Collection Technique

..........................................................................

Cahier technique no. 211

The protection of LV motors

G. Baurand
V. Moliton

Building a New Electric World

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no. 211
The protection of LV motors

Gilles BAURAND

Graduate in Electromechanical Engineering, ENSICAEN (Ecole

Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Caen) in 1977.
He joined Telemecanique in 1978 as a technical manager for the
development of control and electronic protection relays, holding this
post until 1985.
He managed the laboratory of the Motor Protection Contactor and
Relay Department from 1986 to 1991, and was then responsible for the
advance development of this department from 1992 to 2004.
He has been responsible for the advance development of the PPC
(Power Protection & Control) field at Schneider Electric since early in
2005.

Vivien MOLITON

He graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs

of Limoges (ENSIL) in 2002, specializing in “Mechatronics”.
In the same year, he set up the Mechatronics R&D Laboratory at
Schneider Electric. In the Measurement and Protection department,
he participated in the development of a new range of motor circuit-
breakers and the Tesys U starter-controller under the Telemecanique
brand.

ECT 211 first issue, January 2007

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.
 The protection of LV motors

All electric motors must be designed to meet the requirements of specified

operating conditions, and cannot operate outside these without the
risk of immediate or long-term damage to the motor itself and/or to its
environment.
In order to eliminate this risk, or at least reduce it considerably, machine
designers and installers provide protection devices selected from
manufacturers’ catalogs.
But which of all these existing devices should be provided, given that they
must “interact” (operate) with isolation and control equipment? How do we
choose? And, above all, how can we be sure that the chosen equipment
will be fully compatible?
This “Cahier Technique” is designed to answer these questions, by
describing all the factors to be taken into account and then detailing the
various solutions offered by manufacturers, including complete units known
as “motor starters”.

Contents
1 Introduction p. 4
2 Brief guide to electric motors 2.1 The various types of motor p. 5
2.2 The applications of low-voltage motors p. 6
3 Causes of faults and their consequences 3.1 Internal faults in the motor: p. 7
Damage to the stator or rotor winding
3.2 Faults external to the motor: p. 8
Phenomena related to the motor power supply
3.3 Faults external to the motor: p. 11
Phenomena related to the use of the motor
3.4 Summary p. 12
4 Protection functions 4.1 Short-circuit protection p. 13
4.2 Overload protection p. 14
4.3 Selection table for protection relays p. 19
4.4 “Motor circuit-breakers” (thermal-magnetic circuit-breakers) p. 20
5 Motor starters 5.1 Background p. 21
5.2 The basic functions of motor starters p. 21
5.3 The special case of electronic starters and variable speed drives p. 23
5.4 A complementary function: communication p. 23
5.5 Motor starters and coordination p. 24
5.6 Control and protective switching devices (CPS) p. 26
5.7 Discrimination p. 27
5.8 Example p. 27
6 Conclusion p. 29
Appendix 1: Modular system of the Tesys U starter-controller p. 30
Appendix 2: The main starting modes p. 31
Appendix 3 : Bibliography p. 35

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.

