PRODUCT DETAILS
Siemens 6SL3210-1KE15-8AF2 — SINAMICS V20 1.5kW Variable Frequency Drive | 3-Phase 380–480V | Built-in EMC Filter | Genuine New
The 6SL3210-1KE15-8AF2 is a genuine Siemens SINAMICS V20 variable frequency drive (VFD) rated at 1.5kW, designed for three-phase 380–480V AC supply. It's one of the most widely deployed VFDs in European and Asian industrial installations — chosen specifically for applications where reliable motor speed control, straightforward commissioning, and compact panel footprint matter more than advanced servo-class features.
The V20 sits in Siemens' drive lineup as the practical workhorse for standard automation tasks: pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, and general-purpose motors that need variable speed without the cost or complexity of a SINAMICS G120 or S120. At 1.5kW, this specific unit covers a large share of real-world applications — small conveyor motors, blower fans, pump stations, and light-duty material handling where fixed-speed direct-on-line starting has been replaced with soft, controlled acceleration.
✅ Genuine Siemens. New factory sealed. Ships worldwide.
Order Number Decoded — Every Character Counts
6SL3210 - 1 K E 1 5 - 8 A F 2
│ │ │││ │ │ │ │ └── 2: standard version
│ │ │││ │ │ │ └───── F: built-in filter (EMC Class C2/C1)
│ │ │││ │ │ └──────── A: unfiltered line input side
│ │ │││ │ └─────────── 8: frame size B (compact form factor)
│ │ │││ └──────────────── 5: power code (1.5kW at 400V
│ │ ││└─────────────────── 1: power rating group
│ │ │└───────────────────── E: 400V class (three-phase)
│ │ └──────────────────────── K: SINAMICS V20 product identifier
│ └────────────────────────── 1: single drive (not power module)
└─────────────────────────────────────── 6SL3210: SINAMICS V20 series base number
Two characters in the suffix make a real difference when ordering:
"F" = Built-in EMC filter. The V20 comes in two variants — with and without an integrated EMC filter. The -AF2 (with "F") has a built-in Class C2 EMC filter that suppresses conducted emissions on the supply side. This is what most machine builders and panel builders need to meet CE/EMC requirements without adding external filter components. The non-filter version (-AB2) is cheaper but requires an external EMC filter to achieve compliance. If your installation needs to meet IEC 61800-3 Category C2, the -AF2 is the right choice straight out of the box.
"KE" = 400V class V20. This confirms the three-phase 380–480V input variant. The V20 also exists in a single-phase 200–240V version (1KE vs 1PE), and ordering the wrong one for your supply voltage is a common and frustrating mistake. Double-check your panel supply before ordering.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Siemens |
| Order Number | 6SL3210-1KE15-8AF2 |
| Product Series | SINAMICS V20 |
| Rated Output Power | 1.5 kW (at 400V, 3-phase) |
| Rated Output Current | 3.7A (400V) |
| Input Voltage | 380–480V AC, 3-phase (±10% tolerance) |
| Input Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| Output Voltage | 0–480V AC, 3-phase |
| Output Frequency Range | 0–550 Hz |
| Control Modes | V/f linear, V/f quadratic (fan/pump), Flux Current Control (FCC / sensorless vector) |
| Overload Capability | 150% for 60 seconds (variable torque duty) |
| EMC Filter | Built-in Class C2 (-F suffix) |
| Protection Rating | IP20 (panel mounting) |
| Cooling | Forced air (internal fan) |
| Frame Size | FSB (compact — 73mm wide) |
| Digital Inputs | 3 × DI (configurable) |
| Analog Inputs | 1 × AI (0–10V or 0–20mA) |
| Relay Output | 1 × relay (NO/NC configurable) |
| Communication | USS protocol (RS-485 via terminal block) |
| Fieldbus Option | PROFIBUS / PROFINET via optional comm module |
| BOP (Keypad) | Optional — BOP20 accessory |
| Operating Temperature | –10°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | –40°C to +70°C |
| Certifications | CE, UL, cUL, RoHS |
| Condition | Genuine New / Factory Sealed |
V/f vs FCC Mode — Which Should You Use?
One aspect of the V20 that often goes unmentioned in product listings: it doesn't just do V/f control. It also supports Flux Current Control (FCC) — Siemens' term for sensorless vector control — which delivers significantly better low-speed torque and speed regulation than basic V/f.
Here's a practical breakdown of when each matters:
V/f Linear — the classic constant voltage-to-frequency ratio. Good for most conveyor, fan, and pump applications where the load characteristic is well-understood and low-speed precision isn't critical. Simple to set up, robust, and predictable.
V/f Quadratic (fan/pump curve) — follows a squared voltage-to-frequency curve that matches the load characteristic of centrifugal pumps and fans. Reduces energy consumption compared to linear V/f at partial speeds. The right choice for any variable-torque hydraulic or ventilation application.
