Regenerative Control
June 8, 2011Precision Potentiometer: Nema 12
June 15, 2011Driven by Excellence
Solid State Starter Types & Benefits
If you’ve got an older motor in your industrial facility and are continuously having to replace contactors, consider upgrading to a solid state starter (or soft starter). These starters can improve operation and save money in the long run.
One benefit of upgrading is solid state starters eliminate the need to replace moving contactors. You’ll save time and money as well as reduce noise that occurs from contacts during operation.
Conventional starters often cause power surges or spikes. This can limit the overall performance of other systems that are being used throughout the facility. With the elimination of power surges, solid state starters reduce the electrical burden on other electrical devices and equipment within the facility. Mechanical torque transients are eliminated as well. These starters are also flexible; therefore, you can choose the current for starting that works best for a particular motor.
One benefit of upgrading is solid state starters eliminate the need to replace moving contactors. You’ll save time and money as well as reduce noise that occurs from contacts during operation.
Conventional starters often cause power surges or spikes. This can limit the overall performance of other systems that are being used throughout the facility. With the elimination of power surges, solid state starters reduce the electrical burden on other electrical devices and equipment within the facility. Mechanical torque transients are eliminated as well. These starters are also flexible; therefore, you can choose the current for starting that works best for a particular motor.
How Is Voltage Reduced With a Solid State Starter?
The current flowing into the motor at startup can be reduced thanks to a reduction in the output voltage of the starter. This keeps the motor’s startup current within the values it was programmed to handle. Basically a reduced voltage starter delivers any voltage (from 0 to full supply) without the motor’s frequency being changed during the process. Voltage is controlled by an anti-parallel connection, which allows the current to flow in both directions. The best application for a soft starter is to apply it to a motor that does not require high levels of torque during its start-up.Types of Solid State Starters
We carry a variety of solid state starter products in our inventory that can help your equipment operate more smoothly each day. Our diverse product line of soft starters for AC motors contains multiple devices designed to reduce wear and tear on machines and create more effective work environments.Some of the models we have in stock include:
- SAF Drive CMS6B Crusher Duty Soft Starter: If you need a powerful tool that can increase the efficiency of heavy-duty mining equipment, then you need this Crusher Duty Soft Starter. Built with a 500% overload capacity, a fused 120VAC control power supply and a high level of durability, this starter provides your machines with all the motor support they need.
- Opal Pro MS6 and MS6B Series: With intuitive settings and programming options, Opal Pro Series starters provide you with the easy usage and toughness you need to keep your motor operating in top form. The MS6 and MS6B are similar in design, aside from the MS6B’s extra feature: the Integrated HP Rated Bypass Contactor.
- Opal LT RVS-AX Series: This series of starters is the perfect solution for use in partnership with smaller motors. The Opal LT has resistance to wear and tear while offering all the benefits of efficiency and effectiveness, which keeps your operations afloat even during longer or more challenging projects.
- OP-STOP DCI DC Injection Brake: SAF’s DC injection brake works to provide fast braking to your motor while maintaining the proper level of security for your equipment and workers. This is a multi-industry tool that helps you save on expenses and increase your profits in the long run by maximizing your equipment’s performance in the work field.
- PCS Series Sprecher & Schuh: PCS Series solid state reduced voltage starter controllers are the optimal solutions for operating 3-phase motors. With four starting modes and ease of use, these controllers are versatile and have many features intended to provide convenience and durability.
Check out our product pages and brochures to learn more about these products.
Benefits and Applications for Your Facility
There are a number of benefits when you consider both the reduction of long-term expenses and the saved time when the motor is running more smoothly. Reduced maintenance means less downtime for your operation. Another benefit is phase loss protection, which prevents prolonged shutdowns of the motor as well as burnouts. There will be shorter floor-to-floor times due to optimal startup of the motor. The life of the motor will be prolonged because of reduced currents at startup. High-quality solid state starters such as the Opal Pro Series for AC induction motors provide a number of standard and optional features including a standard keypad display, 500% overload for 30-sec standard, multiple communication networks, jog speed, reduced footprint for MCC applications and more.Solid state starter applications span multiple industries and can help power many different types of equipment. Whatever type of motor you have for your machine, there’s a soft starter that can increase its performance. For example, some applications for soft starters include:
- Mixers
- Wood Chippers
- Car Dumpers
- Conveyors
- Grinders
- Wood Saws
- Presses
- Irrigation Systems
- Pumping Stations
- Shredders
- Rock Crushers
- Snowmaking Machinery
- And More!
If you’re looking for a device that will support any of these systems, view the brochure for details so you can determine which solid state starter is right for your operation.
Contact Carotron
At Carotron, we have 35 years of experience providing motor equipment and parts to customers spanning many backgrounds and industries. Our team of engineers is ready to help you find the product you need, whatever your motor requirements may be. With a quick turnaround and exceptional quality, you can rest assured that we will deliver your product and customer service in an effective, timely manner.Browse our selection of soft starter products and work with our friendly staff to find the product that works best for you. Call us now if you have any questions about the equipment we offer!
Resource/Copyright Info: This motor control article about solid state starters or soft starters is under © Copyright of Carotron, Inc., your source for high quality DC and AC motor drives and other industrial motion control products to keep your operation running smoothly.