

The Schneider Electric Altivar 12 ATV12H055M2 variable speed drive is designed to control the speed and torque of three-phase asynchronous motors up to 0.55 kW / 0.75 HP from a single-phase 200 to 240 V AC power supply. It provides a rated output current of 3.5 A and a three-phase output voltage of 200 to 240 V, offering a compact solution for small machines, pumps, fans, and commercial equipment.
The ATV12H055M2 belongs to Schneider Electric’s Altivar 12 range and combines sensorless vector control, V/F regulation, Modbus communication, programmable inputs and outputs, an integrated EMC filter, and multiple electronic protections. Its wide output frequency range of 0.5 to 400 Hz allows the motor operation to be adapted to the real needs of each application.
This reference is sized for asynchronous motors with a rated power of:
Using a drive makes it possible to change the frequency applied to the motor to regulate its speed, perform smooth starts and stops, and adapt machine operation to process requirements.
A particularly important feature of the ATV12H055M2 is that it is powered from a 200-240 V AC single-phase supply, while its output is intended for a 200-240 V three-phase motor.
Therefore, the 1PH designation in the commercial reference refers exclusively to the drive’s input supply. It does not mean that the unit is designed to control a conventional single-phase motor.
The main supply characteristics are:
The drive provides a continuous rated output current of 3.5 A at a switching frequency of 4 kHz.
It also offers transient overload capability to handle short-term torque increases:
These features make it possible to handle certain transient loads during acceleration or brief increases in load, always within Schneider Electric’s specified limits.
The ATV12H055M2 allows the output frequency to be adjusted between 0.5 and 400 Hz, providing a wide speed regulation range for the motor.
The configured maximum frequency must always respect the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the motor and the driven machine. The fact that the drive can reach 400 Hz does not mean that any motor can operate safely at that frequency.
Schneider Electric incorporates different control profiles for asynchronous motors:
Sensorless vector control improves motor performance and torque regulation without the need to install an external encoder.
The Altivar 12 offers an approximate transient torque of 150 to 170% of the motor’s rated torque, depending on the drive power and the characteristics of the motor used.
This capability is useful during certain accelerations or brief mechanical load increases.
Schneider Electric specifies a speed range of 1 to 20 for the ATV12H055M2.
This capability, combined with sensorless vector control, makes it possible to regulate motor operation over a wide range for pumping, ventilation, conveying, and small machine applications.
The switching frequency can be configured between 2 and 16 kHz.
Adjusting the switching frequency helps balance motor acoustic noise, heating, and electrical performance.
The drive allows acceleration and deceleration ramps to be configured from 0 to 999.9 seconds.
Schneider Electric provides linear, S-curve, and U-curve ramp profiles, allowing the machine response to be adapted to different mechanical needs.
A smooth start can reduce stress on:
The Altivar 12 allows a controlled stop using DC injection for up to 30 seconds.
In addition, Schneider Electric specifies a braking torque of up to approximately 70% of the motor rated torque without a braking resistor.
This reference does not include an integrated braking chopper, which must be taken into account when the application requires especially fast braking or high regenerative energy.
The Schneider Electric ATV12H055M2 includes Modbus communication protocol as standard.
Connection is made via:
Communication makes it possible to integrate the drive into certain automation systems to read parameters, statuses, and operating values or modify compatible setpoints.
The unit has 4 programmable digital inputs LI1-LI4 at 24 V DC.
These inputs can be configured for different automation functions, including:
The drive supports positive Source logic and negative Sink logic depending on the selected configuration.
The ATV12H055M2 includes 1 analog input AI1, configurable for different setpoint signals:
This input can receive a speed reference from potentiometers, controllers, sensors, or compatible automation systems.
It also includes 1 analog output AO1, configurable as:
It can be used to transmit operating information to compatible external equipment.
The Altivar 12 includes outputs intended for signaling and external control:
The relay output supports, among other capabilities, up to 3 A at 250 V AC for resistive load within Schneider Electric’s specified conditions.
The drive incorporates auxiliary supplies to facilitate the connection of control devices:
Both supplies include overload and short-circuit protection within their rated values.
The ATV12H055M2 reference includes an integrated EMC filter to limit conducted electromagnetic disturbances generated during operation.
Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility levels depends on the type of installation, switching frequency, motor cable length, shielding, and other conditions indicated by Schneider Electric.
The drive includes different protection functions to monitor the unit and the connected motor.
These include:
For the electronic motor thermal protection to work correctly, the parameters corresponding to the motor nameplate must be configured properly.
The ATV12 includes motor slip compensation, factory preset and configurable.
This function helps compensate for part of the speed reduction experienced by an asynchronous motor when the mechanical load increases.
Schneider Electric mainly targets the Altivar 12 range at simple machines, industry, commercial equipment, and HVAC applications.
Typical applications include:
Schneider Electric highlights the Altivar 12 for ventilation and pumping applications, where speed regulation makes it possible to adapt flow or pressure to the system’s actual demand.
In this type of application, reducing speed when full-capacity operation is not needed can help lower energy consumption.
The ATV12H055M2 is the heat sink version. It is designed to be installed while respecting the clearances, ventilation, and orientation indicated by Schneider Electric.
The specified nominal thermal dissipation for this reference is approximately 34 W.
The drive has an IP20 protection rating without the top blanking plate.
For this reason, it is intended mainly for installation inside a suitable cabinet or electrical enclosure. It must not be installed directly in environments where it may be exposed to water, dust, or other agents incompatible with its protection rating.
The Schneider Electric ATV12H055M2 has reduced dimensions that make it easy to integrate into machine control panels:
Total height may vary when additional EMC compliance kits or accessories are installed.
Schneider Electric specifies:
Between 1,000 and 2,000 m, Schneider Electric specifies an approximate current reduction of 1% for every additional 100 m.
The drive is designed to withstand the usual mechanical conditions of professional installations:
The Schneider Electric Altivar 12 ATV12H055M2 is especially useful when a 200-240 V single-phase supply is available and a compatible three-phase asynchronous motor of up to 0.55 kW needs to be controlled.
Its 3.5 A output, adjustable frequency up to 400 Hz, sensorless vector control, Modbus, and configurable inputs and outputs make it suitable for numerous small machines and ventilation, pumping, and conveying systems.
At only 72 mm wide, the ATV12H055M2 combines speed control, motor electronic protection, communication, and automation functions in a compact format designed for panel mounting.
Its integrated EMC filter, ramp adjustment, slip compensation, and torque capability make it easier to create simple motor control solutions without adding multiple separate devices.
Important: the 1PH designation refers to the 200-240 V single-phase input. The ATV12H055M2 output is three-phase 200-240 V and is intended for a compatible three-phase asynchronous motor. Before installation, check the motor nameplate, connection voltage, rated current, power, and permissible frequency. The drive also does not replace the external protection and isolation devices required by the installation.