FCC (Flux Current Control / sensorless vector) — the V20 estimates motor flux and rotor speed internally to deliver better torque response, tighter speed regulation under load changes, and usable torque at very low speeds (down to around 1–2 Hz). Worth enabling when the application involves load variations — a conveyor that starts loaded, a compressor with variable demand, or a positioning application where the motor needs to hold position under load. FCC requires running the motor identification routine (P1900) once after commissioning.
For a pump or fan running at fixed percentage of full speed, V/f quadratic is probably all you need. For anything with variable load, FCC is worth the extra 10 minutes of setup.
SINAMICS V20 vs G120C — Choosing the Right Drive
Engineers sometimes ask whether to specify a V20 or the slightly more capable G120C for a 1.5kW application. Here's the honest comparison:
| SINAMICS V20 ← this unit | SINAMICS G120C | |
|---|---|---|
| Target application | Standard, cost-sensitive | More demanding or safety-required |
| Control modes | V/f + FCC (sensorless vector) | V/f + sensorless vector + closed-loop vector |
| Safety functions | None built-in | STO (Safe Torque Off) built-in |
| Fieldbus (standard) | USS via RS-485 | PROFIBUS or PROFINET (built-in per variant) |
| Fieldbus (optional) | PROFIBUS/PROFINET via add-on module | — |
| PID controller | Yes (basic) | Yes (advanced) |
| Commissioning | Basic Operator Panel or parameter terminal | IOP, BOP-2, or TIA Portal |
| Typical price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Pumps, fans, conveyors, general machinery | Safety-required applications, complex drives, networked systems |
If the application is a standard pump or fan with no safety function requirements and no need for built-in PROFINET, the V20 is the better value choice. The G120C becomes compelling when the machine's safety design requires STO, or when PROFINET/PROFIBUS without an add-on module is needed.
Quick Commission Guide — V20 from Box to Running in Under 30 Minutes
The V20's reputation for fast commissioning is well-earned. Without the optional BOP20 keypad, you can commission it via parameter settings through the built-in potentiometer and DIP switches, or with the Basic Operator Panel connected temporarily. Here's the core sequence:
1. Mechanical installation — mount in panel on DIN rail or with screws, observe minimum clearance distances (50mm above and below for airflow). IP20 rating requires panel enclosure.
2. Power connections — connect 3-phase supply to L1/L2/L3 terminals, motor to U/V/W terminals. Verify supply voltage matches the KE (400V) variant before powering on.
3. Ground connection — connect PE to the dedicated ground terminal. The built-in EMC filter requires a low-impedance ground path to function correctly.
4. Control wiring — at minimum, connect the enable signal to DI1 (terminal 5) and a run/speed reference to AI (terminal 10/11 for 0–10V, or terminal 10/12 for current signal). DI2 and DI3 can be configured for forward/reverse, fault reset, or preset speeds.
5. Motor data entry — set motor nameplate data: rated voltage (P0304), rated current (P0305), rated frequency (P0310), rated speed (P0311). This is essential for correct motor protection and FCC operation.
6. Quick commissioning — run P0010=1 (commissioning mode), P0100=0 (Europe/50Hz default) or P0100=1 (North America/60Hz), P0700=2 (terminal control), P1000=2 (analog setpoint). Set P3900=1 to complete and calculate.
7. Motor identification (for FCC) — set P1910=1 and enable the drive with motor at standstill. The drive runs an identification routine for 30–60 seconds and stores motor parameters automatically.
Where the 1.5kW V20 Shows Up in Practice
Small water pump stations — 1.5kW is a common rating for circulation pumps in building HVAC systems, cooling tower makeup pumps, and process water circulation. The V20's quadratic V/f mode directly targets this application.
Exhaust and ventilation fans — industrial extraction fans, fume hood blowers, and cooling air systems in food processing and pharmaceutical facilities. The V20's compact footprint makes panel integration straightforward.
Light conveyor drives — 1.5kW covers a lot of short, light-duty conveyor sections in packaging, printing, and assembly applications where variable speed is needed for line balancing or product handling.
Compressor control — small scroll or reciprocating compressors where VFD control reduces energy consumption versus on/off cycling. The FCC mode handles the variable torque load well.
Machine tool auxiliary drives — coolant pump drives, hydraulic power unit pumps, and chip conveyor drives on CNC machine tools where 1.5kW is the standard rating.
📦 Procurement
- 🔒 Genuine Siemens — factory sealed, CE/UL marked, full serial number traceability
- ✅ Brand new — not reconditioned, not resealed surplus
- 📦 Original Siemens packaging with matching order number label
- 🌍 Worldwide express shipping (DHL / FedEx / UPS)
- ⚡ In stock — dispatches within 1–2 business days
❓ FAQ — Siemens 6SL3210-1KE15-8AF2 SINAMICS V20
Q1: What is the exact motor size this VFD is rated for?
