There are four basic motor control options available: Basic contactors, traditional starters, manual motor starters, or combination starters. A basic contactor is a special purpose relay that is used to control large electrical currents. Similarly, a traditional starter utilizes overload relays, auxiliary and alarm contacts, and mechanical interlocks to create a reversing unit. On the other hand a manual motor starter is a protective device for motor use that provides optimal protection by integrating the functions of a molded case circuit breaker and thermal overload relay into a compact unit. In comparison, a combination starter is comprised of combining a manual motor starter and a magnetic contactor to achieve a compact motor control that minimizes enclosure space requirements.
Simply follow these 3 steps to choose the best fit.
1. What Does the Application Require?
Contactor
Typical Applications
- Electronic switching
- Lighting
- Resistive loads
- Non-motor-related inductive loads
- Disconnect switches
- VFD bypass/isolation
Traditional Starters
Contactor and Overload Relay
Typical Applications:
- Inductive motor starting and control
- NEC 430 and 409 fulfillment
- Nm starter replacement/ retrofit
Manual Motor Starters
Manual Motor Starter (MMS)
Typical Applications:
- Inductive motor starting and manual control
- NEC 430 fulfillment
- Lockout/tagout
- UL 508, type E
- Not AC-4 rated
Combination Starters
Manual Motor Starter, Contactor, Link Module, and Base Plate
Typical Applications:
- Inductive motor starting and control
- NEC 430 and 409 fulfillment
- Lockout/tagout
- UL 508, type F
2. Consider These Factors When Selecting Components:
- Load type: Resistive (AC-1) or inductive (AC-3)
- Duty cycle: One direction, reversing, plugging (AC-4)
- Horsepower (hp) and full load amperage (FLA)
3. Select Your Components.
Parts listed here are Fuji motor controls components available at www.AutomationDirect.com/motor-controls.
Duo Series
SC-E Contactor
- 1/2 to 100 hp @ 480 V
- 9-150 A (AC-3)
Odyssey Series
3N Contactor
- 60 to 300 hp
- 180-361 A (AC-3)
Duo Series
SC-E Contactor
TK-E Overload Relay
- 1/2 to 100 hp @ 480 V
Odyssey Series
3N Contactor
3N Overload Relay
- 60 to 300 hp
Duo Series
BM3 Manual Motor Starter
- 1/2 to 40 hp @ 480 V
Duo Series
BM3 Manual Motor Starter
SC-EContactor BZ0L Link Module
BZ0BP Base Plate
- 1/2 to 40 hp @ 480 V
If you would like to learn more visit www.AutomationDirect.com/motor-controls.
