Danfoss has moved the VLT® Micro Drive FC 51 into the limited phase of its life cycle: the drive is no longer produced, and spare parts, maintenance and repair are offered only while materials are available. Danfoss store listings for FC 51 variants carry a last-time-buy date of 30 June 2026.
If you run machines, pumps or fans with FC 51 drives, plan the replacement now rather than when a drive fails.
The successor: iC2-Micro
Danfoss names the iC2-Micro as the successor to the FC 51. Danfoss designed it to replace the FC 51 in existing plants and describes it as backward compatible. It is a general-purpose micro drive for standard fan, pump, conveyor and textile applications.
Power ranges compared
| Supply | VLT® Micro Drive FC 51 | iC2-Micro |
|---|---|---|
| 1 × 200–240 V | 0.18–2.2 kW | 0.37–2.2 kW |
| 3 × 200–240 V | 0.25–3.7 kW | 0.37–3.7 kW |
| 3 × 380–480 V | 0.37–22 kW | 0.37–22 kW |
The iC2-Micro is also available for 1 × 100–120 V supplies. The smallest FC 51 sizes (0.18 kW and 0.25 kW) have no iC2-Micro rating of the same size; the 0.37 kW iC2-Micro is the usual choice there.
What to check before you swap
- Supply and power: match the mains voltage and phases, and the motor’s rated current, not only the kW figure.
- Dimensions and clearances: compare the mounting dimensions and the required clearances for your frame size. Danfoss publishes a comparison guide for FC 51 and iC2-Micro.
- Control wiring and parameters: note the terminal wiring and the parameters you changed from default (ramps, speed references, digital input functions) so the new drive can be set up the same way.
- Communication: if the drive is on a fieldbus, check that the iC2-Micro supports the same protocol for your application.
- EMC filter and enclosure: keep the same RFI filter class and enclosure rating as the original installation.
How we can help
Send us the ordering number (for example 132Fxxxx) or the full type code from the FC 51 nameplate. We will propose the matching iC2-Micro and quote it, and we can also check for remaining FC 51 stock where an identical unit is required.
Browse VLT® Micro Drive FC 51 and iC2-Micro drives, or see how to request a quote.
Sources: Danfoss product pages for the VLT® Micro Drive FC 51 and iC2-Micro, the iC2-Micro brochure, and Danfoss store listings (October 2026). Danfoss, VLT and iC2 are trademarks of Danfoss A/S. We are an independent supplier, not affiliated with Danfoss.