A technical comparison of ABB ACS880-31-045A-3 and ACS880-34-246A-3, covering ultra-low harmonic architecture, regenerative operation, duty ratings, cabinet integration, cooling and RFQ verification.
From 22 kW Wall-Mounted Control to a 132 kW Cabinet Module: Two ACS880 Drives, Two Very Different Projects
ABB's latest steel-industry project shows the breadth of the ACS880 platform. This engineering guide turns that platform story into a practical comparison of ACS880-31-045A-3 and ACS880-34-246A-3.
The two products share an ACS880 name and active-front-end technology, but they are not interchangeable. ACS880-31-045A-3 is a 22 kW wall-mounted ultra-low harmonic single drive. ACS880-34-246A-3 is a 132 kW R11 drive module that requires engineered cabinet integration, substantially greater cooling and project-specific main-circuit design.
What ABB's steel-mill project tells drive buyers
The announcement is useful as platform context, but it does not identify either SalesPLCAuto model as a project BOM item.
High-dynamic machinery needs more than a power match
ABB's UK steel-mill project covers a new coil box and crop shear. These machines operate under high temperature and rapidly changing mechanical loads, so the drive solution must coordinate acceleration, deceleration, torque response and production-line timing.
The announced scope includes ACS880 liquid-cooled multidrive cabinets and modules, ACS880 single drives and low-voltage AC induction motors. ABB expects the project to commence in the second half of 2027.
Read the official ABB project announcement →Select a model, then test its duty rating
Switch between the two exact models. The duty selector shows why a single headline kilowatt value is not enough for drive selection.
A self-contained drive for individual equipment
ACS880-31-045A-3 is a 400 V-class wall-mounted single drive. Its active-front-end architecture is intended to reduce input-current distortion, improve power factor and support bidirectional energy flow when the system design permits regeneration.
Its comparatively complete package suits individual machines where a standalone drive is preferred over a custom cabinet module.
A high-power module for engineered cabinet integration
ACS880-34-246A-3 is a 400 V-class R11 drive module. It belongs in an engineered cabinet with project-specific protection, isolation, power cabling or busbars, control equipment, airflow and maintenance access.
The module format offers flexibility at higher power, but it transfers more responsibility to cabinet and system engineering.
Duty-rating explorer
Select the operating duty. The values update for the active model.
Nominal rating for ACS880-31-045A-3. Confirm ambient temperature, switching frequency, altitude and installation derating separately.
How active-front-end and regenerative operation fit together
Select a stage to see what must be checked. On small screens, swipe horizontally through the system path.
Plant grid: prove that the network supports the project
Record the supply voltage, frequency, transformer data, short-circuit level, grounding arrangement and the site's rules for regenerated power. A drive's regenerative capability does not by itself confirm that the plant network can accept returned energy.
The architecture matters before the kilowatts
This comparison separates the major design decisions. It is not a substitute for the complete ABB type code, option list and project drawings.
Wall-mounted single drive
R6 enclosureA comparatively complete ultra-low harmonic drive for standalone equipment and field wiring.
Cabinet-integrated drive module
R11 moduleA high-power module requiring engineered protection, cooling, cabling or busbars and service access.
Select a checkpoint above. Always confirm the complete ABB type code and project drawings before replacement approval.
Standalone medium-power equipment
Start with ACS880-31-045A-3 when the project calls for a 22 kW-class wall-mounted drive and the electrical design places value on harmonic mitigation and regenerative operation.
High-power regenerative cabinet
Evaluate ACS880-34-246A-3 when a 132 kW-class module must be integrated into a purpose-built cabinet for a high-inertia or energy-regenerative application.
Installed-base replacement
Begin with the existing nameplate and drawings. A similar ACS880 model may differ in frame, terminals, control unit, software, cooling or option codes.
Choose the project condition, then build the RFQ
The selector provides a procurement starting point, not a compatibility approval.
Start with ACS880-31-045A-3
Use the 22 kW wall-mounted model as the initial reference, then verify the real duty.
- Confirm 380–415 V supply and 22 kW nominal versus 18.5 kW heavy-duty requirements.
- Record motor data, cable length, fieldbus, feedback and safety options.
- Check the site's harmonic and regenerative-power requirements.
Swipe between the two exact ACS880 references
Use the left and right arrows to review the published SalesPLCAuto product pages. These are selection references, not confirmed items from ABB's steel-mill project.
ABB ACS880-31-045A-3
22 kW, 45 A, 400 V-class ultra-low harmonic drive. Verify the complete option code, duty class, fieldbus, feedback, safety and firmware configuration before ordering.
View product page →
ABB ACS880-34-246A-3
132 kW, 246 A, 400 V-class R11 drive module. Verify the cabinet design, protection, cooling, control unit, interfaces and regeneration requirements before ordering.
View product page →ABB ACS880 selection questions
Open each question for a concise engineering and procurement answer.
Are ACS880-31-045A-3 and ACS880-34-246A-3 interchangeable?
No. The ACS880-31-045A-3 is a 22 kW R6 wall-mounted single drive, while the ACS880-34-246A-3 is a 132 kW R11 module for engineered cabinet integration. Power, current, frame, terminals, cooling and installation architecture differ.
Why is the heavy-duty power lower than the nominal power?
Heavy-duty ratings allow for more demanding current and overload conditions. For these models, the published heavy-duty references are 18.5 kW for ACS880-31-045A-3 and 110 kW for ACS880-34-246A-3. The real duty must also account for ambient temperature, altitude and switching-frequency derating.
Does regenerative capability guarantee that energy can be returned to the plant network?
No. The drive architecture can support bidirectional power flow, but the transformer, protection, grounding arrangement and plant rules must also permit regenerated power. Quantify the braking-energy profile before approving the system.
What information is required for an installed-base replacement?
Provide the complete type code and option codes, nameplate and connector photographs, motor data, control-unit model, firmware, fieldbus and feedback modules, parameter backup, cabinet photographs and existing electrical drawings.
Which product PDF should be reviewed before an RFQ?
Use the exact-model PDF page for the ACS880-31-045A-3 or ACS880-34-246A-3 below. Confirm the document revision and compare it with the installed nameplate and project documentation.
Exact-model PDF pages on SalesPLCAuto
These links stay on SalesPLCAuto and open the product-specific document pages.
Open the product PDF for the selected drive
Verify the document revision, complete ordering code and installed configuration before use. SalesPLCAuto is an independent supplier and is not an authorized ABB distributor, dealer or representative. Product names, model numbers and trademarks are used for identification purposes only.
Build an ACS880 inquiry for Frida
Complete the inquiry fields, then open a prepared email for review. Nothing is sent until you check the message and press Send in your email service.
Please attach nameplate, connector and cabinet photographs in the email after the prepared message opens.
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