The FR-E720-008-NA is Mitsubishi Electric’s 0.1 kW single-phase 200 V input compact inverter from the FREQROL FR-E700 series — the smallest model in the FR-E720 200 V single-phase input sub-series, providing variable frequency drive capability for single-phase AC motors up to 0.1 kW (0.2 A rated output current) in space-constrained machine panel installations. Atlantech Drives holds stock of the FR-E720-008-NA. Contact us for fast worldwide delivery and competitive pricing.
What Is the FR-E720-008-NA?
The FR-E720-008-NA is a FREQROL FR-E700 series variable frequency inverter (VFD) providing 0.1 kW (100 W) rated output from a single-phase 200–240 VAC input for controlling three-phase AC induction motors at variable speed. The «E720» designates the FR-E700 series with single-phase 200 V input; «008» is Mitsubishi’s capacity code corresponding to 0.1 kW rated output (0.2 A continuous); and «NA» identifies the North American specification with UL/cUL certification and NEMA rating. The FR-E720-008-NA implements Mitsubishi’s advanced magnetic flux vector control algorithm — providing superior low-speed torque generation compared to basic V/F (volts-per-hertz) control, enabling the 0.1 kW inverter to deliver rated motor torque at speeds down to 1 Hz without sensorless speed estimation errors that affect simpler V/F control methods. Built-in programmable digital inputs (5 inputs), analog speed reference input (0–5 VDC, 0–10 VDC, 4–20 mA), relay output, and open-collector output provide comprehensive machine interface capability without external expansion modules. The RS-485 built-in communication port enables Modbus RTU (RTU protocol) integration with PLC or SCADA systems for remote speed command, start/stop control, and status monitoring via the RS-485 network without the cost of optional communication cards.
Key Technical Specifications
- Model: FR-E720-008-NA
- Rated Output Power: 0.1 kW
- Rated Output Current: 0.2 A
- Input Power Supply: Single-phase 200–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Output Voltage: Three-phase 200–240 VAC (variable frequency)
- Output Frequency Range: 0.2–400 Hz
- Control Method: Advanced magnetic flux vector (sensorless), V/F selectable
- Digital Inputs: 5 programmable inputs (24 VDC)
- Analog Inputs: 1 speed reference (0–5V, 0–10V, 4–20mA selectable)
- Digital Output: 1 relay contact + 1 open-collector
- Communication: Built-in RS-485 (Modbus RTU)
- Certifications: UL, cUL (NA variant)
- Protection: IP20
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to 50°C (with derating above 40°C)
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 68 mm × 128 mm × 75.5 mm
- Weight: Approx. 0.5 kg
Series Comparison & Selection Guide
Within the FR-E700 series, the FR-E720 sub-series covers single-phase 200 V input models from 0.1 kW (FR-E720-008-NA) through 0.2 kW (FR-E720-015-NA), 0.4 kW (FR-E720-025-NA), 0.75 kW (FR-E720-050-NA), 1.5 kW (FR-E720-080-NA), and 2.2 kW (FR-E720-150-NA). The FR-E720-008-NA (0.1 kW) is the entry point — appropriate for the smallest AC motor drive applications where single-phase power is available (no three-phase supply) and the motor load does not exceed 0.1 kW continuous. Typical 0.1 kW motor applications include small conveyors, fans, pumps, mixers, and auxiliary drive axes on machine tools where the FR-E720-008-NA’s compact 68 mm width minimises panel space consumption. When comparing the FR-E720-008-NA to the standard three-phase input FR-E740-008-NA: both provide 0.1 kW output to the motor, but the FR-E720-008-NA accepts single-phase input (suitable for locations with only single-phase 200 V supply) while the FR-E740-008-NA requires three-phase 380–480 VAC input. In facilities with both single-phase and three-phase supply available, the FR-E740-008-NA provides more balanced supply loading, while the FR-E720-008-NA uses the single-phase supply which may already be available at the machine location without dedicated three-phase wiring. Above 2.2 kW, the FR-E720 single-phase series is replaced by the higher-capacity FR-E740 (three-phase 380 V) or FR-A800 series — single-phase inverter input at power levels above 2.2 kW is impractical due to high single-phase input currents.
Troubleshooting Guide
For FR-E720-008-NA inverters displaying OC (overcurrent) fault at startup with a known-good motor, the most common cause is motor winding short to frame or motor winding phase-to-phase short — disconnect the motor power cables (U, V, W) from the inverter output terminals and perform an insulation resistance test between each motor phase and earth using a 500 V megohmmeter. Insulation resistance below 1 MΩ indicates motor insulation failure requiring motor replacement. If the motor insulation tests good, verify the motor’s rated current against the FR-E720-008-NA’s 0.2 A rated output — a motor rated above 0.2 A will cause the inverter’s electronic thermal protection (OL) or overcurrent (OC) protection to activate before the motor reaches rated speed. For FR-E720-008-NA inverters where the motor runs at correct speed from the front panel but does not respond to the external analog speed reference, verify the analog input wiring polarity and verify that parameter Pr.73 (Analog input selection) is set to the correct voltage/current range matching the connected reference signal. Confirm the external speed reference signal is measured at the inverter’s 2 (analog input) and 5 (common) terminals — not at the signal source — as voltage drop across the wiring can reduce the measured voltage below the expected value at the inverter input. For intermittent E.OHT (external thermal relay) alarms with no external thermal relay connected, verify that parameter Pr.9 (Electronic thermal protection) is set correctly for the connected motor’s rated current — the default Pr.9 setting may trigger electronic thermal protection at lower-than-expected motor loading if the motor’s rated current differs from the FR-E720-008-NA’s default Pr.9 value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the FR-E720-008-NA drive a three-phase motor from a single-phase power supply?
A: Yes. This is the primary purpose of the FR-E720 single-phase input series — the inverter accepts single-phase 200–240 VAC input and outputs three-phase variable frequency AC to the motor. The single-phase input is rectified to DC, and the three-phase output is generated by the IGBT inverter bridge. The motor connected to the FR-E720-008-NA output must be a three-phase AC induction motor — single-phase motors (with capacitor start windings) cannot be driven by a VFD and must not be connected to the FR-E720-008-NA output.
Q: What is the maximum motor cable length permitted between the FR-E720-008-NA and the connected motor?
A: Mitsubishi recommends a maximum motor cable length of 30 metres between the FR-E720-008-NA and the motor for standard applications without output filters. Longer cable lengths increase the motor cable’s distributed capacitance, which can cause the inverter’s overcurrent protection to activate on capacitive charging current spikes during IGBT switching transitions. For cable lengths above 30 metres, reduce the inverter’s carrier frequency (Pr.72, Carrier frequency) to reduce capacitive charging current, or install an output AC reactor between the FR-E720-008-NA and the motor to limit the rate of voltage rise at the motor terminals.
Q: Can the FR-E720-008-NA’s RS-485 Modbus RTU interface communicate with a Mitsubishi FX5U PLC’s built-in RS-485 port?
A: Yes. The FX5U’s built-in RS-485 port can act as a Modbus RTU master, reading speed command values from the FX5U D registers and writing them to the FR-E720-008-NA via Modbus RTU register write commands (Modbus function code 06 or 10). The FR-E720-008-NA’s Modbus slave address and communication parameters are configured via inverter parameters Pr.117 (station number) and Pr.118–Pr.120 (baud rate, stop bits, parity) to match the FX5U’s Modbus master settings. This RS-485 Modbus integration eliminates the need for separate analog speed reference wiring from PLC analog output to inverter analog input.
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