability than the standard 50/60 Hz motor operating point.

This provides additional flexibility for machinery requiring adjustable operating speeds, although the actual permissible motor speed must always remain within the motor manufacturer’s mechanical and electrical limits.

6.4 EMC-oriented configuration

This specific catalog number includes an EMC filter and common-mode choke.

That is useful in industrial installations where drive-generated electrical noise needs to be managed carefully.

It can be particularly valuable in systems containing PLCs, sensors, communication equipment, instrumentation and other electronic equipment that may be affected by electrical interference.

6.5 Multiple I/O options

The drive provides:

• 6 digital inputs
• 3 digital outputs
• 2 analog inputs
• 2 analog outputs

This gives the drive enough I/O capability for many conventional industrial control architectures without requiring every basic control function to be handled by an external interface module.

6.6 Good energy efficiency

The rated efficiency is approximately 97.5% under specified rated operating conditions.

For high-power industrial motors, even a relatively small efficiency difference can have an appreciable effect on electrical consumption over long operating periods.

6.7 Suitable for centralized machine control

The PowerFlex 700 architecture is well suited to industrial control systems in which the drive works together with a PLC, operator interface, contactors, sensors and process instrumentation.

This makes it suitable for both standalone motor control and larger automated machinery.

7. Product Applications

7.1 Conveyor Systems

One of the most natural applications is conveyor equipment.

A conveyor often needs controlled acceleration and deceleration rather than an immediate full-speed start. The drive can gradually bring the motor up to operating speed and reduce speed in a controlled manner.

This can help reduce mechanical stress on:

• Gearboxes
• Couplings
• Conveyor belts
• Rollers
• Chains
• Bearings

The 45 kW capacity also makes the model suitable for relatively large material-handling systems.

7.2 Pumps

The drive can be used for industrial pumping systems where motor speed needs to be adjusted according to process requirements.

For example, a pump may not need to operate continuously at full speed. Adjusting motor speed can provide more flexible process control and, depending on the pump system, can reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial water systems
• Cooling-water circulation
• Process pumps
• Transfer pumps
• Water-treatment equipment

7.3 Fans and Blowers

Large industrial fans and blowers can require significant motor power.

A variable-frequency drive allows the motor speed to be adjusted according to airflow demand rather than simply operating continuously at one fixed speed.

This can be useful in:

• Ventilation systems
• Industrial exhaust systems
• Process ventilation
• Dust collection
• Air-handling machinery

7.4 Material-Handling Machinery

The drive can be used in equipment such as:

• Hoisting-related machinery
• Conveyors
• Transfer systems
• Rollers
• Material-feeding systems
• Production-line handling equipment

The vector-control characteristics can be beneficial when load changes occur during operation.

7.5 Manufacturing Equipment

The PowerFlex 700 platform can also be applied to industrial production machinery.

Examples include:

• Processing machines
• Large mixers
• Industrial machinery
• Production lines
• Mechanical handling equipment
• Machine-tool auxiliary systems

The exact suitability depends on motor type, load characteristics, required torque and braking requirements.

8. Important Consideration: Braking

The 20BC085A0NNNANC0 is configured without a brake IGBT and without an internal braking resistor.

This is an important distinction.

If the machine needs rapid deceleration, high-inertia stopping or frequent braking cycles, the drive’s standard configuration may not be sufficient by itself.

For applications involving:

• Large rotating inertia
• Rapid stopping
• Frequent acceleration/deceleration
• Vertical loads
• High-speed machinery
• Overhauling loads

the braking architecture should be evaluated separately.

Depending on the application, an external braking solution or a different drive configuration may be more appropriate.

9. Communication and Control Considerations

The standard 20BC085A0NNNANC0 configuration does not include an internal communication module.

This does not mean that the drive cannot be integrated into an automation system. Rather, the communication architecture needs to be selected according to the actual control system.

