Danfoss VLT FC Series: FC 51 vs FC 280 vs FC 360 vs FC 302, Which Drive to Choose
Quick answer: Pick the FC 51 for small, basic speed control, the FC 280 for compact machines and conveyors, the FC 360 for pumps, fans, compressors and general plant duty, and the FC 302 when you need tight control, motor feedback or very high power. The FC 301 is the simpler sibling of the FC 302.
A Danfoss VFD from the VLT range comes in several families, and the model names don’t say much on their own. FC 51, FC 280, FC 360, FC 301 and FC 302 all change a motor’s speed by changing the frequency of its supply. They differ in power range, control methods and built-in features. This guide compares the Danfoss FCs buyers ask about most, so you can match one to your motor and your application.
What Is the Danfoss VLT FC Series?
VLT is the name Danfoss uses for its AC drive range. The Danfoss VLT series covers everything from a small drive for one fan to a large drive for a heavy process line. “FC” stands for frequency converter, which is the technical name for a VFD.
In a Danfoss VLT FC model name, the number tells you the product family, not the size. A higher number does not mean a bigger or better drive. If you are new to drives, start with our guide on what a VFD is and how it works.
Danfoss VLT FC Series at a Glance
| Model | Product name | Approx. power range | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC 51 | VLT Micro Drive | 0.18 to 22 kW | Small fans, pumps and conveyors with basic speed control |
| FC 280 | VLT Midi Drive | 0.37 to 90 kW | Compact machines, conveyors, packaging lines, OEM equipment |
| FC 360 | VLT Automation Drive | 0.37 to 315 kW | Pumps, fans, compressors, extruders, general plant duty |
| FC 301 / FC 302 | VLT Automation Drive | 0.25 kW up to 1,200 kW (FC 302) | Precise speed or position control, high power, demanding processes |
Power ranges are approximate. Check the datasheet for the exact range of the variant you need.
Danfoss FC 51 (VLT Micro Drive)
The FC 51 is the entry-level drive. It does one job well: it starts a motor smoothly and holds a set speed. It is small and quick to commission, and some sizes accept a single-phase supply, which helps where only single-phase power is available.
Good fits are small exhaust fans, circulation pumps, light conveyors and mixers. It is not the right choice when you need strong torque at low speed, full communication with a PLC, or precise control.
One thing to check before buying: Danfoss now lists the FC 51 among its legacy drives. For a replacement on an existing machine it is still a sensible pick. For a new design, ask us to confirm current availability, because the FC 280 is the newer compact option.
Danfoss FC 280 (VLT Midi Drive)
The FC 280 is a compact drive built with machine makers in mind. It has Safe Torque Off built in, supports several fieldbus options, and runs both induction and permanent magnet motors. Sizes go up to about 90 kW.
Use it for conveyors, packaging lines and small process machines where panel space is tight and a PLC needs to talk to the drive. For a plain pump or fan with no communication needs, you may never use its extra features.
Danfoss FC 360 (VLT Automation Drive)
The FC 360 is the all-rounder for industrial plants. Despite the Automation Drive name, it is aimed at everyday loads such as pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors and extruders.
Danfoss designed it for hot, dusty plants. The circuit boards are coated, and it can run at full load in ambient temperatures of around 45 to 50°C without derating. A DC choke is built in across the range, which reduces harmonics, and a brake chopper is built in up to 22 kW. That saves panel space and the cost of an external brake unit.
If you are weighing the VLT FC 360 against the FC 302 for a pump or fan, the FC 360 is usually enough.
Danfoss FC 301 and FC 302 (VLT Automation Drive)
The VLT FC 302 is the most capable drive in this comparison. It controls induction and permanent magnet motors, supports closed-loop control with an encoder, and includes Safe Torque Off as standard. It offers PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus RTU communication, and it has a built-in Smart Logic Controller, so simple automation tasks don’t need an external PLC. Power runs from 0.25 kW to well over 1,000 kW.
The VLT FC 301 is the simpler version of the same platform, for jobs that don’t need the full feature set. You can see both on our FC 301-302 page.
Choose the FC 302 for winders, test rigs, positioning, high torque at low speed and very large motors. For an ordinary pump or fan, it is more drive than you need.
How to Choose Between the Danfoss FCs
Ask these five questions in order:
- What is the motor rating? Up to 22 kW, the FC 51 is possible. Up to 90 kW, add the FC 280. Up to 315 kW, the FC 360. Beyond that, or for the highest performance, the FC 302.
- How precise must the speed be? For simple speed control, the FC 51 or FC 360 is enough. For precise control with feedback, choose the FC 302.
- Does the drive need to talk to a PLC? The FC 280, FC 360 and FC 302 are built for fieldbus communication. The FC 51 offers only basic communication.
- Where will it run? For heat, dust and humidity, the coated boards on the FC 360 are a good match.
- Is this a replacement or a new design? Replacements often stay with the same model. New designs are better off on a current model.
Match by application:
- Small fan or pump: FC 51 for a replacement, FC 280 or FC 360 for new work
- Conveyor or packaging machine: FC 280
- Water pump, cooling tower fan or compressor: FC 360
- Winder, test rig or positioning axis: FC 302
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are VLT Automation Drive models. The FC 360 covers general industrial loads such as pumps, fans and conveyors from 0.37 to 315 kW. The FC 302 adds closed-loop control, more communication options and a much higher power ceiling, so it suits precise or demanding applications.
FC stands for frequency converter, the formal name for a VFD. VLT is the Danfoss drive brand, and the number after FC identifies the product family.
No. They share a platform, but the FC 301 has fewer built-in functions and is meant for simpler jobs. The FC 302 is the full-featured version.
For industrial pumps and fans, the FC 360 is a common choice. For building HVAC and water treatment, Danfoss also makes dedicated drives, the VLT HVAC Drive FC 102 and the VLT AQUA Drive FC 202, with features tuned to those loads.
Some FC 51 sizes accept single-phase input. Check the exact rating of the variant before you order
Need Help Choosing a Danfoss VFD?
Adhunik Automation is a Danfoss authorized dealer in Delhi NCR, supplying VLT drives for pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors and machine lines. Send us your motor kW, voltage and application, and our engineers will recommend the right model from the Danfoss VFD range. We also help with sizing, installation, commissioning and after-sales support. For a quick answer, call us on +91 93100 85027.