Magnetics for Elevator Controls & Modernization
Isolation transformers, reactors and filters for traction and hydraulic elevator controllers, regenerative drives and modernization packages.
Drive-Duty Magnetics for Controllers That Start and Stop All Day
An elevator drive is one of the hardest duty cycles a magnetic component sees: repeated acceleration to full torque, regenerative braking on every descent with a heavy car or an empty car going up, and long idle periods in between. Magnetics sized for continuous industrial duty can run hot, hum, or let drive faults through.
We help controller builders and modernization contractors specify input reactors, DC link chokes, isolation transformers and line filtering to the actual drive and motor, so the parts drop into the controller footprint and the job passes inspection without rework. Related reading: line & load reactors and drive isolation transformers.
Where Magnetics Sit in an Elevator Controller
- ■ Traction drive input: Line reactors or DC chokes protect the VFD from line transients and reduce input harmonic current.
- ■ Regenerative drives: Line-side filter inductors for active front ends that return braking energy to the building supply.
- ■ DC (SCR) drive modernization: Isolation transformers and DC smoothing chokes for legacy DC hoist motors kept in service.
- ■ Controller power: Control transformers for brakes, door operators, fixtures and logic supplies.
- ■ Motor side: Output reactors or dv/dt filters where the machine room is far from the hoist motor.
Elevator Magnetics at a Glance
| Component | Typical role | What to specify |
|---|---|---|
| Input line reactor | Transient protection and harmonic reduction at the drive input | Drive model, input amps, voltage, %Z (3% or 5%) |
| DC link choke | Harmonic reduction without fundamental voltage drop | Drive model and DC bus current; must suit the drive mounting |
| Drive isolation transformer | Isolation, voltage matching, common-mode reduction | kVA, primary/secondary voltage, shield, K-factor, duty |
| AFE / regen line filter | Filtering for regenerative active front ends | Drive maker requirement, current, switching frequency |
| Output (load) reactor or dv/dt filter | Limits voltage stress on the motor for long leads | Lead length, motor insulation class, carrier frequency |
| Control transformer | Brake, door and logic power | VA, inrush VA, primary/secondary voltages, fusing |
What to send for a fast, accurate quote
- Drive make, model and rated amps (or a nameplate photo)
- Supply voltage and whether the building has a standby generator
- Hoist motor type (AC traction, DC, hydraulic pump) and HP
- Controller panel space and mounting constraints
- Cable length between drive and motor
- Any listing or code requirements in the job specification
Specifying a Controller or Modernization Package?
Send the drive data and controller constraints. We will route it to a manufacturer suited to the part and come back with a quotation.
Build a reactor spec sheet Contact usElevator controls magnetics: common questions
Does an elevator VFD need a line reactor or a DC choke?
Many drive manufacturers require one or the other, and some drives have a DC choke built in. A line reactor also protects the drive from line-side transients, while a DC choke reduces harmonics without the fundamental voltage drop. Check the drive manual first, then size the reactor to the drive input current.
Why do regenerative elevator drives need special filtering?
A regenerative active front end switches at high frequency to push braking energy back into the supply. The line-side inductor or LCL filter keeps that switching ripple off the building distribution. Its rating is set by the drive manufacturer, so the filter must match that drive family and current rating.
Can you match magnetics for a DC elevator modernization?
Yes. Modernizations that keep a DC hoist motor commonly need an isolation transformer for the SCR drive and a DC smoothing choke. Send the motor nameplate, the new drive model and the supply voltage, and we will request quotations to that data.
What information speeds up an elevator magnetics quote?
The drive make and model, rated input and output current, supply voltage, motor type and horsepower, the space available in the controller, and the cable length to the motor. A photo of the existing nameplate is often enough for a replacement.