Getting the most out of your drive goes far beyond the purchase. Host Greg Weichman breaks down what really makes a difference — from installation and motor selection to tuning, cooling, and preventative maintenance — all in order to help you extend the life of your VFD and maximize efficiency. Inspired by an article from Yaskawa technical training expert Paul Avery, this episode explores how proper setup, smart features, and simple upkeep can dramatically improve performance and ROI. Whether you’re an installer, end user, or sales professional, this episode offers a high-level guide to better drive reliability, energy savings, and system longevity. Tune in to learn how a few key best practices can turn your VFD into a long-term advantage for your operation. 02:08 Importance of Proper Installation02:58 Motor and Motor Cable Considerations05:54 Model Your Motor with Auto-Tune06:38 Advanced Drive Features for Efficiency08:26 Maintaining Your VFD for Longevity11:05 Preventative Maintenance Checklist14:09 Future of VFD Maintenance with AI Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Getting grounding and bonding right isn’t just about meeting electrical code — it’s about protecting your equipment, preventing EMI, and keeping your VFDs running the way they should. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman welcomes back application engineer Joe Pottebaum to break down what proper grounding and bonding really mean. Joe explains the difference between system ground, equipment ground, and protective earth — and why confusing these terms can lead to nuisance trips, premature failures, or even dangerous conditions. You’ll also hear best practices for grounding VFDs and motors, insights on shielded cable vs. conduit wiring, and a real-world look at problems like ground loops, noise, and EMI. With decades of field experience, Joe shares practical advice for installers, engineers, and troubleshooters alike — showing how good grounding and bonding choices can prevent costly downtime and extend the life of your drives. 02:07 Defining Grounding and Bonding06:55 Best Practices for Grounding VFDs15:14 Cables, Conduits, and EMI 21:33 Troubleshooting and Real-World Examples28:03 Protecting Your Investment31:52 How to learn more or get help Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Not all three-phase power systems are created equal — and the wrong setup can spell trouble for your VFDs. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman sits down with application engineer Joe Pottebaum to unpack the world of power system configurations and their impact on variable frequency drive applications. From the fundamentals of single-phase versus three-phase power to the nuances of wye, delta, corner-grounded, and high-resistance grounded systems, Greg and Joe cover the configurations you’re most likely to encounter in the field — and the implications each has for your installation. You’ll hear how these systems evolved, why grounding strategy matters, and what can go wrong if you don’t match your VFD to the supply. Along the way, Joe shares field-tested advice on dealing with imbalanced systems, open-delta supplies, and ungrounded installations — plus how Yaskawa drives are built to handle real-world conditions that challenge other brands. Whether you’re an installer, engineer, or troubleshooting tech, this episode gives you the knowledge to spot risks before you press “Start.”   01:54 Single Phase vs. Three Phase Power02:50 Applications of Single Phase Power06:22 Three Phase Power in Industrial Settings10:05 The Evolution of Three Phase Power16:27 Grounding and Safety in Power Systems25:06 Resistance Grounding and Line-to-Line vs. Line-to-Ground Faults29:24 Challenges of High Resistance Grounding32:14 System Grounding Standards36:11 Impact of Ungrounded Systems46:03 Delta vs. Wye Connected Systems48:15 Yaskawa's Solutions for Imbalanced Systems Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Technical training doesn’t just support our products—it empowers the people who use them. Host Greg Weichman sits down with John Autero, Manager of Technical Training Services at Yaskawa, for an inside look at how the company delivers hands-on education across drives, motion, and solar technologies. John shares how Yaskawa built a training program from the ground up—offering everything from e-learning and virtual classes to in-person workshops and a full-fledged technical roadshow. With decades of experience and a passion for teaching, he explains why great training isn’t just about what’s taught, but how it’s delivered. Whether you're brand new to VFDs or a seasoned field tech looking to sharpen your skills, this episode reveals how Yaskawa's training services help teams learn faster, troubleshoot smarter, and stay up to speed. 01:03 Meet John Autero: Shaping Yaskawa's Training Programs06:05 Training Formats: Online, In-Person, and Hybrid09:42 The Traveling Technical Training Road Show12:37 Learn With Yaskawa: Learning Management System (LMS)16:30 Diverse Training Content: From Basics to Troubleshooting19:55 Utilizing Learning Paths within the LMS22:00 Specialized Instructors: Expertise and Experience24:20 Certification and Continuing Education Credits27:08 Customer Feedback and Satisfaction32:02 The Future of Training: AI and New Technologies37:53 Providing Feedback and Custom Training Requests To dive in visit training.yaskawa.com Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

