The increased move towards the use of IE3 electric motors has made it increasingly important that the most appropriate starting method be selected to ensure optimum performance. With this move it is essential that the motor switching and protection components are engineered to meet the demands of the IE3 motor.
Generally, the most basic starting method for an electric motor would be a direct online starter or star delta starter, however older generation switchgear has not been engineered for IE3 motor compatibility. Older generation switchgear may generate nuisance tripping. Not only is this undesirable, it can also have a severe knock-on effect in terms of operational productivity and efficiencies.
WEG IE3 compliant low voltage switchgear has been engineered to offer absolute reliability when using WEG switchgear to start and operate WEG IE3 motors. Users can be confident that when using WEG IE3 compliant switchgear, their drive system will provide the highest levels of energy efficiency over a long service life. This will, in turn, translate into a reduction in the total cost of ownership (TCO) while complying with current environmental regulations.
WEG motor protective circuit breakers
Typically, motor protective circuit breakers are affected most when starting electric motors because of sensitivities to transients and instantaneous values of current. WEG circuit breakers were evaluated specifically in terms of this and the multiple of short circuit release was changed from 12 to 13 times the rms value of the rated current. Following this modification, extensive testing was conducted to verify that, with these modifications, the whole range of WEG circuit breakers was IE3 compliant.
WEG contactors
The entire range of WEG contactors is IE3 compliant. The application of sound engineering principles ensured that there is no mechanical or electrical lifespan reduction, or an increase in the contactor’s coil consumption.
WEG overload relays
Overload relays are designed to protect motors thermally against overload conditions and unlike motor protective circuit breakers these are not sensitive to instantaneous currents. WEG solid-state and thermal overload relays conform to IE3 motor application.
Significantly, as a leading manufacturer of premium (IE3) and super-premium (IE4) electric motors, WEG has developed extensive expertise in IE3 equipment conformity and all WEG’s current switchgear and protection devices can be used without restriction to ensure the reliable operation of IE3 motors.
Zest WEG Group’s technical team is able to assist customers in the appropriate selection of IE3 compliant control and protection components to optimise the efficiency of motor installations.
New products are continually being added to the WEG low voltage switchgear range, leveraging off the ongoing research and development conducted by WEG Brazil. These products are available off the shelf from the Zest WEG Group and include contactors, motor protection relays, motor circuit protection breakers, push buttons and indicating lights, field isolator stations, motor starters in either polycarbonate or sheet metal enclosures and other associated products.
Backed by SABS certification, the WEG switchgear product range is gaining popularity in the mining, general industry, commercial and domestic sectors. Among the leading products in the range is the WEG CSW range of push buttons and pilot lights, now available in complete sets; contactors and thermal overload relays; direct online starters; a full range of miniature circuit breakers and the most intelligent product in the range – the innovative SRW01 smart relay for protecting motors of high value and preventing extended downtime. This low voltage electric motor management system incorporates state-of-the-art technology and network communication capabilities, and its modular concept makes it suitable for a variety of applications.
A full catalogue of WEG switchgear products is accessible online through the Zest WEG Group’s website. These products are sold out of a sales centre at the company’s Linbro Business Park facility in Sandton, easily accessible from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Krugersdorp.
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