Basic Components Of Industrial Motor Control Systems

Automation has made a huge impact on the industrial sector, particularly in the field of industrial motor control systems.

Industrial motor control systems govern not only the starting and stopping of industrial machinery, but also their acceleration, deceleration, and other operating factors. These automated controls streamline and improve productivity, and reduce the need for human intervention. They also make the environment safer for the workers you do need.

But what are the most important basic components of industrial motor control systems? Find out in our guide, below.

Industrial Motor Control System Components

Electrical Contactors, Relays, And Starters

Switching industrial motors on and off sounds like a simple process, but there’s a lot involved. Electrical contactors, relays, and starters all have important roles to play.

Electrical Relays

An electrical relay is an electromechanical switch that controls your circuits. It opens and closes circuits on cue from electrical signals. This can be done either locally, or remotely without physical proximity.

In industry, the output achieved is higher than the input. And the output amount is controlled by relays. This is why electrical relays are crucial for many industrial applications.

Relays allow several circuits to be controlled with one signal, but your choice of relay will depend on the application.

Motor Starters

A starter is a device that starts and stops your industrial motors safely. Like a relay, it switches power on and off. But unlike a relay, it provides low voltage and overcurrent protection.

A motor can sustain severe damage or malfunction that may occur in connected appliances in the case of overload. That is why a motor starter contains an overload protection circuit. 

Overload protection circuits are installed in the main control circuits. They protect motors from current that is higher than the max current load the motor is designed for.

The other component of a motor starter is the contactor, which is another type of switch for controlling motors.

Electrical Contactors

An electrical contactor is a device for switching electrical power on and off. It does so through the making or breaking of contact with the terminals.

It’s essentially like a heavy-duty relay, as it’s capable of handling very high power loads. Contactors allow a lower current and voltage to switch to a much higher power circuit.

Your specific industrial application will determine the type of contactor you need.

Disconnect/Cam Switches

The Cam switch transmits electrical energy from one point to another by turning a handle and shaft at different angles. Rotation of the handle can also change contacts. A cam switch, by rotation of the camshaft, can control several switches simultaneously.

In any industrial setting, things sometimes go wrong. That is why most industrial machines have an emergency stop button.

In the case of an emergency stop, repairs/ servicing, or scheduled maintenance, safety measures must also be in place to disconnect electrical circuits. This is where the disconnect switch comes in.

Circuit Breakers

The circuit breaker is also a safety measure. It’s a mechanical device that protects the electrical system by interrupting the flow of faulty current, once detected by protective relays.

This switching device can be operated automatically or manually. Circuit breakers are set to switch off or ‘trip’ at specific amperage loads.

Different circuit breakers have different amp capacities, and you may need more than one type in your electrical box.

Temperature Control Devices

You need to carefully monitor operating temperatures in the industrial environment. Overheating is a primary cause of damage to equipment. It can result in inconvenience, downtime, and loss of income. It can also be a danger to workers.

One way that temperature is regulated is with a temperature controller. This device has an input from the temperature sensor and output to a heater or fan (whichever is deemed necessary).

It measures the temperature and compares it to the programmed desired temperature value. Then it applies the appropriate heating or cooling. The temperature control device is yet another safety feature that no industrial site can afford to be without.

Custom Components

Every industrial setting is unique. While the overall machinery and components may be universal, custom components can facilitate the manufacture of new products or control of specialized custom equipment.

Custom components give you the peace of mind that all your operations continue smoothly at the right speed and optimal temperature.

We have the contactors, breakers, relays, and timers you need for your site. But we also offer you customization of control panels and components for your more specialized jobs.

Conclusion

Here at AEC, we have experience in industrial motor control systems that will give you a competitive edge in your industry. We custom-build motor control panels for your specific needs, and we have all the components you need to get up and running in an emergency.