VSD & Motor Control South Africa

Variable Speed Drives, VFDs & Industrial Motor Control Solutions

TOSOG supplies VSDs, VFDs, variable frequency drives, variable speed drives and industrial motor control equipment in South Africa for mining, manufacturing, water and wastewater, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, material handling and general industrial applications.

We source and supply AC drives, variable frequency drives, motor starters, soft starters, motor protection equipment, motor control components, MCC equipment and industrial automation solutions from leading international manufacturers.

Whether you need a VSD for a pump, VFD for a conveyor, variable frequency drive for a fan, motor speed controller for a compressor, or a complete industrial motor control solution, TOSOG can assist with product selection, sourcing and supply.

Request a VSD or motor control quotation from TOSOG today.

Variable Speed Drives & VFDs South Africa

A Variable Speed Drive (VSD) is an electronic motor controller used to control the speed, torque, acceleration and deceleration of an electric motor.

The term VFD – Variable Frequency Drive is commonly used for AC motor drives that control motor speed by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor. VSD, VFD, AC drive, frequency inverter and variable frequency inverter are commonly used terms for these products.

Variable speed drives can help improve process control, reduce unnecessary motor operation and optimise energy consumption, particularly on applications such as pumps and centrifugal fans.

TOSOG supplies VSD and VFD solutions for low-voltage industrial motors, pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, mixers, crushers, blowers, material handling equipment and process machinery.

VSD Supplier South Africa

Looking for a VSD supplier in South Africa?

TOSOG supplies variable speed drives and motor control equipment for industrial and commercial applications throughout South Africa.

Our sourcing capability allows us to assist with:

Variable Speed Drives
Variable Frequency Drives
VFD Drives
AC Drives
Frequency Inverters
Motor Speed Controllers
Motor Starters
Soft Starters
Motor Protection
Motor Control Centres
MCC Components
Electrical Control Panels
Industrial Automation Equipment
Drive Accessories
Braking Resistors
Line Reactors
EMC Filters
Input and Output Reactors
Keypads and Control Panels
Drive Cooling Fans
Drive Communication Modules
Replacement VSDs and VFDs

We can source equipment according to your motor rating, voltage, current, application, duty, control requirements and existing drive model.

VSD & VFD Applications

Variable speed drives are used across a wide range of industries.

Pumps

VSDs are widely used for:

Water pumps
Borehole pumps
Booster pumps
Irrigation pumps
Transfer pumps
Dosing pumps
Sewage pumps
Wastewater pumps
Process pumps
Mining dewatering pumps

A VSD can allow pump speed to be adjusted according to process demand rather than operating continuously at full speed.

Fans & Blowers

Applications include:

HVAC fans
Extraction fans
Ventilation systems
Cooling fans
Industrial blowers
Dust extraction
Furnace fans
Air handling systems

Conveyors

VSDs provide controlled starting, stopping and speed control for:

Mining conveyors
Belt conveyors
Aggregate conveyors
Coal conveyors
Crushing plant conveyors
Material handling systems
Warehouse conveyors
Production lines

Compressors

Variable speed drives can be used on suitable compressor applications where variable-speed operation is required.

Applications include:

Air compressors
Process compressors
Refrigeration systems
Industrial compressed-air systems

Manufacturing Machinery

VSDs can be integrated into:

Production machinery
Packaging machines
Mixers
Extruders
Winding machines
Processing equipment
Cutting machinery
Material handling equipment

Mining

TOSOG supports industrial drive requirements for:

Mining conveyors
Crushers
Screens
Pumps
Fans
Blowers
Crushers
Material handling systems
Process plants
Dewatering systems

Popular VSD & VFD Models and Product Families

TOSOG can source a wide range of VSD and VFD models, subject to application, availability and manufacturer requirements.

Siemens VSD & VFD

Popular Siemens drive families include:

SINAMICS G120
SINAMICS G120C
SINAMICS G120X
SINAMICS G130
SINAMICS G150
SINAMICS S120
SINAMICS V20

Applications include pumps, fans, conveyors, machinery, production equipment and industrial automation.

ABB VSD & VFD

Popular ABB drive families include:

ABB ACS150
ABB ACS180
ABB ACS355
ABB ACS380
ABB ACS480
ABB ACS580
ABB ACS880
ABB ACS860

ABB drives are available for general-purpose, machinery, HVAC, pump, fan and demanding industrial applications.

