// Danfoss filters — IEEE 519 compliance

Harmonic Filters in Panama

Beiton Tecnología S.A. is the authorized distributor of Danfoss active (AAF) and passive (AHF) harmonic filters in Panama. Technical design, the right selection for your actual load, before/after measurement and local technical service.

AAF 007 — SiC: 60% lower losses, THDi <5%
AHF 005/010 — advanced passive filter
dU/dt and sine-wave filters to protect motors
Fluke measurement before and after, with an IEEE 519 report

Schedule an IEEE 519 measurement +507 368-6564

// The problem

Signs that you need to act

If you recognize one or more of these symptoms in your plant, there is a measurable, fixable root cause. We identify it in a single site visit.

01
Transformer derated by K-factor

Harmonics raise eddy-current losses. A 1000 kVA transformer with non-linear loads may deliver only 700 kVA effective. Filtering is 10× cheaper than replacing it.
02
The utility is watching your harmonic emissions

In Panama, the distribution utility applies the harmonic emission limits of the ASEP Distribution and Commercialization Regulation (IDAT/IDAI indicators, referred to the contracted current) and can penalize the excess. If the new load is not filtered in time, the problem surfaces weeks before commissioning.
03
Motor failing prematurely

dU/dt peaks above 1000 V/µs from VFDs with long cable runs degrade the winding insulation. A sealed motor fails in months instead of years.

// Products

Lines we carry

AAF 007

SiC active filter — new generation

Dynamic compensation of harmonics and reactive current. 60% lower losses than earlier generations. THDi <5% at the PCC with mixed loads. From 35 A to 600 A with modules in parallel.

See model details

AHF 005 / AHF 010

Advanced passive filters

High-performance passive filtering: AHF 005 brings THDi to ≈5% and AHF 010 to ≈10% at rated load. Higher efficiency (98.5%+). Ideal for pumping and HVAC with dedicated VFDs.

See model details

dU/dt filters

Peak attenuation

They reduce the dV/dt slope at the drive output. For motor cables of 30-150 m. Protects the winding insulation without the cost of sine-wave filters.

See details

Sine-wave filters

Sinusoidal voltage to the motor

They deliver clean sinusoidal voltage. For motor cables over 150 m, submersible pumps and motors in explosive areas. Higher cost, maximum protection.

See details

Drive with integrated filter

No external filter

VLT® Low Harmonic Drive, with an integrated active filter: THDi <5% directly. If you also need to regenerate energy to the grid, VACON® NXP AFE or iC7 with Active Front End. For applications with several large VFDs.

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Engineering + installation

Supply and installation

Prior measurement, technical selection, sizing, integration with the existing panel, commissioning and a comparative report.

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// Frequently asked questions

What we get asked most

Quick answers to the questions technical teams in Panama ask us most often.

Q01 When do I need a harmonic filter?

When you have measured with a Fluke analyzer and the current distortion at the PCC (TDD, referred to the maximum demand current) exceeds the IEEE 519-2022 limits for your Isc/IL ratio, or when the utility flags excess harmonic emissions under the ASEP regulation. Also when your transformers run hotter than normal without being overloaded, or when your UPS units and control electronics trip for no apparent reason.

Q02 AAF or AHF: which one do I choose?

AAF (Advanced Active Filter) is an active filter: it compensates harmonics and reactive current dynamically, adapts to the load and works well with a mix of VFDs and other non-linear sources. AHF (Advanced Harmonic Filter) is passive: cheaper, lower losses, excellent for applications with a stable load (pumping, HVAC with dedicated VFDs). A prior power quality analysis defines which one applies in your case.

Q03 How much do Danfoss filters reduce THDi?

The AAF 007 (new SiC generation) brings THDi from the 35-40% typical of a 6-pulse VFD down to <5% at the PCC. With correct sizing, AHF 005 reaches ≈5% and AHF 010 ≈10%. The VLT® Low Harmonic Drive integrates an active filter and reaches <5% directly at the source, with no external filter; it is not a regenerative AFE (for regenerating energy to the grid there are VACON® NXP AFE and iC7 with Active Front End).

Q04 What is an output filter and when do I need one?

Output filters (sine-wave or dU/dt) protect the motor from voltage reflections when the cable between drive and motor is long (typically over 30 m). Without a filter, the voltage peaks degrade the winding insulation and shorten its service life. Sine-wave filters deliver clean sinusoidal voltage; dU/dt filters only attenuate the rise slope. A critical application in submersible pumps, motors in explosive areas and long rewired runs.

Q05 Do you measure before and after installation?

Yes. We measure with a Fluke 1770/1775/1777 analyzer before installation (baseline) and afterwards (compliance verification). We deliver a comparative IEEE 519 report documenting the before and after and the compliance achieved. It is the kind of evidence the utility usually asks for when it reviews an installation's harmonic emissions.

Q06 How long does it take to install a harmonic filter?

For small passive AHF filters (5-45 kW): 1 day of installation plus 1 day of verification. For large AAF units or systems with several filters: 2-5 days depending on complexity. Import lead time for the equipment is 6-10 weeks from order confirmation; for urgent cases there is stock in the Danfoss regional warehouse.

Start with a measurement

Before quoting the filter we need to know which harmonics you generate and at what magnitude. A 7-day measurement with a Fluke analyzer defines the right solution.

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