What is an inverter electrical cabinet? Functions and classification

BTB Electric

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• Aug 15, 2025
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Inverter electrical cabinets are used in motor control, cooling systems, water supply, production conveyors,... What are the advantages of this type of control cabinet compared to other control cabinets such as MCC or PLC? Let's find out with BTB Electric through the following article.

What is an inverter electrical cabinet?

An inverter electrical cabinet is a control cabinet that uses an inverter for the motor, adjusting the parameters of flow, rotation speed, pressure,... according to the installation parameters. In which, the inverter stabilizes the voltage, protects the load when overload or voltage drops. Inverter cabinets are currently used for production and storage line systems in factories and industrial workshops.

Inside the inverter electrical cabinet layout: inverter, contactor, MCCB, MCB, relay, busbar, conductor, meter, switch, indicator light, keypad,... This series of control cabinets is in the form of a rectangular cube, inside of which the compartment is separated according to the function of the devices.

Functions of inverter control cabinets

The inverter cabinet has a motor control function that works on demand and has automation features. A pressure sensor can be installed to adjust the load according to the pressure and a speed sensor to control the rotation speed of the motor.

The inverter in the cabinet has the function of converting 50Hz frequency power to 60Hz. When using inverter cabinets in pneumatic systems, booster pump systems help to save energy, especially when incorporating input sensors. On the other hand, using the soft start method by inverter helps to avoid system voltage drops, keeping the engine running at a stable speed.

Working Principle of Inverter Cabinet

The inverter electrical cabinet has 3 main components: the inversion unit, the rectifier and the control CPU. The operating principle of the inverter cabinet is to change the input voltage frequency.

The input AC power supply will be rectified by the cabinet into a 1-way power thanks to the rectifier. Then the power factor cosφ of the inverter is at least 0.96, independent of the load. The IGBT (isolating gate bipolar transistor) then adjusts the pulse width so that the 1-way voltage is reversed into a 3-phase symmetrical AC voltage. Finally, the 3-phase voltage will be amplitude and stepless frequency adjusted according to the parameter set in the controller so that the AC voltage at the output varies according to the value corresponding to the load.

In addition, the inverter cabinet is also integrated with many controllers to be compatible with all types of loads, especially the PID load phase detector.

Benefits of using inverter cabinets

Inverter cabinet with inverter is the main component that is capable of changing the frequency of current and voltage supplied to the electric motor. From there, the speed of the motor changes, reducing power consumption. Using an inverter control cabinet brings the following benefits:

• The motor runs more smoothly.
• The frequency is adjusted from 0Hz to 50Hz, which helps the motor start slowly without vibration.
• Stabilize the input voltage when the power voltage changes due to overvoltage.
• Resist electric short circuit and motor explosion.
• Improve engine life, anti-wear of engine bearing bullets.
• Reduce the engine starting current, do not cause sudden pressure drops.
• Reduce system operating costs thanks to energy savings.

Common types of inverter cabinets

There are many types of inverter electrical cabinets, corresponding to the actual application in the system:

• Inverter water supply pump cabinet: Continuous or alternating water pump control, turn-based pump, support pump, pump pressure control, water supply control,...
• Inverter air compressor cabinet: Controls the spindle motor to operate stably and stop when the pressure reaches the set threshold.
• Inverter conveyor control cabinet: suitable conveyor speed control, can be accompanied by quantitative weighing.

• Oil furnace control cabinet using inverter: Control to start and stop the equipment in accordance with the process, automate heat generation, have a warning mode when detecting abnormal heat generation, signs of scorching,...
• Stair pressure cabinet using inverter: Use pressure sensor and pressure differential sensor to control in case of fire, prevent smoke and toxic gases from entering the emergency exit room.
• Inverter ventilation cabinets: Sensors pressure, air concentration, humidity, wind speed in the control area, and signals when abnormal ventilation flow or concentration readings are seen.
• Inverter weighing control cabinet: Control, dosing conveyor, screw loader, mixer,... in pharmaceutical and food production.

Application of inverter cabinet

Inverter cabinets are used for motors, machines, and production lines in the following cases:

• The engine needs to increase and decrease speed frequently.
• Production facilities in the area often suffer from voltage drops and unstable voltages.
• Motor systems need a soft start, changing the voltage and frequency of the input current.
• The power supply is not enough to directly start the engine and machinery.

Currently, inverter cabinets have been applied in many civil and industrial power systems:

• Small to large production lines, workshops, and factories are moving towards automation of the control process.
• The operating system needs to maintain a stable speed such as the air fan system, blower, feed and drinking water supply in livestock.
• Industrial Pump System, Fire Pump, Water Fountain, Booster Pump, Stair Ventilation Fan,...
• Pressurized water supply system, pneumatic system, conveyor speed control system, PID control system, cold room system,...

Notes when installing inverter cabinets

When operating, the inverter generates heat due to internal components, especially IGBTs, generating a lot of heat. Therefore, in order for the inverter to operate stably, when installing the inverter cabinet, it should be noted:

• The space of the compartments and the space for installing the cabinet are ventilated and well dissipated.
• Prioritize installing inverter cabinets in clean, air-conditioned rooms.
• Install the radiator system to ensure that the radiator airflow is greater than 1.5 times the exhaust inverter airflow.
• Do not install inverters overlapping each other, ensuring a minimum distance between the inverters as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Select the type and power of the inverter suitable for the application (light load for pumps and fans, capacity load for motors and conveyors, cranes).
• Choose high-quality inverter brands such as ABB, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Invt, Hitachi,... have high IP protection level.
• Installation and identification of motor parameters for the inverter.

Inverter electrical cabinets with the ability to control automation and input voltage have been applied in many manufacturing, agricultural and commercial industries. Refer to more information about other types of electrical cabinets at: What is an electrical cabinet? Classification of residential and industrial electrical cabinets.