Motors & Motor Control

Electrical Motors are electro-mechanical devices that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy by producing a rotating force. These motors are used to power equipment and machinery in all industries.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are similar to soft starters in that they reduce the torque and start more gradually. A VFD allows control of the motor speed at all times. By lowering the inrush current and running the motor at lower speeds, the motor and the equipment will last longer and can result in energy cost savings.

Soft Starters limit the voltage to the motor when starting This reduces the inrush current and torque, which provides a more gradual ramp up to full speed. This can help protect the motor and equipment from uncontrolled shock and damage over time.

Motor Starters are electro-magnetic switches that contain a contactor and an overload relay. This allows motors to start and stop in a safe manner. Starters protect the motor from drawing too much current and overheating.

Starter contactors are switches that supply and interrupt power to the circuit in a motor starter, but do not provide overload protection.

Overload relays monitor electrical current flow in the motor circuit and interrupt the circuit when an electrical overload is detected.