Legacy Drives, Modern Demands: Why the PowerFlex 70 Still Dominates in 2025

When it comes to industrial automation, staying current doesn't always mean chasing the newest model. In many factories across the U.S., legacy drives like the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 still run the show—and for good reason. Designed for performance, reliability, and versatility, the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 continues to be one of the most widely used variable frequency drives (VFDs) in legacy and mid-generation control systems, even in 2025.

But what makes this classic drive so hard to replace? And how can you keep yours running longer without risking downtime? In this guide, we’ll explore why the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 remains a staple, how it fits into today’s manufacturing environments, and what to do when it finally shows signs of wear.

A Proven Performer in a Changing Industry

Launched in the early 2000s, the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 was engineered as a mid-range drive ideal for applications up to 25 HP. It found its way into thousands of production lines due to its compact size, easy programming, and solid performance.

What separates the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 from many of its successors is its flexibility. It supports multiple communication modules—including DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profibus, and EtherNet/IP—and integrates smoothly with Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms. Whether you’re managing a bottling line, a conveyor system, or a packaging station, the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 has likely crossed your path.

Top Applications Where the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 Still Shines

• Conveyor systems in packaging and food production
• Mixers, pumps, and blowers in wastewater treatment
• Fans and HVAC systems in older buildings
• Custom OEM machines where control panels were designed around its footprint

In many of these scenarios, engineers choose to keep the drive in place because it “just works.” There's no need to rewrite ladder logic, rewire the panel, or disrupt productivity with a full control system upgrade.

How to Extend the Life of an Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70

1. Clean and Inspect Regularly: Dust, humidity, and heat are the silent killers of VFDs. Check vents, fans, and heat sinks quarterly.
2. Replace the Cooling Fan: Most failures occur due to overheating. Fan kits are easy to swap and can dramatically extend drive life.
3. Keep Spare HIM Modules: The Human Interface Module (especially the 20-HIM-A3) tends to wear out over time. Having a replacement on hand keeps diagnostics and parameter editing easy.
4. Watch for IGBT Warnings: Frequent overcurrent or undervoltage faults may signal that the power stage is wearing out.
5. Don’t Ignore Parameter Drift: Erratic behavior or intermittent failures could be signs of failing memory or corrupted EEPROM.

When to Consider Upgrading

• Drive faults become frequent or unpredictable
• You need Ethernet/IP or safety over Ethernet compatibility
• Support for the drive is ending within your company’s service contracts
• You’re consolidating drives and want unified software like Studio 5000

Still, upgrading doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire control cabinet. In many cases, we help customers source tested Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 drives to buy time before a major transition.

Why Choose Industrial Automation Co. for PowerFlex 70 Support?

• Stock hundreds of tested, warrantied Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives and components
• Offer fast same-day shipping and free technical support
• Provide a 2-year warranty on all refurbished or used parts
• Respond quickly to emergencies—we know downtime costs money

🔗 Need an Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 70 part fast? Contact our team or browse our inventory now.