Schneider Electric VSD & VFD

Popular Schneider Electric Altivar ranges include:

Altivar ATV12
Altivar ATV310
Altivar ATV320
Altivar ATV340
Altivar ATV610
Altivar ATV630
Altivar ATV650
Altivar ATV930
Altivar ATV950

Schneider Electric’s South African range includes drives for machine, process, pump, fan, HVAC and industrial applications.

Danfoss VSD & VFD

Popular Danfoss drive families include:

VLT Micro Drive FC 51
VLT HVAC Drive FC 102
VLT AutomationDrive FC 302
VLT AQUA Drive FC 202
VLT Advanced Active Filter

Danfoss drives are widely used for pumps, HVAC, water, wastewater, industrial automation and process applications.

Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley

Popular PowerFlex drive families include:

PowerFlex 4
PowerFlex 40
PowerFlex 525
PowerFlex 527
PowerFlex 753
PowerFlex 755

Delta VFD

Popular Delta drive families include:

VFD-E
VFD-EL
VFD-M
VFD-B
VFD-C200
VFD-C300
VFD-CP2000

WEG Drives

TOSOG can also assist with sourcing WEG motor control and drive products, including suitable WEG variable frequency drive solutions for industrial applications.

Other VSD & VFD Manufacturers

Depending on project requirements, TOSOG can assist with sourcing products from manufacturers including:

Siemens
ABB
Schneider Electric
Danfoss
Rockwell Automation
Allen-Bradley
Delta
WEG
Yaskawa
Mitsubishi Electric
Fuji Electric
INVT
LS Electric
Hitachi
Lenze
Nidec Control Techniques
SEW-Eurodrive
Omron
Hyundai
Toshiba
Invertek

Availability, model suitability and supply options depend on the specific application and project requirements.

VSD Motor Control Solutions

A VSD is only one component of a complete motor control system.

TOSOG can assist with sourcing associated motor control equipment including:

Motor Starters

Direct-on-line starters
Star-delta starters
Electronic motor starters
Motor protection starters

Soft Starters

Soft starters are used to control motor starting current and reduce mechanical stress during acceleration.

Motor Protection

Products may include:

Motor protection circuit breakers
Overload relays
Circuit breakers
Fuses
Disconnectors
Isolators
Contactors
Protection relays

Motor Control Centres

TOSOG can assist with MCC and motor control infrastructure, including integration of VFDs, motor starters, protection, communications and control equipment.

Industrial Automation

VSD systems can integrate with:

PLCs
HMIs
SCADA
Remote I/O
Industrial Ethernet
Modbus RTU
Modbus TCP
PROFIBUS
PROFINET
EtherNet/IP
CAN-based systems
Other industrial communication networks

How Does a VSD Work?

A typical AC variable frequency drive converts incoming electrical power and electronically controls the output supplied to the motor.

By controlling the motor’s operating frequency and voltage, the VSD can regulate motor speed and torque according to the application’s requirements.

For example, instead of operating a pump motor continuously at maximum speed, the VSD can adjust motor speed to match the required flow or pressure.

This makes VSDs particularly useful for variable-load applications.

VSD vs VFD – What Is the Difference?

VSD means Variable Speed Drive.

VFD means Variable Frequency Drive.

In many industrial applications, these terms are used interchangeably when referring to an AC drive that controls motor speed by varying frequency and voltage.

Other terms you may encounter include:

AC Drive
Frequency Drive
Frequency Inverter
Variable Frequency Inverter
Motor Drive
Motor Speed Controller
Inverter Drive

If you are searching for a VFD supplier in South Africa or a VSD supplier in South Africa, these terms may lead to similar types of products.

Benefits of Variable Speed Drives

Depending on the application and correctly selected equipment, VSDs can provide several benefits:

Energy Efficiency

Motor speed can be adjusted to process requirements instead of running continuously at full speed.

Improved Process Control

Speed can be controlled to match production, pressure, flow or material-handling requirements.

Controlled Acceleration

The drive can provide controlled motor acceleration instead of applying full starting power immediately.

Controlled Deceleration

Controlled stopping can help reduce mechanical shock on suitable applications.

Reduced Mechanical Stress

Controlled acceleration and deceleration can reduce stress on motors, gearboxes, pumps, conveyors and other connected machinery.

Improved Automation

Modern VSDs can communicate with PLC, HMI and SCADA systems.

Diagnostics

Many modern drives provide alarms, fault codes, operating information and diagnostic functions.

How to Select the Correct VSD

Choosing a VSD based only on the motor’s kW rating is not recommended.

