Quick Takeaways
- NORD DRIVESYSTEMS is adding functional safety features to its decentralized NORDAC ON and ON+ variable frequency drives.
- The reported safety functions include options such as safe torque off, safe stop, safely limited speed and safe maximum speed.
- The update also points to safety-related communication options including PROFIsafe and FSoE.
- Buyers should review the exact safety functions, network interfaces and motor-drive combinations before specifying a compact decentralized drive package.
Industry Update
Automation.com reported on August 24 that NORD DRIVESYSTEMS now offers integrated functional safety features for its decentralized NORDAC ON and ON+ variable frequency drives. The drive family is positioned for decentralized motor control, where the drive is installed near the motor instead of being concentrated only in a cabinet.
The reported functions include safe torque off, safe stop, safely limited speed and safe maximum speed. The article also notes extended options for safety-related communication interfaces, including PROFIsafe and FSoE, which are commonly evaluated in networked automation systems.
For equipment builders, this kind of drive update is relevant because safety capability is no longer checked only at the machine controller level. Motor drive selection can affect wiring layout, enclosure space, commissioning scope and how closely the drive package matches the safety architecture of the full machine.
Buyer Considerations
Buyers comparing decentralized VFDs should confirm which safety functions are available on the exact NORDAC ON or ON+ variant being quoted. A product family announcement does not automatically mean every voltage, power range, fieldbus option or regional configuration carries the same feature set.
For conveyors, packaging machinery, autonomous handling systems and distributed factory cells, drive-integrated safety can influence how many separate components are required around the motor. The practical question is whether the selected motor, gearbox, drive and safety network can be ordered, documented and maintained as one compatible package.
Engineering teams should also ask suppliers for the applicable safety documentation, supported network profiles, commissioning requirements and replacement-part path. These checks help avoid a mismatch between the motor drive hardware and the machine's safety validation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed in this NORD drive update?
NORD is adding functional safety features to its decentralized NORDAC ON and ON+ variable frequency drives, including reported options such as safe torque off, safe stop, safely limited speed and safe maximum speed.
Does this affect motor buyers directly?
Yes, when buyers are specifying a motor, gearbox and drive package for decentralized automation. The available safety functions and communication interfaces can affect panel layout, wiring, commissioning and maintenance planning.
Which applications should review this update?
Conveyor systems, packaging machinery, autonomous material handling, distributed production cells and other machines using decentralized motor drives should check whether the available safety functions match the machine design.
What should buyers verify before selecting the drive?
Buyers should verify the exact model configuration, supported safety functions, compatible fieldbus or safety network, regional availability and required documentation with the supplier.
Source
This article summarizes publicly available source information. Confirm technical details, pricing and compliance requirements with the original source before making purchasing decisions.
Source date: 2026-08-25