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Danfoss VLT® FC280 at LED Controls
The Danfoss VLT® Midi Drive FC280 is a compact and versatile variable speed drive available from LED Controls. Danfoss FC280 is designed for machine builders and industrial users who want strong performance, built-in safety and straightforward installation in a single package.
You can explore our full Danfoss range on our Danfoss VLT variable speed drives page.
What is the Danfoss FC280?
The VLT® Midi Drive FC280 is a variable speed drive - read more about VSDs here - intended for:
- Regulating motor speed in response to system feedback or remote commands
- Monitoring system and motor status
- Providing motor overload protection
- Operating either as a standalone unit or as part of a larger system
Designed for modern machinery
The FC280 is built around a clear internal structure including:
- A rectifier to convert AC to DC
- A DC bus for stable intermediate power
- An inverter to create a controlled output waveform
- Control circuitry to monitor current, voltage and commands
This design allows the drive to adjust motor speed smoothly and efficiently while protecting both the motor and the electrical supply.
Built-in safety as standard
Danfoss FC280 includes:
- Safe Torque Off (STO)
- Safe Stop 1 time controlled (SS1-t)
Safe Torque Off prevents the motor from generating torque when safety is triggered. Safe Stop 1 brings the motor to a controlled stop before torque is removed.
These safety functions are certified to high international standards including SIL3. For machine builders, this reduces the need for external safety components and simplifies panel design.
Compact size, flexible installation
The FC280 is designed to be easy to install and integrate into control panels:
- Side-by-side mounting without extra ventilation
- Clear control terminal layout for digital and analogue I/O
- RS485 serial communication built in
- Optional fieldbus variants including Ethernet-based safety
It also includes USB connectivity for commissioning and programming, giving you faster wiring, easier commissioning and cleaner layouts.
Suitable for AC and permanent magnet motors
The FC280 supports both:
- Asynchronous AC motors
- Permanent magnet motors
This flexibility makes the FC280 suitable for:
- Packaging machines
- Conveyors
- Pumps and fans
- Hoisting systems
- Processing equipment
It is particularly well suited to machine-level applications where space is limited but performance still matters.
Communication and integration
Modern machinery often requires integration into PLC systems or building management systems. The FC280 supports:
- Danfoss FC protocol
- Modbus RTU via RS485
- PROFIsafe variants for safety over fieldbus
This allows it to slot neatly into automated production environments without complex additional hardware.
Why choose the FC280 over other drives?
The FC280 sits between basic micro drives and high-end automation drives. It offers:
- Compact dimensions
- Advanced safety features
- Flexible communication options
- Strong motor control
- Easy commissioning via NLCP or GLCP control panels
For many machine builders, it delivers exactly what is needed without overcomplicating the system.
FC280 range available from LED Controls
If you are unsure which model is best for you, LED Controls can recommend a drive to suit your specs.
Why buy your FC280 from LED Controls?
Choosing the right drive is only part of the equation. Choosing the right supplier matters just as much. LED Controls is a Danfoss Drives Authorised Partner. That means:
- Genuine Danfoss products
- Full manufacturer warranty
- Expert technical advice
- Fast UK-based service
We work with OEMs, panel builders and end users in the UK and across the globe. Whether you are replacing an existing unit or starting from scratch, we can help you select the correct FC280 variant and any required options.
Browse the full Danfoss VLT drive range on our website, or get in touch to find out more!
