Commander 2 and 3: Simple, Reliable VFDs Built for the Job
Posted by Flint and Walling | Featuring Ben Painter in the Training Center
The Commander 2 and Commander 3 drives from Flint & Walling are designed to make pump control simpler, smarter, and faster to set up. In a recent demo from our Training Center in Indiana, Ben Painter walked through a hands-on installation of the Commander 3. The entire setup took just minutes, and the results were steady, accurate pressure and smooth operation.
Whether you are new to variable frequency drives or looking to upgrade your system, the Commander series gives you everything you need without a steep learning curve.
Built for Three-Wire and Single-Phase Pumps
The Commander 3 supports three-wire, single-phase and three-wire, three-phase motors. It mounts easily with four slots and offers quick access to settings using dip switches and dials under the front cover. Each switch bank controls a different part of the drive’s behavior:
- Bank One adjusts motor settings like horsepower and phase type
- Bank Two manages pressure settings, including sensitivity and drawdown
- Bank Three offers advanced features like broken pipe detection and tank size
With these settings, you can quickly match the drive to your specific pump and system design.
Easy Setup from Start to Finish
Ben began by connecting incoming power, motor leads, and the transducer to the labeled terminal block. After that, it was all about dialing in the correct settings. He selected a one and a half horsepower three-wire, three-phase motor, confirmed the use of a transducer, and enabled features like broken pipe detection.
Each selection is made using toggle switches with clear labels. There is no programming screen or complicated interface. You get physical controls that are easy to understand and simple to use.
Once wired and set, Ben adjusted the pressure dial to 60 psi. With the valve open, the system held a steady 60 psi at five gallons per minute. When the valve closed and demand stopped, the drive entered standby mode, holding pressure without running unnecessarily.
Smart Features That Add Protection
The Commander 3 includes protection features that help prevent common system issues. These include:
- Underload and overload protection
- Broken pipe detection to stop the pump if flow is lost
- Drawdown control to manage small pressure drops
- Standby mode for energy savings when demand stops
These features help extend pump life and improve system performance without the need for external controls.
Designed for Contractors, Not Just Engineers
This system is made for the people who install and service pumps every day. You do not need a laptop or software to get it running. Everything is done at the panel using switches and dials.
Ben also mentioned that anyone attending Flint & Walling factory training will go deeper into drive setup and troubleshooting. This includes how to check line resistance, test for short circuits, and fix issues that can show up in the field.
Get Hands-On at Flint and Walling
Want to learn more? The best way to see how fast and easy these drives really are is to visit us in person. Join one of our factory trainings and get direct experience with the Commander 2 and Commander 3.
Or start exploring the product line now and discover how Flint & Walling makes pump control easier than ever.
Watch the Full Demo and Learn More
Want to see the Commander 3 in action? Check out the full installation demo on our YouTube channel for a step-by-step walkthrough with Ben Painter.
Need quick setup help in the field? Grab one of our CMDR2/3 VFD Pocket Guides, available through your local sales representative. These compact references make it easy to wire and configure on the job.
For questions, training opportunities, or to request materials, reach out to your Flint & Walling sales rep. We’re here to help you get the most out of every install.
