Schneider ATV310HU15N4E — 1.5 kW VFD Buying Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
13 min read
Schneider ATV310HU15N4E Easy Altivar 310 compact 1.5 kW 380-460V VFD for panel-mount conveyor pump fan applications

Schneider ATV310HU15N4E Variable Speed Drive ATV310 - Easy Altivar 310 - 1.5 kW / 2 hp - 380-460V 3-Phase: Complete Specs, Pricing & Selection Guide

Controls engineers and procurement specialists specifying a compact VFD for a 1.5 kW / 2 hp three-phase motor application typically arrive at this page with one question already answered: they need a variable frequency drive in the Easy Altivar 310 family. What remains is confirming the ATV310HU15N4E is the exact right variant — correct power class, voltage range, and filter configuration — before the purchase order goes out. This guide gives you that confirmation, or redirects you to the correct SKU if something does not match.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Does the ATV310HU15N4E Fit Your Application?

This drive is the right choice when all of the following are true for your installation:

  • Motor nameplate reads 1.5 kW or 2 hp — not 0.75 kW, not 1.1 kW, not 2.2 kW
  • Incoming supply is three-phase 380–460V AC — single-phase supply is not compatible with any ATV310HU model
  • Site voltage is stable within ±15% above and -10% below nominal under all production load conditions
  • Control panel has a mounting envelope of at least 105 mm wide × 143 mm high × 151 mm deep
  • EMC compliance can be achieved with an external filter — this model ships without an integrated EMC filter
  • Application is a simple machine duty cycle: conveyor, pump, fan, coolant circulation — not complex multi-motor systems

If your motor is rated 2.2 kW or higher, or if your site runs single-phase supply, or if an integrated EMC filter is mandatory, this is not the correct part. Specific alternatives are covered in the variant comparison table below.

On this page:

What the ATV310HU15N4E Does in a Real System

The ATV310HU15N4E is a compact variable frequency drive that converts a fixed 50 Hz or 60 Hz three-phase AC supply at 380–460V into a variable output ranging from 0.5 Hz to 400 Hz. That variable output controls the speed and torque of a connected three-phase asynchronous motor smoothly and continuously, replacing the hard mechanical switch of an across-the-line starter with a programmable ramp. The drive weighs 1.1 kg, mounts on a standard 35 mm DIN rail inside a control enclosure, and delivers 4.1 A output current at 4 kHz switching frequency under heavy-duty conditions.

Beyond basic speed control, the ATV310HU15N4E provides three operationally significant functions. First, transient overtorque capability of 170–200% of nominal motor torque handles dynamic load spikes without tripping. Second, the 1:20 speed range for asynchronous motors means the motor can run reliably from approximately 5% to 100% of rated speed — the operating window where centrifugal loads (pumps, fans) achieve meaningful energy reduction. Third, pre-loaded application macros for Simple Machine, Pump, Fan, and Conveyor profiles eliminate custom parameter programming for the majority of installations, reducing commissioning time to 15–30 minutes in typical scenarios.

This is a point-of-use drive for a single motor on a defined machine function. It is not a networked multi-drive system component, does not support Modbus or Ethernet natively, and does not include advanced diagnostic logging. For engineers specifying a cost-effective variable speed solution for a single 1.5 kW motor, those limitations are irrelevant to the application.

Typical System Architecture

The ATV310HU15N4E sits between the facility power distribution panel and the motor, acting as the final frequency conversion stage before the driven load. A typical deployment chain looks like this:

  • Three-phase 380–460V distribution panel → upstream circuit breaker or motor disconnect rated for 1.5 kW class
  • Circuit breaker output → ATV310HU15N4E input terminals L1, L2, L3 (optional upstream reactor if site voltage variation is near tolerance limits)
  • Drive output terminals U, V, W → shielded motor cable → three-phase asynchronous motor
  • 24V DC control supply → drive logic inputs LI1–LI4 for start/stop, direction, and fault reset signals from panel pushbuttons or PLC discrete outputs
  • 0–10V analog signal from speed potentiometer or PLC analog output → drive AI1 input for variable speed reference
  • Drive relay output R1 → PLC digital input or alarm indicator for fault and run status signaling

Where This Drive Gets Installed

Conveyor belt retrofits represent one of the most common installations. A fixed-speed three-phase motor running at line frequency gets a drive inserted ahead of it, and belt speed is immediately variable based on product volume or line demand. Energy consumption during light-load periods drops measurably, and start-up mechanical shock is eliminated.

