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Direct Import Pricing
As a direct importer of KB Electronics products, we can offer competitive pricing without unnecessary middlemen, passing savings on to our customers.
CategoryKB Drives
KB Electronics by Nidec
AC & DC Variable Speed Drives
Reliable, ready-to-use variable speed drives for AC and DC motors from sub-fractional through to 5 horsepower. Motordrives Australia is a direct importer of the KB Electronics range, offering local support and competitive pricing across the full product line.
KB Electronics AC Drives
KB Electronics AC Drives
Variable frequency AC drives from KB Electronics for controlled speed, smooth torque and efficient operation across industrial motor applications.
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KB Electronics DC Drives
KB Electronics DC Drives
Variable speed DC motor controllers from KB Electronics for permanent magnet, shunt wound and universal DC motors across industrial and OEM applications.
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AC Frequency Converter
Bosch Rexroth EFC 3610 / EFC 5610 AC Frequency Converter
The Bosch Rexroth EFC 3610 and EFC 5610 are economical, easy-to-use frequency converters for electronic speed and torque control, covering 0.4 kW to 90 kW (0.5 to 125 hp), with the EFC 5610 adding sensorless vector control, permanent magnet motor support and Safe Torque Off up to SIL3 Cat.4/PL e.
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Variable Speed Control for a Wide Range of Motors
KB Electronics, a Nidec brand, manufactures a comprehensive range of variable speed drives suited to AC induction, DC permanent magnet, shunt wound, universal, brushless DC, PMSM, PSC and shaded pole motors.
The KB product line is split into two main categories — AC Drives and DC Drives — each available across multiple enclosure types and power ratings. AC drives cover three-phase AC induction motors from 1/8 through 5 HP, with input voltages including 115, 208/230 and 400/460 VAC at 50/60 Hz. DC drives provide variable speed for DC motors from sub-fractional ratings up to 5 HP, with 115 and 208/230 VAC single-phase input. Enclosure options across both ranges include Chassis (IP20), NEMA 1 (IP50) and NEMA 4X (IP65) variants, so there is typically a model suited to panel-mount, general-purpose or washdown environments.
Motordrives Australia has supplied the KB Electronics range since 2017 and imports stock directly. Whether you need a single replacement drive for an existing installation or are specifying drives for a new project, our team can help you navigate the range and identify the right model for your motor type, voltage requirements and operating environment.
More About KB Electronics AC & DC DrivesConstruction, features and product selection information
Overview
KB Electronics, now part of the Nidec group, is a well-established manufacturer of compact variable speed drives for fractional and low-horsepower motor applications. The range covers both AC and DC motor technologies, with over 200 individual models available off the shelf.
Motordrives Australia carries the KB Electronics range across two main product categories:
KB AC Drives provide variable frequency control for three-phase AC induction motors from 1/8 through 5 horsepower. These drives feature Sensorless Flux Vector Compensation with Static Auto-Tune, delivering reliable speed regulation from zero to full load without requiring an external encoder. AC drives are available with single-phase and three-phase input at 115, 208/230 and 400/460 VAC, and in Chassis (IP20), NEMA 1 (IP20 and IP50) and NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosure styles. Custom configurations for OEM applications involving brushless DC, PMSM, PSC and shaded pole motors may also be available.
KB DC Drives offer variable speed control for permanent magnet, shunt wound and universal DC motors from sub-fractional ratings up to 5 horsepower. Drive technologies include SCR (thyristor-based) and PWM (pulse-width modulation) types, with options for non-reversing, relay-reversing and regenerative reversing operation. DC drives accept single-phase input at 115 or 208/230 VAC and are available in Chassis (IP20), NEMA 1 (IP50) and NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosures. Battery-powered DC-to-DC controllers covering up to 4 HP are also part of the range.
Both product families are supported by a wide selection of accessories including horsepower resistors, signal isolators, line filters, potentiometer kits and mounting hardware.
Selection Guidance
Choosing the right KB drive starts with understanding your motor and your application. Here are some practical considerations:
Identify your motor type first. If you are running a three-phase AC induction motor, you will need an AC drive (variable frequency inverter). If your motor is a DC type — whether permanent magnet, shunt wound or universal — a DC drive is the appropriate choice. Motor nameplate data including voltage, current and horsepower ratings will help narrow the selection.
Consider your supply voltage and phase. KB AC drives accept both single-phase and three-phase input depending on the model, while DC drives generally operate from single-phase input. Make sure the drive you select matches your available mains supply.
Match the enclosure to your environment. For clean, dry panel installations, a Chassis (IP20) model may be sufficient. General-purpose indoor environments typically suit NEMA 1 (IP50) enclosed drives. For washdown areas, outdoor exposure or dusty conditions, the NEMA 4X (IP65) range provides a higher level of ingress protection in a robust die-cast aluminium housing.
Factor in accessories. Some KB DC drives require a plug-in horsepower resistor matched to your specific motor rating. Other common accessories include line fuses, signal isolators, RFI filters and auxiliary heat sinks. Our team can advise on which accessories are needed for your particular setup.
