Many industrial facilities are still operating machinery built around the Lenze 8200 and 8400 drive ranges. These drives have been widely used for years due to their reliability and flexibility in automation systems.
However, as technology evolves, manufacturers eventually phase out older products.
Lenze has now moved these drives into obsolescence, meaning replacement units will become increasingly difficult to source.
So what are your options if your system still relies on these drives?
1. Replace the Drive with a Modern Equivalent
The recommended successor to both the 8200 and 8400 series is the new:
Lenze i550 frequency inverter
The i550 range offers several advantages:
Improved energy efficiency
Modern communication protocols
Compact design
Simplified commissioning
Long-term product support
For many applications, the i550 can be integrated with minimal system changes.
2. Consider System Compatibility
Before replacing a drive, several factors should be checked:
Motor power and current rating
Control method (V/f, vector control, etc.)
Fieldbus or communication requirements
Physical mounting space
Existing wiring and parameter settings
A direct swap is not always possible, but in most cases a suitable replacement can be configured quickly.
3. Plan Ahead for Future Failures
Many facilities continue running obsolete drives until failure. Unfortunately, this can lead to unexpected downtime if replacements are not immediately available.
If your system still uses:
Lenze 8200 drives
Lenze 8400 drives
it is worth planning a controlled upgrade strategy before a failure occurs.
4. Getting Advice on the Best Replacement
At Modern Drives and Controls Ltd, we work closely with Lenze and can help identify the correct replacement for obsolete drives.
We can assist with:
Selecting the correct i550 replacement
Parameter migration where possible
Drive supply and commissioning advice
Minimising downtime during upgrades
If you’re unsure which drive you need, our engineers are happy to help.
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If you would like advice on replacing obsolete drives or selecting the correct alternative, please contact the team at Modern Drives and Controls Ltd.