The correct drive should be selected according to the motor, electrical supply, load and application.

1. Check Motor Voltage

Confirm the motor nameplate voltage.

Common industrial supplies may include:

220–240 V
380–400 V
415 V
460 V
Other voltage requirements

2. Check Motor Power

Confirm:

kW
HP
Rated speed
Rated frequency

3. Check Motor Current

Motor full-load current is critical when selecting the correct drive.

Two drives with similar kW ratings may have different current capabilities.

4. Identify the Load Type

Determine whether the application is:

Variable torque
Constant torque
Constant power
Heavy duty
High starting torque

5. Check Overload Requirements

Conveyors, crushers, mixers and other demanding applications may require a higher-duty drive.

6. Check Environmental Conditions

Consider:

Ambient temperature
Dust
Humidity
Altitude
Ventilation
Panel temperature
Corrosive environments
Mining conditions

7. Check Control Requirements

Determine whether you require:

V/F control
Sensorless vector control
Closed-loop vector control
PID control
Torque control
Speed control
Position control

8. Check Communications

If the VSD will connect to a PLC or SCADA system, confirm the required communication protocol.

9. Check Braking Requirements

Some applications require:

Dynamic braking
Braking resistor
Regenerative braking
DC braking

10. Check Installation Requirements

Consider:

IP rating
Panel mounting
Wall mounting
Enclosure
Cooling
EMC requirements
Cable length
Input/output reactors
Harmonic requirements

Tips When Buying a VSD in South Africa

Tip 1 – Send the Motor Nameplate

The easiest way for us to recommend a suitable VSD is to send a clear photograph of the motor nameplate.

Tip 2 – Send the Existing VSD Model

If you are replacing a failed drive, send:

Manufacturer
Model number
Part number
Serial number
Input voltage
Output current
kW rating

Tip 3 – Do Not Select a Drive by kW Alone

Motor current, overload capacity, load type and application are equally important.

Tip 4 – Tell Us What the Motor Drives

For example:

“75 kW motor driving a conveyor.”

This is much more useful than simply saying:

“I need a 75 kW VFD.”

Tip 5 – Consider the Environment

A drive installed in a clean electrical room may require different protection from one installed in a dusty mining or industrial environment.

Tip 6 – Check Communication Requirements

If the VSD must communicate with a Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi or other PLC, confirm the required protocol before purchasing.

Tip 7 – Consider Spare Parts

For critical production equipment, consider keeping essential spare components such as:

VSD
Cooling fans
Keypads
Control boards
Communication modules
Braking components

Tip 8 – Confirm Compatibility Before Replacing

A replacement VSD should be checked against the motor and application rather than assuming that any drive with the same kW rating is suitable.

VSD for Pumps

TOSOG supplies VSD solutions for pump applications including:

Borehole pumps
Water pumps
Booster pumps
Irrigation pumps
Mining dewatering
Water treatment
Wastewater
Process water
Pressure boosting

For pump applications, provide:

Pump kW + motor voltage + motor current + required flow + pressure + application details.

VSD for Conveyors

Conveyor applications often require controlled acceleration, speed regulation and suitable overload capability.

TOSOG can assist with VSD requirements for:

Mining conveyors
Quarry conveyors
Aggregate conveyors
Coal handling
Material handling
Production conveyors
Crushing plants

For conveyor applications, provide:

Motor kW + motor current + voltage + conveyor type + gearbox ratio + conveyor length + starting/load requirements.

VSD for Fans & HVAC

Variable speed drives can be used for:

Extraction fans
Ventilation
HVAC
Cooling systems
Air handling
Industrial ventilation
Dust extraction

Correct drive sizing should consider motor data, fan type, operating speed and required control method.

VSD for Mining Applications

South African mining operations demand reliable motor control equipment capable of operating in challenging environments.

TOSOG can assist with VSD requirements for:

Conveyors
Crushers
Screens
Pumps
Fans
Blowers
Process plants
Material handling
Dewatering systems
Ventilation systems

Where required, drive selection should consider environmental conditions, heavy-duty operation, overload requirements, cooling and enclosure protection.

VSD & Motor Control for Water & Wastewater

TOSOG supplies motor control solutions for:

Water treatment plants
Wastewater treatment plants
Pump stations
Booster stations
Boreholes
Reservoirs
Irrigation systems
Sewage systems
Process water systems

VSDs can be integrated with PLC, HMI and SCADA systems for automated pump and process control.

