1336 Plus II vs. PowerFlex: When to Opt for a Legacy Drive

When deciding between the 1336 Plus II and PowerFlex series for industrial drive upgrades, understanding the specific needs of your application is crucial. The 1336 Plus II offers a reliable, cost-effective solution for updating legacy systems, providing robust performance in existing setups with minimal disruption. On the other hand, the PowerFlex series is designed for modern, high-tech industrial environments, featuring advanced control, communication, and safety features that cater to the demands of automation, scalability, and smart manufacturing. This article compares their voltage range, control capabilities, communication protocols, safety features, and environmental characteristics, helping industries determine whether to opt for a legacy drive or invest in future-ready solutions for industrial applications.
1336 Plus II vs. PowerFlex
Broad Voltage Range and User-Friendly Interface:
System requirements, compatibility, and long-term efficiency all play a role in the decision between the PowerFlex and 1336 Plus II series when thinking about upgrading or replacing outdated industrial drives. Industries wishing to update or preserve old systems without requiring significant reconfiguration might consider the 1336 Plus II drive as a dependable choice. Its 97.5% efficiency, wide input voltage tolerance (-10% to +10%), and frequency flexibility (48–62 Hz) guarantee seamless integration into current configurations. It provides versatility with a short circuit rating of 200,000A RMS symmetrical at 600V, guaranteeing endurance in high-current situations, and supports both single-phase (with 50% derating for A and B Frames) and three-phase input.
The PowerFlex series, on the other hand, offers more sophisticated features designed for contemporary industrial automation. While the PowerFlex 753 and 755 manage heavy-duty activities with voltage support up to 690V AC, drives such as the PowerFlex 4/4M are appropriate for low-power applications. The PowerFlex 7000 series extends this to 13.8 kV, perfect for high-power applications like mine conveyors. These drives are ideal for new installations since they provide smart motor control, improved networking, and safety features.
The 1336 Plus II is still a good option if preserving legacy systems with little downtime and economical integration is a top concern. However, PowerFlex drives provide state-of-the-art solutions for high-end applications, automation, and scalability.
Control Capabilities:
The control requirements and modernization objectives of an industrial system determine which of the 1336 Plus II and PowerFlex series to choose. The 1336 Plus II is still a dependable option for updating legacy systems with little reconfiguration, even though PowerFlex drives offer sophisticated motor control for automated operations.
With Sensorless Vector Control and Programmable Pulse Width Modulation, the 1336 Plus II can provide up to 250% beginning torque. Because of this, it works well in applications that need a lot of initial power, such as pumps or heavy-load conveyors. Even with varying loads, the programmable PWM maintains a steady speed and torque performance by dynamically adjusting voltage and frequency. With the help of these capabilities, companies may improve outdated systems without having to completely rebuild their infrastructure.
However, PowerFlex drives meet the needs of contemporary industry by providing a greater variety of control choices. The PowerFlex 523‘s V/Hz control is ideal for straightforward applications like HVAC systems, while the PowerFlex 525 and 755’s SVC improves accuracy for automated packing. For high-torque extruders, the 755T’s Flux Vector Control allows zero-speed, full-torque operation. The PowerFlex 753/755’s positioning control enhances its support for machining and printing applications.
The 1336 Plus II is still a reasonably priced option for updating legacy systems with reliable yet straightforward integration. Nonetheless, PowerFlex drives offer state-of-the-art control solutions for automated, high-precision applications.
Communication Protocols:
Communication capabilities are crucial in deciding which of the PowerFlex and 1336 Plus II series is best suited for industrial applications. PowerFlex drives offer sophisticated networking and diagnostic tools for contemporary automation setups, while the 1336 Plus II offers crucial connections for updates to existing systems. With RS-232/422, DeviceNet, Enhanced DeviceNet, and Remote I/O protocols, the 1336 Plus II guarantees seamless integration into current industrial configurations. It is a sensible option for retrofitting older systems since it includes encoder interfaces for accurate motion control and I/O interfaces for external device integration. Its human-machine interface (HMI) components further boost usability, enabling operators to monitor and operate drive functions easily. Because of these characteristics, the 1336 Plus II is perfect for establishments that want to improve connection while preserving old equipment.
