Which Mitsubishi VFD Series is Right for You?
Mitsubishi Electric offers five VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) series under the FREQROL brand, each designed for different applications and budgets. Choosing the right series can save you money upfront and maximize energy savings over the life of the drive. This guide compares all series available in Bangladesh through SISL.
FR-D700 Series: The Economy Choice
The FR-D700 is Mitsubishi's most affordable VFD series. It covers 0.4kW to 15kW in single-phase 200V (FR-D720S), three-phase 200V (FR-D720), and three-phase 400V (FR-D740) configurations.
- Output frequency: 0.2-400 Hz
- Control method: V/F control (no vector control)
- Key features: Built-in PID controller, RS-485 communication, bookshelf mounting, compact design
- Best for: Simple pump/fan/conveyor applications where basic speed control is sufficient
- Price range: BDT 16,200 - 75,300 (most affordable Mitsubishi VFD)
Choose FR-D700 when: Budget is the primary concern, the application is straightforward (constant torque or variable torque), and you don't need advanced features like Safe Torque Off or vector control.
FR-E800 Series: The Compact All-Rounder
The FR-E800 is the most popular Mitsubishi VFD series worldwide. It offers a significant feature upgrade over the FR-D700 at a moderate price increase, covering 0.4kW to 15kW.
- Output frequency: 0.2-590 Hz
- Control method: Sensorless vector control (better torque at low speeds)
- Key features: Safe Torque Off (STO) for safety compliance, 10-year design life, built-in EMC filter (FR-E840), Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP, spring clamp terminals, USB commissioning port
- Best for: General industrial applications, OEM machines, applications requiring safety features
- Price range: BDT 43,700 - 2,18,800
Choose FR-E800 when: You need sensorless vector control for better low-speed torque, safety certification (STO) is required, or you want modern communication protocols. The FR-E800 is the best value-for-money series.
FR-F800 Series: Fan and Pump Specialist
The FR-F800 is purpose-built for HVAC, water treatment, and pump/fan applications. It ranges from 0.75kW to 315kW, making it the only Mitsubishi VFD series that goes beyond 15kW in the standard range (up to 315kW).
- Output frequency: 0-500 Hz
- Control method: Optimized V/F with adaptive PID control
- Key features: Advanced PID with auto-tuning, energy saving optimization algorithm, long motor cable support (up to 500m), fire mode, multi-pump sequencing, low harmonic operation
- Best for: Pumping stations, cooling towers, HVAC systems, water treatment plants, any fan or pump application
- Price range: BDT 50,800 - 48,85,000
Choose FR-F800 when: Your application is primarily pumps, fans, or blowers. The FR-F800's specialized PID algorithms deliver the best energy savings for variable torque loads. It's also the only choice for motors above 15kW (unless you need high-performance vector control).
FR-A800 Series: High Performance
The FR-A800 is Mitsubishi's flagship VFD series for demanding applications. It covers 0.4kW to 355kW with the most advanced control capabilities.
- Output frequency: 0.2-590 Hz
- Control method: Advanced vector control with 250% starting torque, PM motor control
- Key features: CC-Link IE TSN network, multi-motor control, built-in safety (STO, SS1, SS2, SLS, SBC), regenerative braking support, real-time auto-tuning, advanced diagnostics
- Best for: Cranes, elevators, CNC machines, extruders, winders, high-precision applications, large industrial installations
- Price range: BDT 80,800 - 66,72,500
Choose FR-A800 when: You need maximum torque at low speeds, high-precision speed control, advanced safety functions, or CC-Link IE TSN integration with Mitsubishi PLCs.
FR-HEL Series: Low Harmonic Specialist
The FR-HEL is a specialized series for large installations (75-315kW) where power quality and harmonic compliance are critical.
- Key features: Built-in active front end, power regeneration, IEEE 519 THDi compliance, four-quadrant operation
- Best for: Utility applications, data centers, hospitals, installations where power quality regulations apply
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | FR-D700 | FR-E800 | FR-F800 | FR-A800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Range | 0.4-15kW | 0.4-15kW | 0.75-315kW | 0.4-355kW |
| Control | V/F | Vector | V/F + PID | Adv. Vector |
| Safe Torque Off | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Starting Torque | 150% | 200% | 150% | 250% |
| Ethernet | No | Yes | Optional | Yes |
| CC-Link IE TSN | No | No | No | Yes |
| Design Life | Standard | 10 years | Standard | 10 years |
| Best For | Simple apps | General use | Pumps/fans | High perf. |
| Price Level | $ | $$ | $$-$$$ | $$$-$$$$ |
Quick Selection Guide
- Budget project, simple application: FR-D700
- General industrial, best value: FR-E800
- Pumps, fans, HVAC, water treatment: FR-F800
- Crane, elevator, CNC, precision: FR-A800
- Large motor (above 15kW), variable torque: FR-F800
- Large motor (above 15kW), constant torque: FR-A800
- Harmonic compliance required: FR-HEL
Need help choosing? Try our VFD Finder tool for personalized recommendations, or contact SISL's engineering team at WhatsApp +8801329721616 for expert advice.