What happens when fault current exceeds what your system can handle? It’s not just theory—short circuit events can lead to arc flash, equipment destruction, or worse. Host Greg Weichman sits down with Steve Perreault, Yaskawa’s chief product line manager for low voltage drives, to unpack the real implications of SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating), AIC (Amps Interrupting Capacity), and UL standards in VFD applications. From understanding how protection devices work with your drive to why following manufacturer instructions matters more than ever, Steve draws from 35 years of industry experience to walk you through the details that safeguard your equipment, operations—and most importantly, your people.   02:04 Understanding Available Fault Current 04:05 Built-in Protections in Variable Frequency Drives 06:51 Importance of Over Current Protection Devices (OCPD) 07:47 SCCR vs. AIC: Key Differences 18:37 UL Standards: From 508C to IEC 61800-5-1 21:54 Ensuring Compliance and Safety 29:37 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways   Link to Steve’s webinar on Drive short circuit protection and UL standards Video: Drive short circuit protection and UL standards - Control Engineering   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Small waves, big problems. Harmonics are often misunderstood, but ignoring them can lead to costly design flaws, equipment issues, and power quality headaches. Host Greg Weichman and guest Jordan Engel, Product Manager for Yaskawa’s Matrix Drives, demystify what harmonics are, how they form, and why they matter. Using vivid analogies and real-world stories, they explore how variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other modern electronics contribute to harmonic distortion—and what to do about it. With decades of combined experience, Greg and Jordan walk through common mitigation strategies like line reactors, passive filters, active filters, and low harmonic drive technologies. They also cover how to spot harmonic issues before they start, the role of IEEE 519, and why even small system changes can trigger unexpected consequences. Whether you're troubleshooting an existing system or planning a new facility, this episode is your guide to avoiding harmonic headaches and keeping your power system running smooth. 01:02 Defining Power Systems and Harmonics02:37 Analogies to Explain Harmonics07:54 Impact of Non-Linear Loads10:05 Harmonics vs. EMC Explained12:36 IEEE 519 Guidelines14:38 Real World Story21:01 Mitigation Strategies for Harmonics27:30 Low Harmonic Drives32:03 Predicting and Measuring Harmonics35:17 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

The story of Yaskawa’s rise to VFD leadership is one of innovation, resilience, and a relentless focus on quality. Host Greg Weichman and guest Mark Bernicky, Senior Vice President of Yaskawa’s Drives Group, take you behind the scenes of Yaskawa’s journey—from its early days building mining motors in Japan to becoming a powerhouse of VFD technology in North America. With over 30 years at Yaskawa, Mark shares firsthand insights into key milestones: early U.S. expansion, the shift from brand labeling to direct sales, the game-changing launch of the G3 drive, and the deep-rooted principles that continue to drive Yaskawa’s success today. They also reflect on the culture that’s kept employees engaged for decades—and the investments being made to secure Yaskawa’s future as a leader in drives, motion, and robotics. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just discovering Yaskawa’s story, this episode offers an inspiring look at how staying true to your core values can fuel a century of success—and counting. 01:00 Yaskawa's Early History03:30 Expansion into the U.S. Market05:10 Transition to Drives Business08:31 Brand Labeling Strategy12:55 G3 is the world’s first IGBT Transistor Drive13:52 Manufacturing in the U.S.17:44 Acquisition of Magnetek24:10 Core Tenets and Company Culture28:36 Future Outlook and Conclusion Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Exceptional technical support doesn’t just solve problems—it builds trust, and lasting relationships. Host Greg Weichman and guest Chris Franco, Yaskawa’s Director of Customer Experience, break down the keys to creating world-class support that keeps customers coming back. With 34 years at Yaskawa and experience spanning service, tech support, and systems, Chris shares what it takes to consistently deliver top-tier support—day or night, 365 days a year. They explore the processes that set Yaskawa apart: fast response times, real-time feedback, fully in-house support teams, and a culture built around constant improvement. Chris also gives a first look at exciting upgrades—like AI-powered tools and a smarter customer portal—that promise to make future support even more intuitive. If you’ve ever needed help with a tough technical issue, this behind-the-scenes look will give you a new appreciation for what truly excellent support looks like—and why it matters. 01:06 Meet Chris Franco: Director of Customer Experience03:42 Yaskawa's Approach to Technical Support Challenges06:44 Training and Certification of Support Staff08:02 After Hour Emergency Success Stories9:11 Technical Support Differentiators11:09 Customer Feedback and Real-Time KPI15:03 Solution Culture17:10 Innovations in Technical Support19:55 Future Enhancements and AI Integration24:23 Triple-Crown Customer Excellence Winner Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Struggling with VFD fault codes? Greg Weichman and Tony Gabriel break down real-world troubleshooting tips to keep your drives running strong. In Episode 6 of VFD Vibes, Greg teams up with Tony to tackle common variable frequency drive (VFD) faults like overvoltage, overloads, and input phase loss. They share hands-on strategies using drive monitors, fault histories, and fault traces to pinpoint issues fast. Plus, hear insider stories from the tech support frontlines and discover how Yaskawa’s training resources can help you build confidence. Whether you're new to VFDs or looking to level up your troubleshooting skills, this episode is packed with practical insights to prevent downtime. 00:20  Recap and Today's Focus01:13 Overvoltage Fault Example01:58 Fault History and Fault Trace05:25 OL2 Drive Overload 8:02 Drive Overcurrent Situations12:46 Input Phase Loss Faults18:52 What to have when calling tech support Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

