Technical guide, , by Green Automatica engineering team · 2 min read
ABB drive and PLC programming in Kenya: ACS580, ACS880, ACS355 and AC500
Commissioning and configuring ABB ACS drives with Drive Composer, pump and fan control, fieldbus integration, and programming AC500 PLCs and CP600 panels in Automation Builder.
ABB drives power pumps, fans, conveyors, mills and compressors across Africa. A drive that is installed but never properly commissioned wastes energy and trips more often. We commission, configure and troubleshoot ABB drives, and program ABB AC500 PLCs and CP600 panels for complete machine control.
ABB equipment we program and configure
| Equipment | Product families | Software we use |
|---|---|---|
| VFDs | ACS150, ACS180, ACS355, ACS380, ACS580, ACS880 | Drive Composer, assistant control panel |
| PLCs | AC500, AC500-eCo | Automation Builder |
| HMI | CP600 control panels | Panel Builder 600 (Automation Builder) |
Networks and protocols: Built-in Modbus RTU on many drives, plus fieldbus adapters for PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP.
What we do on ABB systems
- Drive commissioning: motor data, identification run, ramps, limits and protections
- Pump and fan applications: PID control, sleep and boost, multi-pump control
- Fieldbus integration so the PLC and SCADA see speed, current, energy and faults
- Fault finding on drive trips: overcurrent, overvoltage, earth faults, overheating
- AC500 PLC programs and CP600 screens for machines and pumping stations
How we work on your ABB system
- Back up first. Before we touch anything, we upload and save the existing program, HMI project and drive parameters, so the machine can always be returned to how it was.
- Understand the process. We walk the machine with your operators and maintenance team, and agree in writing what the change or new program must do.
- Program and test offline. Logic, screens and drive settings are prepared and checked before site work, to keep downtime short.
- Commission on site. We test every input, output, interlock and alarm with your team, then run the machine under real load.
- Hand over properly. You receive the final, commented program, HMI project, drive parameter files, I/O list and drawings, plus training for your technicians.
Practical tips from our engineers
Run the motor identification
Entering the motor nameplate data and running the identification routine gives better speed control and fewer nuisance trips, especially on heavy-starting loads.
Use the energy functions
ACS580 and ACS880 drives include energy optimisation and energy counters. Turning them on shows exactly what each pump or fan uses and saves.
Save parameters with Drive Composer
A parameter backup saved on a laptop means a replacement drive can be loaded and running in minutes after a failure.
Detailed ABB guides
- ABB PLC programming in Kenya
- ABB HMI programming in Kenya
- ABB VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya
Related services
See our PLC programming, SCADA and HMI and VFD and drives services, or read our overview of PLC, HMI and VFD programming for every major brand.
Frequently asked questions
Can you commission ABB ACS580 drives?
Yes. We commission and configure ACS580, ACS880, ACS355, ACS380, ACS180 and ACS150 drives, including PID, multi-pump and fieldbus control.
Do you program ABB AC500 PLCs?
Yes, using Automation Builder, together with CP600 panels for the operator screens.