Technical guide, , by Green Automatica engineering team · 2 min read
Siemens VFD programming and commissioning in Kenya: SINAMICS V20, G120 and S120
Siemens VFD programming and commissioning by on-site engineers in Kenya and across Africa: SINAMICS V20, G120 and S120. Startdrive in TIA Portal, fault finding, upgrades and full documentation.
SINAMICS drives run pumps, fans, mills and conveyors across the region. We commission and tune Siemens drives, connect them to S7 PLCs over PROFINET, and replace old MICROMASTER drives with current SINAMICS models.
Siemens VFDs we work on
- SINAMICS V20: compact drives for pumps, fans and conveyors
- SINAMICS G120 and G120C: modular drives with PROFINET and safety functions
- SINAMICS S120: high-performance and multi-axis drives
- MICROMASTER 4: legacy drives we maintain and replace
Software: Startdrive in TIA Portal, STARTER, SINAMICS V20 keypad and Smart Access. Networks: PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus RTU and USS.
Siemens VFD services
- Commissioning SINAMICS V20, G120 and S120 with motor identification and optimisation
- PID control, sleep mode and pump protection for water and process applications
- PROFINET integration with telegrams and diagnostics in the S7 PLC and HMI
- MICROMASTER 420/440 to SINAMICS G120 replacement
Our drive commissioning checklist
- Motor nameplate data entered and an auto-tune or motor identification run completed
- Correct control mode for the load: V/F for fans and pumps, vector control for high starting torque
- Acceleration and deceleration ramps, current limits and braking set for the machine
- Protections set: motor overload, phase loss, earth fault, stall and dry-run where relevant
- Speed reference and start/stop from the right source: keypad, terminals, PID or fieldbus
- Parameters saved to a file and a printed list left with the panel drawings
Why drive set-up matters for your energy bill
- On centrifugal pumps and fans, power falls with the cube of speed. Running 20% slower uses roughly half the power (0.8³ ≈ 0.51).
- A correctly tuned drive starts motors smoothly, which cuts mechanical stress, water hammer and belt wear.
- Built-in PID control holds pressure or flow without throttling valves, which wastes energy.
- Energy counters in the drive show exactly what each motor uses, so savings can be measured.
Tips from our engineers
Run the motor identification
Startdrive's motor data identification measures the motor and improves torque control. It is the single most effective step against nuisance trips.
Use safe torque off where it is built in
G120 and S120 drives include safe torque off (STO). Wired correctly to the safety circuit, it can replace extra contactors and speed up restarts.
Related guides
See also Siemens PLC, HMI and drive services overview, Siemens PLC programming, Siemens HMI programming, our VFD service page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you commission Siemens SINAMICS drives?
Yes. We commission SINAMICS V20, G120, G120C and S120 drives and integrate them with S7 PLCs.
Can you replace a MICROMASTER drive?
Yes. We select an equivalent SINAMICS drive, transfer the settings and commission it.