ARLINGTON, Va. — The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recently published an industry-first standard for variable frequency drives (VFDs). As with all AHRI standards, 1210 (I-P)-2011 and 1211 (SI)-2011, Performance Rating of Variable Frequency Drives, are available for free on the AHRI website, www.ahrinet.org.

“What began in 2006 as a small group of members working toward a new Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute [AHRI’s predecessor organization] product section has led to a standard that will level the playing field and lead to yet another world-class AHRI certification program,” said Stephen Yurek, AHRI president and CEO.

Once considered a high-tech option for only the most elaborate HVACR systems, VFDs have been in the mainstream for several years, providing better efficiency with improved reliability. VFDs produce fast-rising, high-frequency pulses of electrical energy to control and power motors.