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Automated Controls Installation & Maintenance
ACIM 5040

Variable Frequency Drives and Servos ACIM 5040

Automated Controls Installation & Maintenance Course

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Registration news

Registration is now open for the Fall 2026 term.

Additional Information

Please check the classroom locations listing on the first day of your course.
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BCIT’s English Language Proficiency Standard for Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) is English 12.
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Course Overview

This course will familiarize students with installation and operational requirements for electrical machines with variable-frequency drives. Students will be introduced to applications of variable-frequency drives (VFDs), including their installation needs, classifications and harmonic considerations. The drives will be utilized on standalone and micro-processor-based systems programmable logic controllers (PLCs)/programmable automation controllers (PACs). A significant part of the course is dedicated to application activities that reinforce the theory.

Prerequisite(s)

TELC 0130 Basic Motor Control and/or successful completion of Electrical Apprenticeship Level 2 or 3 or 4 program within the last 5 years. Electrical Journeyperson Certificate, Electrical Engineering Degree and/or Electrical Engineer Practitioner are also acceptable.

Credits

3.0

Not offered this term: This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Connect a variable speed drives in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.
Choose, connect, and program a VFD for a variety of load applications.
Connect and program microprocessor-based controllers (PLC/PAC) with a VFD.
Apply a troubleshooting tree to diagnose problems with variable frequency drives that are utilized in PLC systems.
Describe dynamic and static characteristics and analysis of AC VFDs.
Troubleshoot with an oscilloscope, using various test points on a VFD.
Choose and connect shaft encoder types based on application.
Tune a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control system that uses a variable frequency drive.

Effective as of Winter 2018

Related Programs

Variable Frequency Drives and Servos (ACIM 5040) is offered as a part of the following programs:

Indicates programs accepting international students.

School of Construction and the Environment

Automated Controls Installation and Maintenance
Advanced Certificate Part-time
Renewable Energy Electrical Systems Installation & Maintenance
Advanced Certificate Part-time

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