ABB Starter Contactors
ABB starter contactors are motor starting solutions meant for dependable and efficient motor starting. They are suitable for a variety of industrial applications. The contactors use advanced AF technology to provide consistent performance over a range of voltages and environmental conditions. Therefore, the motors they control run reliably and smoothly. ABB starter contactors are perfect for basic, direct-on-line, and reverse motor starting. They provide flexibility and reliability in both standard and demanding industrial environments.
ABB starter contactors are compact and robust, saving space yet providing high power ratings. This means they can be easily integrated into a power control system—whether for a motor, actuator, or other components of the drive train—without compromising performance. These motor starters employ AF technology, which reduces coil power consumption to a level so low that it is almost as if the circuit were open. This ensures that the contactors can operate reliably and secure uptime even in systems where the supply voltage is unstable or subject to momentary dips or surges—conditions that would cause less reliable contactors to "chatter" and waste energy.
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FAQs
What application is an ABB reversing starter contactor used for?
An ABB reversing starter contactor is used for applications that require the motor to change direction, such as conveyors, material handling systems, and industrial machinery.
Motor Control Basics
Motor control allows operational control of electrical motors in various environments.
Motor control circuits provide a safe way to operate electrical motors. Back when motor control circuits were in their infancy, it would have been common to see a simple disconnect switch that would be used to turn on and off a motor. Depending on the size of the motor and how much voltage was required, operating this disconnect would have been dangerous, with a very high possibility of arcing or electrocution. Not to mention that when the disconnect was actuated, the large amount of inrush current would have damaged the motor over time.
In today's motor control circuits, there are a few common pieces of hardware.
A circuit breaker is used to protect the motor and any hardware downstream. A contactor and an overload relay are connected together and function in tandem to allow for remote and safe operation of the motor. The contactor functions much like a relay, allowing for a smaller electrical circuit to remotely close the motor contacts, starting the motor. The overload relay is designed to protect the motor in the case of a prolonged overcurrent event. These two devices are wired in series, so that if the overload relay detects an overcurrent event, the contactor will open the motor contacts, shutting off power to the motor.
The other two most common types of motor control hardware are a soft starter and a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).
Both of these devices function in a similar way to the motor circuit with some added functions. The soft starter is designed to reduce large inrush current to the motor upon startup. This “soft starting” of the motor will prolong its life and allow for safer operation. The VFD performs the soft start functions, but also allows for speed control of the motor. This speed control is critical in many different environments and has made VFDs one of the most common and safe to use motor control circuits today.