Complete Motor Control & Automation Solutions

TOSOG’s industrial automation capability extends beyond VSDs.

We can assist with:

PLC systems
HMI systems
SCADA systems
VSDs
VFDs
Soft starters
MCCs
Motor starters
Contactors
Overload relays
Circuit breakers
Safety relays
Industrial Ethernet
Remote I/O
Instrumentation
Pressure transmitters
Flow meters
Level sensors
Temperature sensors
Control valves
Pneumatic equipment
Industrial communication equipment

This allows VSDs to form part of a complete industrial automation and motor control system.

Why Choose TOSOG?

Industrial Technical Experience

TOSOG supports industrial, mining, construction, automation and engineering requirements.

Global Sourcing

We can source specialised VSDs and motor control equipment through established international supply channels.

Multiple Manufacturers

We can assist with sourcing from a wide range of international manufacturers rather than restricting customers to a single product family.

Application-Based Selection

We focus on the motor and application requirements instead of simply matching a kW number.

South Africa Supply

We supply industrial equipment to customers throughout South Africa.

Technical Assistance

Provide us with your motor nameplate, existing VSD details or application requirements and our team can assist with identifying a suitable product.

Request a VSD Quote

To receive a quotation for a VSD, VFD or motor control product, send TOSOG the following information where available:

1. Motor manufacturer:
2. Motor model:
3. Motor power: ___ kW / HP
4. Voltage: ___ V
5. Full-load current: ___ A
6. Frequency: ___ Hz
7. Motor speed: ___ RPM
8. Application: Pump / Fan / Conveyor / Compressor / Other
9. Supply: Single-phase / Three-phase
10. Existing VSD: Manufacturer + Model
11. Quantity:
12. Delivery location: South Africa

A photograph of the motor nameplate and existing VSD rating plate is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions – VSD & Motor Control

What is a VSD?

A VSD, or Variable Speed Drive, is an electronic device used to control the speed and torque of an electric motor.

What is a VFD?

VFD means Variable Frequency Drive. It is commonly used to describe an AC drive that controls motor speed by changing the frequency and voltage supplied to the motor.

Is a VSD the same as a VFD?

In many AC motor applications, VSD and VFD are used interchangeably. VFD specifically refers to variable-frequency operation, while VSD is a broader term for variable-speed control.

Where can I buy a VSD in South Africa?

TOSOG supplies VSDs, VFDs and motor control equipment to customers throughout South Africa. Send us your motor details and application requirements for a quotation.

Can TOSOG supply Siemens VSDs?

Yes. TOSOG can assist with sourcing Siemens SINAMICS drive products, subject to model availability and application requirements.

Can TOSOG supply ABB VSDs?

Yes. TOSOG can assist with sourcing ABB ACS drive products and other ABB motor control equipment.

Can TOSOG supply Schneider Electric VSDs?

Yes. TOSOG can assist with Schneider Electric Altivar VSD and VFD ranges.

What information is required to quote a VSD?

Ideally provide the motor kW, voltage, current, frequency, RPM, application, supply type and existing drive model.

Can you replace an existing VFD?

Yes. TOSOG can assist with identifying a replacement or alternative VFD based on the existing drive information and motor/application requirements.

Can a VSD control a pump?

Yes. VSDs are commonly used for pump speed control, including water, irrigation, booster and industrial process applications.

Can a VSD control a conveyor?

Yes. VSDs are widely used for conveyor speed control and controlled acceleration and deceleration.

Can a VFD reduce electricity consumption?

A VFD can reduce energy consumption in suitable applications by allowing motor speed to match process demand. Savings depend heavily on the load type, operating profile and system design.

Do I need a braking resistor?

Not necessarily. Braking requirements depend on the application’s inertia, stopping time, speed, load and drive characteristics.

Can a VSD communicate with a PLC?

Yes. Many modern VSDs support industrial communication networks such as Modbus, PROFINET, PROFIBUS and EtherNet/IP, depending on the drive and installed communication options.

Can TOSOG supply VSD accessories?

Yes. Depending on the drive, TOSOG can assist with sourcing braking resistors, reactors, filters, keypads, communication modules, cooling fans and other accessories.

Do you supply VSDs for mining?

Yes. TOSOG can assist with VSD requirements for mining conveyors, pumps, fans, crushers, screens, dewatering and process applications.

Do you supply VSDs for water treatment plants?

Yes. TOSOG can assist with VSD and motor control requirements for water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and related process systems.