The correct VFD voltage is determined by the available power supply and motor nameplate. Price is important, but ordering the wrong voltage can make the drive unusable at the installation site.
At the same motor power, a 220V system carries more current than a 380V system. This can affect the inverter hardware, cable size, protection devices and total system cost.
Current Product Price Examples
Selected IDEEI 11PV solar pump inverter listings show how voltage configuration can affect the displayed price.
| Rated Power | Selected 220V Listing | Selected 380V Listing |
| 4kW | About US$174 | About US$91 |
| 5.5kW | About US$309 | About US$99 |
| 7.5kW | About US$346 | About US$129 |
| 11kW | About US$401 | About US$151 |
These examples apply to specific online listings and should not be treated as a universal price ratio. Model series, input phase, current rating and included functions must be checked in the formal quotation.
Electrical Difference
Power depends on both voltage and current. For a similar three phase motor output, lower voltage generally requires higher current. Higher current can require larger semiconductor capacity, cables, terminals and protection devices.
This is one reason some higher power 220V configurations cost more than their 380V counterparts.
When 220V Is the Practical Choice
A 220V VFD is often used where only 220V power is available or where the motor is designed for 220V operation. Smaller workshops, farms and residential or light commercial sites may not have 380V three phase service.
For a single phase input application, verify the maximum available supply current. A large motor can place a heavy demand on the building supply even when the VFD provides controlled starting.
When 380V Is the Practical Choice
Industrial facilities commonly use 380V three phase power for larger motors. The lower current for the same power can simplify cable and protection selection compared with a lower voltage system.
Solar pump projects also use 380V class three phase pump motors across a wide power range. The PV array and inverter DC voltage must be designed for the selected model.
Do Not Choose Voltage from Price Alone
Changing from 220V to 380V may require a different motor, transformer, power connection or solar array arrangement. The lower drive price does not automatically produce a lower project cost.
Compare:
- Available site power
- Motor voltage and connection
- Motor rated current
- Cable distance and size
- Breaker and protection requirements
- Solar array voltage where applicable
- Future expansion plans
The correct voltage is the one that fits the complete system.
Information for a Price Comparison
Send the same information to each supplier:
- Motor power and rated current
- Motor voltage and connection
- Input supply voltage and phase
- Load or pump application
- Required control functions
- Required quantity
- Destination
Without these details, one supplier may quote a single phase input model while another quotes a three phase input model. The prices will not be directly comparable.
Cable Length and Installation
Long motor cables can affect voltage stress and electromagnetic interference. The supplier may recommend an output reactor or filter for long cable runs. Long solar DC cables also require voltage drop and protection review.
Include estimated cable distances when requesting a project quotation, especially for borehole pumps and large industrial motors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 380V VFD cheaper than a 220V VFD
It can be cheaper for some higher current configurations, as shown by selected IDEEI listings. The exact comparison depends on model design, input phase and product functions.
Can I connect a 220V motor to a 380V VFD
Only when the motor and drive are configured so that the motor does not receive excessive voltage. Do not make this connection without checking the motor nameplate and VFD settings.
Can a 220V input VFD output 380V
Most standard VFDs do not increase the voltage to that level. A voltage boosting model must be specifically designed and rated for the conversion.
Which voltage should I send when requesting a quote
Send both the available input supply and the motor rated voltage. They are separate selection values.
Request a 220V or 380V VFD Quotation
Compare current IDEEI inverter products or send your voltage and motor data.
Email: info@vfdinverters.com
WhatsApp and WeChat: +86 183 5724 1165