Why do we use motor starters?

Why_Do_We_Use_Motor_Starters.pdf

Electrical motors are extremely common. In some cases it is possible to provide power to the motor directly from the utility power source, however, in some cases that method can damage the motor or other components on that utility line. That is why we use motor starters. Motor starters are not typically used on smaller motors. Motor starters provide protection for both the operator and equipment. Motor starters encapsulate the switching device, which limits the risk of injury due to Arc Flash. Motor starters increase motor longevity.

Transcript:

[0m:4s] Hi I'm Josh Bloom, welcome to another video in the RSP Supply education series. If you find that these videos are helpful to you, it certainly helps us out if you could give us a big thumbs up and subscribe to our channel.
[0m:15s] In today's video, we are going to talk a bit more about motor starters.
[0m:20s] If you have not already seen our other video in which we talk about the components that make up a motor starter as well as the function of each of these components, we will link that video in the description below. Today, however, instead of talking about all of the components that make up the motor starter, we want to talk about why it is important that we use motor starters.

[0m:43s] Electrical motors are extremely common and are used in a wide variety of applications from fans, to drive systems, pumps, just to name a few. In some cases, it is possible to provide power to the motor directly from the utility power source. However,
there are many cases in which providing power in that manner can potentially damage the motor as well as other vital components on that utility line. Not to mention it can possibly overload the line as well.

[1m:17s] Is because of some of these variables that we use motor starters.
[1m:22s] Typically you will not see motor starters being used on smaller motors. Anything above five Horsepowers is where we start to see them being implemented.
[1m:32s] So, why is it so important that we use motor starts on larger motors?

[1m:37s] First and foremost, the purpose of a motor starter is to provide protection for both the motor itself and the operator who is controlling it. This protection comes in several different forms. First, let's talk about protecting the operator.

[1m:53s] In order to be able to turn a motor on and off, there needs to be some kind of switching device.

[1m:59s] If the power going to the motor is being switched manually by an operator, it can create all kinds of hazards such as arching, which can be very dangerous depending on the amount of voltage that is being switched.

[2m:14s] By using a motor starter, it offers us the ability to encapsulate the switching mechanism within the starter housing, which is a much safer method of turning the motor on and off.
[2m:27s] Also, depending on the starter that we are using, it may also give us the ability to start the motor from a remote location which can further increase the safety by removing the operator from the area where the switching will occur.

[2m:42s] In regards to providing protection to the motor itself, the starter is critical.

[2m:48s] When a motor is started, there is typically a large inrush of current. This in rush can put a lot of torque on the motor and other motor related hardware.

[3m:0s] Also, the inrush of current can prematurely wear out and cause early failure of the motor because of the stress created on the hardware within the motor itself.

[3m:11s] In DC Motors, the armature in the motor has a very little resistance, and the high current levels that can occur from starting a motor without the use of a starter can damage the armature on the motor's very first use. So, in the case of both AC and DC Motors, especially in higher voltage, more horsepower situations a motor starter is critical.

[3m:35s] The right kind of motor starter can reduce the high levels of inrush current prolonging the life of the motor. These are the types of situations that you will commonly see a soft start feature on the motor start or being used.
[3m:49s] These types of starters will limit the amount of voltage that is applied to the motor initially and will gradually increase voltage until the motor is running at full speed. This control will again help prolong the life of the motor over time.
[4m:4s] These are just a few simple examples of why using a motor starter is critical to the longevity and overall functionality of the motor, especially in larger motors. There are several other reasons why motor starters are an important part of the overall motor control system which we will not cover today.
[4m:23s] Hopefully by watching this video, you will have a better understanding of why we use motor starters and why they are so important.
[4m:30s] For a full line of motor control equipment and thousands of other products, please go to our website. For more information or other educational videos, go to RSPSupply.com, the Internet's top source for industrial hardware. Also, don't forget:
[4m:44s] like and subscribe.