The 6SL3210-1KE15-8AF2 is rated for 1.5kW (2HP) motors at 400V three-phase. The rated output current is 3.7A, which corresponds to a standard 1.5kW 4-pole induction motor at 400V. It can technically run smaller motors (0.75kW, 1.1kW) without issue. Running a larger motor is not recommended — a 2.2kW motor drawing above 3.7A under full load would trigger the drive's overcurrent protection. If your motor is 2.2kW, the next size up in the V20 range is the 6SL3210-1KE21-3AF2.
Q2: What's the difference between the -AF2 and -AB2 versions of this drive?
The only difference is the EMC filter. The -AF2 has a built-in EMC filter (Class C2) that suppresses conducted radio frequency emissions from the drive back onto the mains supply — required for CE compliance in most industrial and commercial installations per IEC 61800-3. The -AB2 has no internal filter, making it slightly smaller and lower cost, but requiring an external EMC filter if the installation must meet conducted emission standards. For most applications in Europe and markets requiring CE compliance, the -AF2 is the correct choice. The -AB2 is mainly used in cases where a centralized external EMC filter is already in the supply circuit, or in specific environments where EMC compliance requirements don't apply (e.g., second environment with appropriate filtering elsewhere).
Q3: Does the V20 support PROFIBUS or PROFINET communication?
The base V20 unit communicates via USS protocol over RS-485 (using terminals 29/30), which allows connection to a Siemens PLC or other USS-compatible controller for speed setpoint and control word without a separate fieldbus module. For PROFIBUS or PROFINET, an optional V20 Smart Access Module (SAM) or the relevant communication expansion is needed — these plug into a dedicated slot on the V20. If your application requires PROFIBUS or PROFINET as standard and you want it built-in without an add-on module, the SINAMICS G120C with the corresponding fieldbus variant is a better fit.
Q4: Can I use this drive with a single-phase 230V supply by connecting to two of the three input terminals?
No — the 6SL3210-1KE15-8AF2 ("KE" = 400V three-phase class) requires a balanced three-phase 380–480V supply and will not function correctly on single-phase input. Single-phase operation would result in severe DC bus ripple, causing the drive to trip on overvoltage or undervoltage faults, and would likely damage the drive's rectifier bridge over time. If you need a 1.5kW V20 for single-phase 200–240V supply, the correct part number family is 6SL3210-1PE15-8 (PE series = single-phase 200V class). Always match the "KE" or "PE" designation to your supply before ordering.
Q5: How do I reset a fault on the V20 without the BOP20 keypad?
Without the optional BOP20 keypad, you have two options for fault reset. The first is to configure one of the digital inputs (DI1, DI2, or DI3) for fault acknowledgment function — set the relevant DI parameter (P0701, P0702, or P0703) to value 9 (fault acknowledgment). Then a momentary contact closure on that terminal will reset a fault after the fault condition has been cleared. The second option is to cycle power to the drive — power off, wait for the DC bus to discharge (at least 5 seconds), then power on again. For regular operation, assigning a dedicated reset input to one of the DIs is the cleaner solution. The V20 also supports remote parameter access and fault acknowledgment via USS communication if the drive is connected to a PLC or controller on RS-485.
Q6: What common fault codes should I know about on the V20?
A few faults that field engineers encounter frequently: F001 (overcurrent) — the motor current has exceeded the drive's limit, usually caused by a motor that's too large, a mechanical jam, or acceleration ramp too short; increase P1120 (acceleration time). F002 (overvoltage) — DC bus voltage too high, often from a load decelerating too fast with regenerative energy and nowhere to put it; increase P1121 (deceleration time) or add a braking resistor. F011 (motor overtemperature) — if using the motor thermal model (no PTC), check P0625 (ambient temperature) and P0626–P0628 (motor thermal time constants). A0503 (current limit active) — not a trip but an alarm indicating the drive is limiting current; the load may be too heavy for the configured ratings. F0052 (power section fault) — hardware fault in the drive itself; if this persists after power cycle, the drive likely needs replacement.
Q7: How do I configure the V20 for a simple 0–10V speed control from a PLC analog output?
For basic 0–10V analog speed reference from a PLC: connect the PLC's AO+ to terminal 10 (AI+) and AO– to terminal 11 (AI–, which is also GND) on the V20 control terminal block. Then set: P0700 = 2 (command source = terminal), P1000 = 2 (frequency setpoint = analog input AI1), P0756 = 0 (AI1 type = unipolar voltage 0–10V). The minimum frequency at 0V and maximum at 10V are set via P1080 and P1082 respectively. The drive enable (ON/OFF command) still needs a digital input — connect a 24VDC enable signal to DI1 (terminal 5) with the DI common at terminal 9 (24V common), and confirm P0701 = 1 (DI1 = ON/OFF1). With these five parameters set correctly, the drive will follow the PLC's analog output for speed reference while the digital input controls run/stop.




