Product Overview

Efficient motor speed control is a key requirement in modern industrial automation, helping improve energy efficiency, production flexibility, and equipment reliability. The Schneider ATV12H055M2 is an Altivar 12 Frequency Inverter (Variable Frequency Drive) designed to provide precise speed control for three-phase asynchronous motors in compact industrial machinery and automation systems.

The drive converts a fixed AC input into a variable-frequency and variable-voltage output, allowing the connected motor to operate at different speeds according to process requirements. This enables smoother motor starting, reduced mechanical stress, optimized energy consumption, and improved process control.

With compact dimensions of 72 × 143 × 131.2 mm and a weight of approximately 0.8 kg, the ATV12H055M2 is well suited for installation in space-limited control cabinets. Its integrated protection, communication, and control features make it an excellent solution for machine builders, system integrators, and industrial maintenance applications.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The Schneider ATV12H055M2 regulates motor speed by converting the incoming fixed-frequency AC power into a variable-frequency output. Since the rotational speed of an AC induction motor is directly proportional to the supply frequency, the inverter enables precise speed adjustment while maintaining stable motor performance.

Its primary functions include:

• Variable speed control
• Soft motor starting
• Smooth motor stopping
• Adjustable acceleration and deceleration ramps
• Energy-saving operation
• Torque optimization
• Motor thermal protection
• Electronic overload protection
• Short-circuit protection
• Stall prevention
• Automatic fault monitoring
• DC injection braking
• Preset speed operation
• Local keypad control
• Remote terminal control
• Modbus communication

The inverter continuously monitors operating parameters such as voltage, current, frequency, and motor load. If abnormal conditions occur, protective functions automatically respond to help prevent equipment damage and minimize downtime.

Role in Industrial Control Systems

Within an industrial automation system, the ATV12H055M2 functions as the intelligent motor-control device between the PLC and the electric motor.

A typical automation system may include:

• Schneider Modicon PLC
• Human Machine Interface (HMI)
• Industrial sensors
• Push buttons
• Emergency stop circuits
• Motor protection breakers
• Contactors
• Three-phase induction motors
• Industrial communication networks
• SCADA monitoring systems

The PLC calculates the required operating speed according to production conditions and transmits commands to the inverter. The ATV12H055M2 then adjusts the motor speed accordingly, allowing equipment to respond automatically to changing production demands.

This approach improves process accuracy, reduces mechanical wear, and minimizes unnecessary energy consumption.

Industrial Applications

The ATV12H055M2 is designed for numerous industrial automation applications requiring compact, reliable motor-speed control.

Typical applications include:

• Conveyor systems
• Packaging machinery
• Food processing equipment
• Textile machinery
• Printing equipment
• Small pumping stations
• Water treatment systems
• HVAC equipment
• Industrial ventilation
• Material handling systems
• Mixing equipment
• Filling machines
• Automatic doors
• Assembly machines
• General industrial machinery

In conveyor systems, variable-speed control allows production rates to be adjusted without changing mechanical components.

For pumps and fans, motor speed can be optimized according to actual demand, significantly improving energy efficiency compared with fixed-speed operation.

Packaging machinery benefits from smooth acceleration and deceleration, helping reduce mechanical shock while improving production consistency.

Installation and System Integration

Correct installation ensures reliable inverter performance and long equipment life.

Recommended installation practices include:

• Install inside a properly ventilated industrial control cabinet.
• Mount vertically to ensure adequate airflow.
• Maintain sufficient clearance around the inverter.
• Verify the incoming power supply before energizing.
• Connect protective earth correctly.
• Separate power wiring from control wiring where practical.
• Use appropriately rated motor cables.
• Configure motor parameters according to the motor nameplate.
• Set acceleration and deceleration times suitable for the application.
• Verify motor rotation during commissioning.
• Configure Modbus communication parameters if network control is required.
• Test all protection functions before placing the equipment into production.

During commissioning, engineers should verify motor current, operating frequency, temperature, and mechanical performance to ensure optimal operation.

Compatible System Components

The ATV12H055M2 integrates easily with Schneider Electric automation equipment and compatible industrial devices.

Typical compatible components include:

• Schneider Modicon PLC
• Schneider Harmony HMI
• Altivar communication accessories
• Modbus RS-485 devices
• Industrial Ethernet gateways
• Motor protection circuit breakers
• Contactors
• Three-phase induction motors
• Emergency stop systems
• Industrial sensors
• Encoder feedback devices
• Control panels
• Industrial communication modules
• SCADA software

Together, these components provide a complete automation solution capable of accurate motor control, process monitoring, and remote diagnostics.

Recommended Alternative Models

Depending on motor power requirements and system design, the following Altivar models may also be suitable:

Selection should always be based on motor voltage, rated current, application load, overload requirements, installation conditions, and communication requirements.

Key Advantages

• Compact Altivar 12 design
• Rated motor power of 0.55 kW
• Single-phase 200–240 VAC input
• Three-phase motor output
• Variable-frequency motor control
• Adjustable acceleration and deceleration
• Built-in Modbus RS-485 communication
• Integrated keypad for local configuration
• Comprehensive motor protection
• DC injection braking
• Energy-saving operation
• Reliable industrial performance
• Compact dimensions of 72 × 143 × 131.2 mm
• Lightweight design at 0.8 kg
• Easy installation and commissioning
• Suitable for pumps, fans, conveyors, packaging, and industrial machinery

Technical FAQs

What is the Schneider ATV12H055M2?

The Schneider ATV12H055M2 is an Altivar 12 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) designed to control the speed of three-phase asynchronous motors in industrial automation applications.

What is the rated motor power?

The inverter is designed for motors rated at 0.55 kW.

What are the dimensions?

The overall dimensions are 72 × 143 × 131.2 mm.

How much does it weigh?

The inverter weighs approximately 0.8 kg.

What communication protocol does it support?

The ATV12H055M2 supports Modbus Serial communication through an integrated RS-485 interface.

What types of motors can it control?

It is designed for three-phase asynchronous AC induction motors operating within the inverter’s electrical ratings.

What protection functions are included?

The inverter provides overload protection, overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, overheating protection, short-circuit protection, and motor thermal protection.

Where is this inverter commonly used?

Typical applications include conveyors, pumps, fans, packaging equipment, HVAC systems, textile machinery, food processing equipment, water treatment systems, and general industrial automation.

Can it be integrated with a PLC?

Yes. The ATV12H055M2 is commonly integrated with PLC-based automation systems through digital I/O or Modbus communication, enabling centralized motor control and process automation.

Conclusion

The Schneider ATV12H055M2 Frequency Inverter is a compact and reliable 0.55 kW Altivar 12 Variable Frequency Drive designed for efficient speed control of three-phase asynchronous motors. By providing adjustable frequency output, integrated protection functions, Modbus communication, and flexible installation options, it delivers dependable motor control across a wide range of industrial automation applications.

With compact dimensions of 72 × 143 × 131.2 mm and a lightweight 0.8 kg construction, the ATV12H055M2 is ideal for modern control cabinets where installation space is limited. Combined with Schneider PLCs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and field devices, it forms an efficient and scalable solution for pumps, fans, conveyors, packaging machinery, and many other industrial control systems.