If you are unsure which model is right for your application, contact Motordrives Australia with your motor details and a description of what you are trying to achieve. We will recommend a suitable drive and any necessary accessories.
Support From Motordrives Australia
Motordrives Australia has been supplying KB Electronics drives to Australian industry since 2017. As a direct importer, we maintain access to the full KB product catalogue and can source standard models as well as less common configurations.
Our support includes assistance with drive selection, motor-to-drive matching, replacement identification for discontinued models and general application guidance. Whether you are an OEM machine builder, a maintenance engineer replacing an existing unit, or specifying drives for a new project, we are here to help.
To discuss your requirements or request a quote, reach out to our team via the enquiry form or contact page. We are happy to review your application details and provide a tailored recommendation.
Industries and Applications8 common applications and sectors
KB drives are used across a broad range of industries where reliable, compact variable speed control is needed. Their ready-to-use design and wide model range make them suitable for many standard and specialised applications.
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Conveyor Systems
Variable speed control for belt and roller conveyors in warehousing, packaging and distribution, allowing precise speed adjustment to match throughput requirements.
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Pumps and Mixers
Speed regulation for small pumps, agitators and mixing equipment used in chemical processing, water treatment and food production environments.
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Packaging Machinery
Consistent motor control for wrapping, sealing, labelling and filling machines where repeatable speed is essential to product quality.
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Material Handling
Drives for hoists, lifts, turntables and feed systems in manufacturing and logistics operations requiring smooth acceleration and deceleration.
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Printing and Paper
Precise speed regulation for web-fed and sheet-fed printing equipment, laminators and paper converting machinery.
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Food and Beverage
NEMA 4X (IP65) enclosed drives can be suitable for washdown areas in food processing and beverage production where ingress protection is required.
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OEM Equipment
Custom drive configurations are available for OEM machine builders requiring tailored solutions for brushless DC, PMSM, PSC or shaded pole motor applications.
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Agricultural Equipment
Rugged enclosed drives for feed systems, ventilation fans and grain handling equipment used in farming and poultry operations.
We Can Help
Drive Selection and Technical Support
With over 200 models in the KB range, finding the right drive can feel overwhelming. Motordrives Australia can assist with selection, specification and ongoing support to ensure you get the right unit for your application.
- Motor type identification and drive matching
- Voltage and phase configuration guidance
- Enclosure rating selection for your environment
- Accessory and horsepower resistor recommendations
- Replacement and cross-reference for legacy KB models
- Application-specific advice for OEM and industrial use
Not Sure Which Drive You Need?
Send us your motor nameplate details and a brief description of your application. Our team will recommend a suitable KB drive and any required accessories.
- AC Drive Range
- 1/8 to 5 HP, single-phase and three-phase input
- DC Drive Range
- Sub-fractional to 5 HP, single-phase input
- Enclosures
- Chassis (IP20), NEMA 1 (IP50), NEMA 4X (IP65)
- Supply Voltage
- 115, 208/230 and 400/460 VAC — 50/60 Hz
Why Choose Us
Why Source KB Drives From Motordrives Australia
We have been supplying KB Electronics drives to Australian industry since 2017 and understand the local requirements for power transmission and motor control.
02
Local Technical Knowledge
Our team understands Australian voltage standards, environmental conditions and industry applications, so we can provide relevant, practical advice on drive selection.
03
Full Range Access
We can source across the complete KB product catalogue — including AC drives, DC drives, battery DC-to-DC controls, brushless DC drives and the full range of accessories.
FAQs
Common Questions About KB Electronics Drives
What is the difference between KB AC drives and DC drives?
KB AC drives are variable frequency inverters designed for three-phase AC induction motors, typically from 1/8 to 5 HP. KB DC drives are SCR or PWM-based speed controllers for DC motors including permanent magnet, shunt wound and universal types, covering sub-fractional to 5 HP. The choice depends on your motor type and application.
What enclosure ratings are available?
KB drives are available in Chassis (IP20) for panel mounting, NEMA 1 (IP50) for general-purpose enclosed use, and NEMA 4X (IP65) for washdown or harsh environments. The NEMA 4X models are housed in rugged die-cast aluminium enclosures with hinged covers.
Do KB AC drives work with 50 Hz power supplies in Australia?
Yes, KB AC drives are rated for 50/60 Hz operation, making them compatible with the Australian 50 Hz mains supply. Available input voltages include 115, 208/230 and 400/460 VAC across single-phase and three-phase configurations.
What does Sensorless Flux Vector Compensation mean on KB AC drives?
KB AC drives feature Sensorless Flux Vector Compensation with Static Auto-Tune. This technology provides strong speed regulation from zero to full load across a wide frequency range, along with automatic energy savings at lighter loads and smooth motor torque output — all without the need for a motor-mounted encoder.
Can Motordrives Australia help me find a replacement for an older KB drive?
Yes. The KB range has evolved over the years and some models have been discontinued with suggested cross-over replacements. Contact our team with your existing drive model number and we can identify a suitable current replacement.
Ready to Specify Your KB Drive?
Whether you need a single AC inverter, a DC motor controller or a complete drive-and-motor package, Motordrives Australia can help. Get in touch with your requirements and we will provide a recommendation and pricing.