On the other hand, PowerFlex drives support EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, Modbus TCP, and DeviceNet and are built for smart industrial settings. Dual-Port EtherNet/IP on the PowerFlex 525 improves network redundancy and dependability, guaranteeing continuous connection. DeviceLogix technology on the PowerFlex 753 allows for local decision-making, which minimizes downtime in the event of a network outage. The Integrated Condition Monitoring feature of the PowerFlex 7000 also offers predictive maintenance insights, which aid in performance optimization and failure prevention.
The 1336 Plus II is still a reasonably priced option for companies updating legacy systems with little to no infrastructure modifications. Nonetheless, PowerFlex drives provide better connection and predictive maintenance solutions for sophisticated automation, diagnostics, and networked operations.
Safety Feature and Compliance:
When choosing the best drive for an industrial setup, safety features and compliance are crucial considerations when comparing the 1336 Plus II and PowerFlex series.
With CE, CSA, UL, and C-TICK certifications, the 1336 Plus II satisfies critical safety requirements and provides enclosures with IP 00 (Open), IP 20 (NEMA Type 1), and IP 54 (NEMA Type 12) for differing degrees of environmental protection. It is appropriate for older systems when basic compliance and sturdy enclosures are enough, but it lacks sophisticated functional safety measures.
PowerFlex drives, on the other hand, incorporate cutting-edge safety features like Safe Torque Off, Safe Speed Monitor, and Safe Stop 1 to improve machine integrity and operator safety. PowerFlex 7000’s ArcShield significantly lowers the risk of electrical arcs. International safety requirements are ensured by adherence to ISO 13849 and IEC 62061.
In legacy systems, 1336 Plus II is dependable for basic compliance. Nonetheless, PowerFlex drives offer better protection for increased functional safety and risk reduction.
Environmental Specifications:
Although the PowerFlex and 1336 Plus II series are made to function in harsh industrial settings, their applicability varies depending on the demands of the particular application. Operating at heights up to 1000 meters and managing ambient temperatures between 0 and 50°C (IP00) and 0 and 40°C (IP20, IP54, IP65), the 1336 Plus II excels in regulated industrial environments. It ensures dependable operation in legacy systems by withstanding vibrations (1G), mechanical shocks (15G), and humidity (5%–95%). Durability is further improved by adherence to UL, CSA, and electromagnetic interference requirements.
PowerFlex drives, on the other hand, provide more environmental flexibility. While the PowerFlex 7000 can resist outdoor circumstances (NEMA 3R), models such as the PowerFlex 753/755 feature NEMA 12 and NEMA 4X enclosures for dust and water protection. Certain types are perfect for severe industrial environments since they can function at temperatures as high as 70°C (158°F). In regulated situations, the 1336 Plus II is adequate for upgrading legacy systems. However, PowerFlex drives offer improved endurance and protection for harsh environments and outdoor applications.
When to opt for a Legacy Drive?
It is best to choose a legacy drive, such as the 1336 Plus II, to keep existing systems compatible without requiring significant rewiring or reprogramming. It improves performance while maintaining the current infrastructure, making it an affordable upgrading alternative. The 1336 Plus II guarantees dependable operation in conveyors, pumps, and compressors for applications that do not call for sophisticated automation features. It is appropriate for regulated interior environments due to its robust environmental tolerance. Furthermore, a legacy drive satisfies crucial compliance requirements without requiring additional complexity if functional safety features like Safe Torque Off or Safe Speed Monitoring are not required. Nonetheless, PowerFlex drives provide exceptional flexibility and solutions that are ready for the future for sectors that require intelligent automation, predictive diagnostics, and sophisticated connectivity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing between the 1336 Plus II and PowerFlex series depends on the specific needs of your industrial application. The 1336 Plus II is an ideal choice for upgrading legacy systems with minimal disruption, offering reliability, cost-effectiveness, and basic safety and environmental compliance. It is perfect for applications requiring little automation or where maintaining existing infrastructure is a priority. However, for industries looking to future-proof their operations with advanced automation, intelligent connectivity, predictive maintenance, and state-of-the-art safety features, PowerFlex drives provide superior performance and scalability. Ultimately, both options have their place, depending on whether you prioritize legacy system retention or modern, high-tech integration.
Both series of drives offer superior performance for the applications where they fit. No matter which drive you decide is best for your needs, we at DO Supply carry both series and offer fast shipping to top it all off. We also offer repair services for worn-out drives in need of replacement or refreshing. Give us a call today and our team of experts can pair you with a drive to take your industrial solution to the next level. If you would like a deeper dive into the 1336 Plus II system, we have a blog here just for that.
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