Municipal water treatment facilities use the ATV310HU15N4E for pump variable speed control. A fixed-displacement pump running 24/7 at full speed draws constant energy regardless of actual demand. With a drive, flow modulation follows the actual demand curve, and the relationship between speed and energy consumption follows the Law of Similarity: a 50% speed reduction in a centrifugal load reduces power consumption to approximately 12.5% of full-speed draw.

In HVAC applications, an industrial exhaust or cooling fan operating at fixed speed draws maximum power continuously. With the ATV310HU15N4E, fan speed reduces during low-occupancy periods or cooler months, cutting both energy consumption and acoustic noise simultaneously.

Machine tool coolant circulation and CNC spindle deceleration represent precision applications. The soft-ramp deceleration profile prevents tool chatter and improves part surface finish on spindle stop — something a direct-on-line starter cannot achieve.

Application Typical Deployment
Conveyor belt retrofit Replace across-the-line starter; variable speed via 0–10V PLC analog output to AI1
Municipal water pump Flow modulation to match demand; drive on existing three-phase pump motor
HVAC cooling/exhaust fan Fan speed reduction during off-peak periods; manual or BAS analog speed reference
Machine tool coolant pump Reduced speed during part setup; full speed during active machining cycle
CNC spindle deceleration Soft-ramp stop profile to eliminate tool chatter on spindle shutdown
Small equipment OEM Standardized compact VFD for product lines requiring simple motor speed control

Key Technical Specifications for the ATV310HU15N4E

Parameter Specification Notes
Motor Power Rating 1.5 kW / 2 hp (heavy-duty) Match motor nameplate exactly before ordering
Input Voltage 380–460V AC ±15% / -10% Three-phase only — no single-phase option in this family
Input Frequency 50 Hz or 60 Hz ±5% Compatible with both EU and North American grid standards
Output Frequency Range 0.5–400 Hz Covers full asynchronous motor speed range
Output Current (Rated) 4.1 A at 4 kHz Heavy-duty rating at nominal switching frequency
Transient Overload 150% torque for 60 seconds Soft-start peak capability; transient overtorque 170–200% nominal
Dimensions (W × H × D) 105 × 143 × 151 mm DIN rail mount; verify panel depth before ordering
Weight 1.1 kg Standard industrial panel mounting
Protection Rating IP20 Panel-mount only; not suitable for washdown or outdoor
EMC Filter Not included External filter required if EMC compliance testing is mandatory

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

ATV310HU15N4E vs. Same-Family Variants and Competitor Equivalents

Product Model Power Class Input Voltage Key Position Best Application Fit
ATV310HU11N4E 0.75 kW / 1 hp 380–460V 3-ph Entry compact Small pumps, fans, minimal space
ATV310HU15N4E 1.5 kW / 2 hp 380–460V 3-ph Mid-range compact — retrofit sweet spot Conveyors, pumps, fans, OEM standard
ATV310HU22N4E 2.2 kW / 3 hp 380–460V 3-ph Step-up compact Higher-demand machinery applications
ATV310EU15N4E 1.5 kW / 2 hp 380–460V 3-ph With integrated EMC filter Compliance-critical environments
Danfoss VLT Micro 0.37–11 kW 200–500V 3-ph Premium compact High-reliability OEM, advanced diagnostics
ABB ACS350 0.75–22 kW 380–480V 3-ph Enterprise standard Large manufacturing, global support requirements
Siemens G110M 0.37–15 kW 380–480V 3-ph Mid-market industrial Process automation, network integration

If your motor is rated 2.2 kW or your site requires EMC compliance without an external filter, the ATV310HU22N4E or ATV310EU15N4E is the correct choice — check current availability and confirm the right variant at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Who Should Buy This Drive and Who Shouldn't

The ATV310HU15N4E is the practical workhorse choice for engineers retrofitting existing 1.5 kW three-phase motors from across-the-line starters or specifying a standardized compact VFD across an OEM product line. Its 105 × 143 × 151 mm footprint fits into constrained legacy enclosures without a panel redesign, and the pre-loaded application macros mean a controls technician can commission a pump or conveyor application in under 30 minutes without custom parameter programming. The transient overtorque capability of 170–200% of nominal handles dynamic load spikes on start-up that trip smaller or less capable drives. For budget-constrained projects where the application is genuinely simple — one motor, one process variable, fixed analog or discrete speed reference — this drive delivers what is required at the lowest cost in its power class within the Altivar 310 family.