VFD startup mistakes are costly! Host Greg Weichman and guest Tony Gabriel break down how proper programming, enclosure selection, and wiring checks can help you avoid common pitfalls. Drawing on 25 years of experience, Tony shares practical tips on voltage matching, enclosure types, auto-tuning, and setting essential parameters like accel/decel times. They also cover troubleshooting techniques to diagnose run command and speed reference issues quickly. Whether you're new to VFDs or looking to reinforce the fundamentals, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you program confidently and optimize your setup.   01:20 Selecting the Right Voltage and Amperage04:40 Understanding Enclosure Types08:24 Pre-Startup Checks and Common Mistakes13:16 Auto-Tuning and Parameter Setup21:20 Troubleshooting and Technical Support25:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

In this special episode, host Greg Weichman takes you inside the HVAC industry's most anticipated event of the year—AHR Expo 2025. Greg sits down with four industry experts, fresh from the event in Orlando, Fl, to discuss their key takeaways, including observations from the show floor, industry outlooks, and technological advancements shaping the future of HVAC. This episode highlights the growing importance of variable frequency drives (VFDs), efficiency improvements, and the impact of newly introduced standards. Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion, packed with expert perspectives and valuable insights to keep you at the forefront of the latest trends in HVAC and VFD technology. GuestsMichael Hall (Microdrives and Software Tools Product Manager)Jordan Engel (HVAC and Matrix Drives Product Manager)Edward Tom (Pump Drives and Communications Product Manager)Don Cameron (HVAC Industry Segment Manager) Timeline00:55 Meet the Guests01:30 History and Significance of AHR Expo06:05 Technological Innovations in HVAC10:50 Fieldbus Communications and BACnet18:04 Challenges and Opportunities in HVAC22:50 Future Trends Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Host Greg Weichman sits down with Yaskawa Product Manager Michael Hall to explore game-changing software tools that simplify the front end of a VFD project. From the Energy Savings Predictor to the Harmonics Estimator and VFD Schedule Builder, learn how Yaskawa’s innovative tools help users choose the right VFD, justify their investment through ROI analysis, and streamline project planning. We’ll discuss how these tools are continuously enhanced through user feedback to ensure they are easy to use, are equipped with the features you need, and enable you to implement the most cost-effective solutions. Whether you're an engineer, contractor, or facility manager, this episode is packed with insights to help you kick-start your VFD projects with confidence.   01:22 Importance of Software Tools for VFDs 02:48 Yaskawa's Practical Approach to Software Tools 07:18 Energy Savings Predictor Tool 12:16 Harmonics Estimator Tool 18:26 Product Selector Tool 22:41 VFD Schedule Builder Tool 25:47 Programming Simulator Tool   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with Tony Gabriel, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in technical support and building automation at Yaskawa. Tony unpacks key VFD concepts, terminology, and their historical significance as a revolutionary innovation in motor control. We break down the core components—rectifier, DC bus, and inverter—showing how they work together to deliver precise speed control for three-phase motors. Tony highlights the evolution of VFDs, their energy-saving potential, and their advanced capabilities in managing motor regeneration. Tune in for a clear and engaging explanation of this transformative technology. 01:15 The Evolution of Motor Control 02:27 Energy Savings with VFDs 05:25 Understanding VFD Components 10:13 Single Phase vs. Three Phase Power 18:56 Advanced VFD Features and Applications 23:49 Handling Regeneration and Braking   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Welcome to the debut episode of VFD Vibes! In this episode, we’ll dive into a topic that has been revolutionizing manufacturing: connecting Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to a network. We'll be joined by Ed Tom, Yaskawa’s product manager for Communication Protocols, to break down the benefits, requirements, and insider tips for making it happen. Think network connectivity sounds complicated? Think again. We’ll show you how it can simplify wiring, cut costs, and unlock powerful real-time data monitoring capabilities. Plus, we’ll explore pre-engineered tools that make connecting to a control system easier than ever. Ready to take your manufacturing process to the next level? Tune in and discover how networking your drives can transform the way you work.   01:52 Traditional vs. Networked VFD Connections 03:28 Benefits of Network Connectivity 05:32 Data Collection and Monitoring 11:02 Predictive Maintenance and Future Insights 17:38 Best Practices for Network Setup 29:10 Network Security Considerations   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

In this short episode, host Greg Weichman covers what you can expect from the VFD Vibes podcast brought to you by Up To Speed with Yaskawa. Check it out and subscribe to stay informed of new episodes! MEET YOUR HOSTWith 20 years of experience in industrial automation, Yaskawa Segment Marketing Manager Greg Weichman leverages his natural curiosity to bring you insights and answers, and sometimes just a good old story about using variable frequency drives in modern applications. Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and real-world case studies, VFD Vibes provides valuable knowledge for engineers, technicians, and anyone interested in the ever-evolving applications of variable frequency drives.   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!