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UNIT OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, the reader should be able to
Describe the differences between relays, contactors and starters
Explain why the locked rotor amperage (LRA) affects the choice of a
motor starter List the component parts of contactors and starters Name two types of external motor overload protection Explain the differences between external overload protection devices
L1
RELAY OR CONTACTOR
L2 CONTROL CIRCUIT
MOTOR
RUN
START
START RELAY
L1
RELAY OR CONTACTOR
L2 CONTROL CIRCUIT
MOTOR
RUN
START
START RELAY
MOTOR AMPERAGES
Running load amperage (RLA)
Similar to full load amperage (FLA) Amperage drawn by the motor while operating
Both LRA and RLA must be considered when choosing a control device
THE RELAY
Uses a magnetic coil to open or close one or more sets of electric contacts The most common control voltage for both relays and contactors is 24 volts. Relays are not repaired. Replace on failure. Used for light duty applications Can be used as a pilot-duty relay The relay contacts must be able to handle the amperage draw of the load being controlled Pilot relays are designed to switch on and off larger contactors or starters. They are very light duty and are not designed to start motors directly.
COIL
THE CONTACTOR
Larger version of the relay Has movable and stationary contacts Often times only one set of contacts opens which opens only one side of the power to condensing units. This provides power for offcycle heat to the compressor. Holding coils are rated at different voltages Can have one or more sets of contacts Some are equipped with auxiliary contacts, which are usually rated at a lower amperage than the primary contacts. Contacts and coils can be replaced, the material most used on the contacts is silver. Use the exact replacement whenever possible
STATIONARY CONTACTS
COIL CONNECTIONS
HOLDING COIL
STATIONARY CONTACTS
L1
T1
L2
T2
L3
T3
STATIONARY CONTACTS
When contactor is energized what resistance would you expect to read between L1 to T1, L2 to T2 and L3 to T3? -
MOVABLE CONTACTS
SPRINGS
Springs maintain pressure on the contacts for current carrying capacity and they help obtain equal contacts against the stationary contacts.
COIL
STATIONARY ELECTROMAGNET
ARMATURE
If placing one lead of your voltage meter on T1 and the other on L1, what voltage would you expect to read if the coil is energized?
MOTOR STARTERS
Contactor equipped with overload protection, which actually are designed to protect the motor where fuses or circuit breakers protect the entire circuit. High amp draw will cause the starter to open. Coils, contacts and heaters can be replaced Contacts become pitted over time
Pitting increases the resistance across the contacts, if the pitting is bad enough it can cause motor burn out. The voltage across the contacts will increase The voltage across a good set of contacts should be about zero volts
CLEAN CONTACT
The most common material used for the contacts is silver.
Sanding contacts will only speed up the deterioration of the contact surfaces.
Dirty contacts dont necessarily mean they are pitted, the sure sign of pitted contacts is increased voltage across the contacts.
MOTOR PROTECTION
Motors are expensive and must be protected Fuses and circuit breakers protect the entire circuit, not the individual circuit components Motors can operate under an overcurrent condition for a short period of time Most small motors have no overload protection The larger the motor, the more elaborate the method of motor protection should be Motor protection can be inherent (internal) or external Motor service factor is determined by the motors reserve capacity
L1
L2
3A
25A
Sets standards for motor overload protection The published code book should be consulted if questions or concerns are encountered on the job
TEMPERATURE-SENSING DEVICES
Bimetal elements
Devices called heaters wired in series with the load The heater is exposed to the current draw of the load The bimetal warps and open when it gets too warm The open bimetal de-energizes the starter holding coil
Solder pot
Uses solder with a low melting point The solder melts when excessive temperature is sensed Excessive heat results from the overcurrent condition Look @ Figure 19-21 on page 366
UNIT SUMMARY
Relays, contactors and starters pass power to motors Contacts controlled by control circuit holding coils Relays are used for light duty, contactors for heavier duty applications, starters have built-in overloads Contacts on contactors and starters can be replaced Fuses and circuit breakers protect the entire circuit, not the individual circuit components Motor protect can be inherent or external