Where the ATV310HU15N4E has real limits, buyers need to be direct with themselves. If the site runs single-phase supply, no variant in the ATV310HU series is compatible — the entire family is three-phase only. If integrated EMC filtering is mandatory for CE marking or FCC compliance, order the ATV310EU15N4E instead; post-commissioning EMC failures on the HU15N4E are an avoidable and expensive mistake. If the motor nameplate reads 2.2 kW, the HU22N4E is the correct step-up. And if the application requires network connectivity, more than two discrete outputs, or multi-motor coordination, the Altivar 320 series or competitor platforms from ABB, Siemens, or Danfoss provide the richer feature set at higher cost that the application demands.

From a procurement standpoint, the ATV310HU15N4E is a widely distributed drive with in-stock availability at most authorized distributors, with typical lead times of stock to 4 weeks depending on regional demand. Buying through a specialist industrial automation distributor rather than a generic online channel means you get pre-sales voltage compatibility and motor matching confirmation before the PO is issued — not a troubleshooting call after installation. Check current pricing and stock status for the ATV310HU15N4E at LeadTime.ca — we ship worldwide and can confirm availability before you commit.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the ATV310HU15N4E

Indexed community discussion specific to this model is limited in current forum archives across r/PLC, r/automation, PLCTalk, PLCS.net, and MrPLC. What does exist reflects broader Altivar 310 family patterns, and the recurring technical issues and ordering mistakes are consistent enough to be operationally useful. The three mistakes engineers encounter most often with this drive — and the specific checks that prevent them — are worth understanding before the PO goes out.

The most common ordering error is selecting the wrong power rating variant. The ATV310 family spans from HU11N4E at 0.75 kW through multiple steps to 22 kW, and buyers reading only "ATV310" without verifying the three-character power suffix (HU11, HU15, HU22) end up with a drive that either overloads immediately under full motor load or oversizes the application and wastes budget. The fix is simple: read the motor nameplate kW, confirm it reads 1.5 kW, and verify the suffix HU15 in the part number before the PO is submitted. The second most impactful mistake is ignoring the "without EMC filter" specification. Engineers in regulated industries — food processing, medical device OEM, automotive — sometimes order the HU15N4E expecting integrated filtering, only to discover post-commissioning that their installation fails EMC testing. The product descriptor states "without EMC filter" explicitly, and the ATV310EU15N4E is the correct alternative when integrated filtering is mandatory. The third issue is insufficient site voltage monitoring. A nominal 380V site may swing outside the ±15% / -10% tolerance during peak production load, causing intermittent drive faults that are difficult to diagnose because the problem is not constant. Monitoring incoming voltage over a 48-hour window that includes peak and low-demand periods before finalizing drive selection is the only reliable way to confirm compatibility.

When community feedback is sparse and the stakes are a production-line VFD, buying from a specialist distributor who will review the site voltage, motor nameplate, and EMC requirements before confirming the order is materially different from buying from a channel that ships whatever SKU is typed into the search box. That pre-sales technical review is the practical substitute for forum consensus when this specific model is not heavily discussed in public channels.

Wiring and Installation Overview

  • Mount the drive on a 35 mm DIN rail inside the control panel, oriented vertically within ±10° — horizontal mounting compromises integrated fan cooling performance
  • Connect three-phase 380–460V supply to input terminals L1, L2, L3 through an upstream circuit breaker or motor disconnect rated for 1.5 kW class; verify all three phases are present and balanced within ±5% before applying power
  • Route three motor lead wires to output terminals U, V, W using shielded cable where EMC noise is a concern; ground motor frame and VFD chassis to a common panel ground bus
  • Connect 24V DC control supply to logic input commons; wire start/stop, direction, and fault reset signals from PLC discrete outputs or panel pushbuttons to logic inputs LI1–LI4
  • Connect 0–10V analog speed reference from potentiometer or PLC analog output to AI1 terminal; configure AI1 as Speed Reference in the macro or parameter menu — 0V = 0% speed, 10V = 100% speed

For full wiring diagrams, terminal torque specifications, and grounding schematics, refer to the official Schneider Electric ATV310HU15N4E installation manual available at se.com.