For a replacement project, the following should be checked:

10. Five Recommended Models from the Same Series

The following models are useful comparison candidates within the PowerFlex 700 family. Their exact option configuration differs, so the catalog number should be checked carefully before substitution.

Comparison of the Same-Series Models

These are related catalog configurations rather than interchangeable drop-in replacements. In particular, braking, feedback and communication options can materially change the suitability of a model for a particular machine.

11. Five Popular Allen-Bradley Models for Broader Comparison

For applications beyond the exact 85 A / 45 kW requirement, the following models are useful products to consider within the broader Allen-Bradley drive portfolio.

For these additional models, the dimensions and weights are presented as approximate class-level values, because exact physical dimensions depend on the particular frame, voltage, enclosure and option configuration. They should not be used as final mechanical drawings.

12. How to Choose Between These Models

If the existing motor is approximately 45 kW and requires 85 A, the 20BC085A0NNNANC0 is naturally positioned around that operating point.

However, selecting a drive should not be based on motor kW alone.

A proper selection should consider:

13. Main Advantages in Practical Industrial Use

From an engineering perspective, the biggest strength of this model is the combination of high current capacity, vector control, industrial I/O and EMC-oriented configuration.

The 85 A rating provides substantial motor-control capacity while the PowerFlex 700 platform is designed around industrial applications rather than simple low-cost speed control.

Another advantage is flexibility. A machine can use external control signals, analog references and digital I/O to implement different operating modes without necessarily requiring a complicated control architecture.

The EMC filter and common-mode choke are also useful when the drive is installed alongside sensitive automation equipment.

The IP20 / NEMA Type 1 style enclosure makes it appropriate for installation inside a suitable electrical cabinet or protected industrial environment. It should not be interpreted as a drive intended for direct exposure to water, outdoor weather or severe contamination.

14. Installation Considerations

Before installing the 20BC085A0NNNANC0, several points deserve attention.

First, the incoming electrical supply should be confirmed as compatible with the drive’s 380–480 V, three-phase rating.

Second, the motor’s rated current should be checked against the drive’s 85 A capability. Motor power in kW is useful for initial selection, but motor current is particularly important when confirming compatibility.

Third, sufficient ventilation should be provided. A high-power drive produces heat during operation, and the cabinet design needs to account for the drive’s heat dissipation.

Fourth, the motor cable routing should be planned carefully. Power cables and low-level signal cables should be separated where practical, especially in installations with analog signals, encoders or communication equipment.

Fifth, grounding and EMC practices should be considered as part of the complete installation rather than treating the drive as an isolated component.

15. Suitable Industries

The 20BC085A0NNNANC0 can be considered for a wide range of industrial sectors.

The actual suitability depends on the motor, load profile, required overload capacity, braking requirements and environmental conditions.

16. Product Selection Summary

17. Final Product Assessment

The 20BC085A0NNNANC0 is a substantial industrial AC drive intended for 400 V-class, three-phase motor applications up to approximately 45 kW in normal-duty service.

Its 85 A current rating, vector control, multiple I/O points, EMC filter, common-mode choke and industrial enclosure make it a practical choice for medium-to-large machinery.

Its strongest application areas are equipment where controlled motor speed is important, particularly conveyors, pumps, fans, blowers, material-handling machinery and industrial production equipment.

The most important limitation is its lack of an internal brake IGBT and braking resistor. If the driven machine requires aggressive deceleration or handles significant regenerative energy, the braking arrangement should be reviewed before selecting this exact configuration.

For replacement work, the most important point is that a similar-looking PowerFlex 700 model should not automatically be treated as a direct substitute. The exact catalog number determines options such as feedback, braking, communication and other configuration characteristics.

In short, the 20BC085A0NNNANC0 is best viewed as a 45 kW-class, 85 A, 400 V industrial vector AC drive for demanding general-purpose motor-control applications, with an emphasis on reliable speed control and industrial integration rather than compact dimensions or built-in regenerative/braking functionality.