Press Release

Clever Thinking Revitalises Motor Starter Combination

[picture of xStart units] Thanks to two very clever design innovations – one of which is deceptively simple – Moeller's new xStart range will save electrical engineers and panel builders both time and space when it comes to installing motor-starters.

With wiring times and effective use of cabinet real-estate climbing ever higher on the agenda of many design and installation engineers, these two new developments will introduce a breath of fresh air into what is already a mature product market.

The first and most obvious development is a two-part "tool-less" plug connector module that combines both electrical and mechanical connections between a PKZM0 motor protective circuit breaker and a DILM contactor. When joined the two units form a complete MSC motor starter that offers a capacity up to 12A (5.5kW, AC-3, 400V).

This clever connection technology delivers multiple benefits. The mechanical element of the connector ensures a safe and stable connection of the motor-protective circuit breaker and contactor, which can be mounted on a single top-hat rail – while the electrical connector module provides the main connection of the main contacts between the two units, reducing fitting costs and eliminating wiring faults.

Another advantage lies in increased safety during maintenance work where removal of the electrical connector module provides a visible isolating gap. Reversing starters using the "tool-less" plug technology are also available up to 5.5kW, AC-3, 400V. Where 'real-estate' issues are concerned, by running across the front of the units, the interconnecting devices do not add any additional width or height to panel assemblies in the same way that other connection methods do.

The other development – which is far less obvious, but just as ingenious – is a simple mechanism that prevents the two contactors in a reversing starter arrangement switching simultaneously. By employing a small ball in a special recess between the two contactor bodies, the mechanical interlock is achieved without any additional mounting space.

As one contactor moves into its 'on' position it displaces the ball towards and slightly into the other contactor creating a physical barrier preventing it from switching. It really is that simple, and is far less complicated than other solutions currently available on the market.

Moeller's xStart range also includes DILA contactor relays and Z overload relays. All elements within the range have been designed to work in harmony with each other, giving designers and panel builders a complete and comprehensive range of motor control options.

This page last updated: 30 April 2005