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist — Verify Before You Order

Confirm each item below before submitting the purchase order. Skipping any step is the primary cause of wrong-SKU returns and post-commissioning problems on this drive family:

  1. Motor nameplate verification — Read kW and hp rating on motor: does it match 1.5 kW or is it close enough to 2 hp? Wrong answer = wrong SKU.
  2. Voltage confirmation — Is incoming supply three-phase (not single-phase)? Is voltage 380–460V (not 200–240V)? Wrong answer = incompatible with site.
  3. Voltage stability measurement — Can site voltage stay within ±15% high and ±10% low range? If variance is larger, may need reactor.
  4. Space clearance check — Is panel enclosure depth at least 151 mm? Width at least 105 mm? Wrong answer = mounting impossible.
  5. EMC filter requirement — Will external filter be added separately, or is integrated filter mandatory for compliance? If integrated filter is required, order ATV310EU series instead.
  6. Cooling environment — Is there adequate ventilation for the integrated fan? Is operating position vertical (within ±10° tilt)? Horizontal mounting may overheat.
  7. Review alternative models — If power needs differ (0.75 kW = HU11N4E, 2.2 kW = HU22N4E) or single-phase required, select different SKU before ordering.

If any item on this checklist raises uncertainty, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — we confirm compatibility before the order ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the ATV310HU15N4E run on a single-phase supply or control a single-phase motor?

Neither. This drive requires three-phase 380–460V input — single-phase supply will not operate it. It is also rated for three-phase asynchronous (induction) motors only. Single-phase motors are not compatible with this drive or any model in the ATV310HU series.

My site voltage is 220V — is there an Altivar 310 variant that works?

No. The ATV310HU15N4E is locked to 380–460V three-phase. There is no ATV310HU model in this power class rated for 200–240V or single-phase supply. If your site voltage is in the 200–240V range, you need a different product family entirely.

This model says "without EMC filter" — does that mean it will fail compliance testing?

Not automatically, but it means you must address EMC compliance separately. If your facility requires CE marking (EU) or FCC compliance (North America), you will need to install an external ferrite or LC filter on the motor output cable. Alternatively, order the ATV310EU15N4E, which includes an integrated EMC filter at higher cost. Determine your compliance requirement before ordering — retrofitting a filter after commissioning is avoidable cost.

What is the minimum motor speed this drive can reliably sustain?

The ATV310HU15N4E provides a 1:20 speed range for asynchronous motors, with an output frequency range of 0.5–400 Hz. In practical terms, this allows approximately 5% of rated motor speed at the low end. Below that threshold, an open-loop drive without encoder feedback cannot maintain stable motor operation.

The drive only has 2 discrete outputs — what if my application needs more status signals?

The ATV310HU15N4E provides 2 logic outputs (LO+, LO-) plus 1 protected changeover relay contact (R1A/R1B/R1C). If your application requires more than three discrete output signals, this model is at its limit. Engineers needing additional status outputs have moved to higher Altivar models with expanded I/O. Review your signal list against the available outputs before specifying this drive.

Can I mount this drive horizontally in a panel where vertical space is constrained?

The manufacturer specifies vertical mounting within ±10° as the operational position. Horizontal mounting is not recommended because the integrated cooling fan is designed for vertical airflow. Installing horizontally may compromise thermal performance under continuous load, leading to premature fault conditions or reduced drive lifespan.

Why Order From LeadTime.ca

  • Ships worldwide — no regional restrictions on sourcing or delivery
  • Pre-sales technical review: voltage compatibility, motor matching, and EMC filter assessment before order confirmation
  • Access to hard-to-source SKUs across the Altivar 310 family and related Schneider Electric automation components
  • Volume pricing available for multi-unit orders — contact for quote on builds requiring 5 or more drives
  • Factory warranty registration and after-commissioning support through specialist distributor channel

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Drive model: ATV310HU15N4E — Easy Altivar 310 family, 1.5 kW / 2 hp heavy-duty rating
  • Input: Three-phase 380–460V AC ±15% / -10%, 50 Hz or 60 Hz ±5%
  • Output: 0.5–400 Hz variable frequency, 4.1 A at 4 kHz switching frequency
  • Speed range: 1:20 for asynchronous motors (approximately 5%–100% of rated speed)
  • Transient overtorque: 170–200% of nominal motor torque — handles dynamic load spikes
  • Dimensions: 105 × 143 × 151 mm, 1.1 kg — DIN rail mount, IP20 protection
  • EMC filter: Not included — external filter or ATV310EU15N4E required for compliance-critical installations
  • Commissioning: Pre-loaded macros for Pump, Fan, Conveyor, Simple Machine — typical setup 15–30 minutes
  • Control I/O: 2 analog inputs, 4 discrete inputs, 2 logic outputs, 1 relay contact
  • Not suitable for: single-phase supply, motors above 1.5 kW, applications requiring integrated EMC filter or network connectivity
  • Pricing and availability: current figures on the product page at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide

You may also be interested in: