Users of low voltage variable speed drives (VSD) can now keep processes running, test new applications or prove predicted energy savings before purchase, through a leasing program provided by the ABB authorised value provider network.

ABB has invested significantly in the rollout of a variable speed drive hire fleet across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with units extending from 3 kW up to several megawatts. Hire drives can be delivered the same day, and installed and commissioned within a matter of hours by engineers from one of twelve ABB authorised value providers. With a fast response, 24 hours a day, all year round, no other drive hire scheme offers such wide geographical coverage across the UK and Ireland.

Customers can choose from a wide range of drives, including the ABB general purpose drive, ABB machinery drive and ABB industrial drive. All are fully maintained and pre-loaded with the latest firmware.

There are four scenarios where hiring a drive can deliver customer benefits:

Emergency or unexpected failure: Hiring a drive can be a quick, low cost way of keeping critical processes running in the event of a breakdown. It reduces the cost of downtime whilst providing time to repair the failed equipment or to source and allocate capital for a permanent replacement.

Temporary capacity: Hire drives can be used for short-term, semi-permanent or seasonal applications, allowing companies to ramp process capacity up or down with ease, while eliminating storage and maintenance costs.

Prove predicted energy savings: If a variable speed application has not previously used a drive, or if an existing drive is due for upgrade, hiring can be a low cost way to prove predicted energy savings before purchase and in a real environment. This can help customers to make more informed buying decisions.

Equipment testing: Testing houses may be called upon to test variable speed applications, but may not have a suitable drive with which to pair it in-house. Hiring a drive can allow testing to get underway at short notice and low cost.

Drives are hired at a fixed daily rate (minimum hire period may apply), which includes all installation and maintenance for the duration of the hire. The ABB authorised value provider network can be contacted by telephone on 0333 005 7001, or via www.new.abb.com/uk/drives-for-hire.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com