1 Introduction
All electric motors have operating limits. Exceeding
these limits will result, sooner or later, in the
destruction of the motor and also of the machines
driven by it, causing immediate stoppages and
lost production.
This form of load, which converts electrical
energy to mechanical energy, can be the site of
mishaps due to electrical or mechanical factors.
b Electrical
v overvoltage, voltage drop, unbalance, or phase
loss, causing variations in the current drawn;
v short circuits where the current can reach
destructive levels for the load;
b Mechanical
Rotor stall, momentary or prolonged overload
leading to an increase in the current drawn by
the motor and consequently a dangerous heating
of its windings.
The cost of these mishaps can be high. It includes
lost production, the loss of raw materials, the
repair of the production equipment, the loss of
production quality, and delays in delivery. The
economic imperative of increasing competitiveness
for businesses implies the reduction of costs related
to the loss of service continuity and low quality.
These mishaps can also have dramatic
consequences for the safety of personnel coming
into direct or indirect contact with the motor.
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.
To avoid these mishaps, or at least limit their
consequences and prevent them from causing
damage to equipment and disturbances in the
line supply, protective systems must be used.
They can isolate equipment to be protected from
the line, by tripping breaking devices in response
to the detection and measurement of variations
in electrical values (voltage, current, etc.).
Each motor starter must therefore incorporate:
b short circuit protection, to detect and cut off, as
quickly as possible, abnormal currents which are
generally more than 10 times the nominal current
(In)
b overvoltage protection, to detect current
increases up to approximately 10 In and cut off
the starter before the heating of the motor and
the conductors damages the insulation
This protection is provided by specific devices
such as fuses, circuit-breakers, overload relays
or combination devices offering several types of
protection.
Note: Protection against “ground faults”, which
includes protection of personnel and fire-proofing,
is not covered in this document, since it is
usually provided as part of the power distribution
system for a piece of equipment, a workshop or
a whole building.
2 Brief guide to electric motors
2.1 The various types of motor
There are three main categories of electric
motor:
b asynchronous motors
b synchronous motors
b DC motors
Each of these consists of a fixed part, the stator or
field coil, and a moving part, the rotor or armature.
Asynchronous motors
The stators of these motors have windings
supplied with alternating current and positioned
so as to create a rotating magnetic field
(rotating flux) at the synchronous speed W. For
a three-phase power supply, the most common
configuration has three windings (which may
include several coils) connected in a delta or
star arrangement. The rotors usually consist of
conductive bars short-circuited at their ends,
as in “squirrel cage” motors (for low power
applications), or, less commonly, windings, as in
asynchronous motors with wound rotors (for high
power applications). The rotating flux generated
by the stator induces a current in the rotor and
causes it to rotate (see Laplace’s law). Its speed
W’ is less than the synchronous speed W of the
rotating flux; this difference is called the “slip” (s),
corresponding to the relative loss of speed:
Ω − Ω'
s = ,
Ω can be difficult to start, and for this reason they
demonstrating the concept of asynchronism.
Asynchronous motors are suitable for low and
medium power applications, especially those in
which the starting torque has to increase with the
speed. These are the most widely used motors,
because of their low cost, robustness and ease
of installation and maintenance. Under local
control, they have the disadvantage of having
high starting currents, up to 8 times the nominal
current (see Fig. 1 ).
Synchronous motors
Like asynchronous motors, these have a stator
consisting of windings supplied with alternating
current. The characteristic feature of these motors
is the synchronization between the rotation speed
of the rotor and that of the rotating field created
by the stator. This feature is present because the
rotor of a synchronous motor consists of
permanent magnets or a winding supplied with
direct current, establishing a fixed magnetic field.
This characteristic makes their construction more
complex and is reflected in their higher cost.
Ip Starting peak
(magnetizing peak)
Id
Motor starting
In phase
Normal motor
operation
20 to 30 ms 1 to 10 s t
Ip = 10 to 13 În: Magnetizing current
Id = 4 to 8 In: Starting current
In: Nominal rms current
Fig. 1 : Graph of I = f(t) for an asynchronous motor.
Synchronous motors are mainly used for very
high power applications (> 5 MW), requiring a
constant speed regardless of the load, but they
are often combined with variable speed drives.
DC motors
In these motors, the stator and the rotor both
consists of windings through which direct current
is passed. The current is taken to the armature
by means of a commutator with brushes. The
stator creates a fixed magnetic field which makes
the conductors in the rotor move, according to
Laplace’s law.
Direct current motors are mainly used for
applications requiring precise, rapid speed
control, and can withstand high overloads. They
have the disadvantage of having commutators
whose brushes and rings require regular
maintenance. Precautions must also be taken
when starting and stopping these motors, and it
is especially important to avoid cutting off the
excitation if the armature is live: stopping in this
way will cause the rotor to race.
For further information on the different types of
motors and their operation, see Schneider
Electric “Cahier Technique” no. 207.
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.
2.2 The applications of low-voltage motors
There are two types of low-voltage (LV) motors:
b single-phase Voltage (kV)
b three-phase
13.8
They are supplied at voltages ranging from
220 to 690 V. Most low-voltage electric motors
MV
have a power of less than 100 kW. As the power
increases, the current becomes greater 2.20
(P = UI.cosj), and the components involved
0.69
(motors, equipment, wiring and protection) must
be given suitable dimensions. LV
0.22
For economic reasons, medium-voltage (MV)
motors are used above the 1500 kW level 100 1500 P (kW)
(see Fig. 2 ).
Fig. 2 : Applications of electric motors according to
their power and supply voltage.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.

3 Causes of faults and their consequences
In an installation including electric motors,
we can distinguish two types of fault: faults
originating internally in the motor, and faults
originating externally.
b Internal faults:
v short-circuit between phase and ground
v short-circuit between phases
v short-circuit between coils
v overheating of the windings
v breaking of a bar in squirrel cage motors
v problems relating to the bearings
v etc.
b External faults:
The origins of these faults lie outside the electric
motor, but their consequences can cause
damage to the motor.
3.1 Internal faults in the motor:
Damage to the stator or rotor winding
The stator winding of an electric motor consists
of copper conductors insulated with varnish.
Breaks in this insulation can cause a permanent
short circuit between a phase and ground,
between two or even three phases, or between
the coils of a single phase (see Fig. 3 ).
It can be caused by phenomena which may be
electrical (surface discharge, overvoltage), thermal
(overheating) or even mechanical (vibration,
Stator
windings
Fig. 3 : The windings of motors are the parts which are most vulnerable to electrical faults and operating
mishaps.
These malfunctions can arise from:
v the power source:
- power cuts
- phase reversal or unbalance
- brownout
- overvoltage
- etc.
v the operating mode of the motor:
- overload operation
- the number of starts and the starting operations
- the load inertia
- etc.
v the installation of the motor:
- misalignment
- unbalance
- excessive stresses on the shaft
- etc.
electrodynamic stresses on the conductors).
Insulation faults can also occur in the rotor
winding, with the same result: the motor
becomes unserviceable.
The most common cause of damage to the
windings of a motor is an excessive rise in their
temperature. This rise is often caused by an
overload which leads to an increase in the
current flowing in these windings.
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.
 The graph in Figure 4, supplied by most electric
motor manufacturers, shows the change in
insulation resistance as a function of temperature:
as the temperature rises, the insulation
resistance decreases. The service life of the
windings, and therefore of the motor, is greatly
reduced as a result.
The graph in Figure 5 shows how a 5% increase
in the current, equivalent to a temperature rise of
approximately +10°, cuts the service life of the
windings by half. Overload protection is therefore
essential to prevent overheating and reduce the
risks of internal damage to the motor due to the
breakdown of insulation in the windings.

Insulation Service life (%)

resistance (MΩ)
100

100
75

10
50

1 25

0
0.1 °C In 1.05xIn 1.1xIn 1.15xIn Current
0 20 40 60 80 T T+10 T+20 T+30 °C

Fig. 4 : Change in the insulation resistance of motor Fig. 5 : Service life of motors as a function of their
windings as a function of their temperature operating temperature or current consumption

3.2 Faults external to the motor: Phenomena related to the motor power supply
Overvoltage
Any voltage applied to equipment where the
V
peak value exceeds the limits of a range defined
by a standard or a specification is an overvoltage
(see Schneider Electric “Cahiers Techniques”
nos. 151 and 179).
Temporary or permanent overvoltages (see
Fig. 6 ) can have different origins, namely:
b atmospheric (lightning strikes)
b electrostatic discharges t
b operation of equipment connected to the same
network
b etc.
Their principal characteristics are shown in the
table in Figure 7 hereafter.
These disturbances, which are superimposed on Fig. 6 : Example of overvoltage.
the line voltage, can act in two ways:
b in common mode, between the active
conductors and the ground In most cases, the effect of an overvoltage is
b in differential mode, between the different a dielectric breakdown in the motor windings,
active conductors which destroys the motor.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.

 Type of overvoltage Duration Edge steepness - Damping
frequency
Atmospheric Very short (1 to 10 µs) Very high (1000 kV/µs) High
Electrostatic discharge Very short (ns) High (10 MHz) Very high
Operational Short (1 ms) Average (1 to 200 kHz) Average
At industrial frequency Long (> 1 s) Line supply frequency Zero

Fig. 7 : Characteristics of different types of overvoltage.

Phase unbalance which generates high rotor currents, causing

A three-phase system is unbalanced when the a very considerable overheating of the rotor
three voltages are not equal in amplitude and/or and leading to the overheating of the motor
are not at angles of 120° to each other. (see Fig. 9 ).
The unbalance (see Fig. 8 ) can be caused by
the disconnection of a phase (asymmetry fault),
by the presence of single-phase loads in the
Amount of 0 2 3,5 5
immediate environment of the motor, or by the unbalance (%)
power source itself.
Staotr current (A) In 1.01 In 1.04 In 1.075 In
Increased losses 0 4 12.5 25
(%)
Heating (%) 100 105 114 128
V
Vmax
Vmin Fig. 9 : Effect of voltage unbalance on the operating
characteristics of a motor.

IEC standard 60034-26 provides a derating rule

t
based on the voltage unbalance (see Fig. 10 )
which is recommended for use when this
phenomenon is known or predictable in the
power line supplying the motor. This derating
factor can be used either to increase the motor
dimensions to allow for the unbalance, or to
Fig. 8 : Voltage readings from an unbalanced three- decrease the operating current of a motor with
phase system. respect to its nominal current.

The following equation can be used to approach

the calculation of the unbalance: Derating factor
V 
max − Vmean Vmean − Vmin 1
U = 100 MAX , 
 Vmean Vmean 
where: 0.9
U is the unbalance (%)
Vmax is the highest voltage
0.8
Vmin is the lowest voltage

Vmean =
(V1 + V2 + V3 ) 0.7
Voltage
unbalance
3 0 1 2 3 4 5 (%)
The consequences of an unbalance of the
voltages applied to a motor are a decrease in Fig. 10 : Derating of a motor as a function of the
the useful torque and an increase in losses; the voltage unbalance in its power supply.
unbalances give rise to an inverse component

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.

 Brownouts and power cuts
A brownout (see Fig. 11 ) is an abrupt voltage
drop at one point of an electrical power network,
to a value which is conventionally taken to be
from 90% to 1% of the nominal voltage of the
LV network (IEC 61000-2-1). Power cuts are a
special case of brownout where the drop
exceeds 99% (IEC). They are characterized by a
single parameter: their duration. Short power
cuts have a duration of less than 1 minute (IEC),
while long power cuts have a longer duration.
The term “micro-cut” is used for durations of
about one millisecond.
V
1 They can also affect other equipment such as
0.
t
0 b The consequences for a synchronous motor
-0.
-1
Fig. 11 : Example of a brownout and a brief power cut.
These voltage variations may be due either to a
random phenomenon outside the application
(a fault in the mains network or an accidental
short circuit) or a phenomenon caused by the
installation itself (connection of high loads such
as motors, transformers, etc.). These variations
can have drastic effects on the motor.
b The consequences for an asynchronous motor
When a brownout occurs, the torque of an
asynchronous motor (proportional to the square
of voltage) decreases abruptly and causes
deceleration. This deceleration is a function of
the amplitude and duration of the brownout, the
inertia of the rotating frames and the torque-
speed characteristic of the driven load. If the
torque developed by the motor becomes less
than the resistive torque, the motor stops (stalls).
After a power cut, the return of the power generates
a demand for reacceleration current which is
similar to the starting current and with a duration
dependent on the duration of the power cut.
When the installation has numerous motors, their
simultaneous reacceleration can cause a voltage
drop in the upstream impedances in the network.
The duration of the brownout is then prolonged
and can make reacceleration difficult (requiring
long restarts with overheading) or even
impossible (where the motor torque is less than
the resistive torque).
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.10
If precautions are not taken, the fast
reconnection (~ 150 ms) of a decelerating
asynchronous motor runs the risk of reclosing in
phase opposition between the source and the
residual voltage maintained by the asynchronous
motor. In this case, the first current peak can be
as much as three times the starting current
(15 to 20 In) (see Schneider Electric “Cahier
Technique” no. 161).
These overcurrents and the consequent voltage
drops have a number of effects on the motor:
v additional heating and electrodynamic forces in
the coils which may cause breaks in the
insulation
v shocks with abnormal mechanical stresses on
the couplings, leading to premature wear or even
breakage
contactors (causing wear on the contacts or even
welding them together), or cause the tripping of
the master protection devices of the installation
and thus stop a production line or a workshop.
The consequences are practically the same as
those for asynchronous motors. However,
synchronous motors can withstand larger
brownouts (about 50% greater) without stalling,
because their inertia is generally greater and the
voltage has less effect on the torque.
If stalling occurs, the motor stops, and the whole
starting procedure, which may be complex, has
to be recommenced.
b Effects on variable speed machines
The problems posed by brownouts affecting
variable speed drives are as follows:
v the impossibility of supplying sufficient voltage
to the motor (loss of torque, deceleration)
v malfunction of the control circuits supplied
directly from the line
v overcurrent when the voltage is restored
(recharging of the filter capacitors of the variable
speed drives)
v overcurrent and current unbalance in the line if
a brownout occurs in one phase only
Variable speed drives generally fail if a voltage
drop of more than 15% occurs.
Presence of harmonics
Any periodic function (of frequency f) can be
broken down into a sum of sine waves with a
frequency of h x f (where h is an integer)
∞
y(t) = Y0 + ∑ Yhsin(hω t + ϕ h )
h=1
where
Y0 is the continuous component
h is the order of the harmonic
w is the pulsation (2pf)
Yh is the amplitude of the harmonic of order h
Y1 is the fundamental component
 The harmonic distortion rate (or THD, “Total
Harmonic Distortion”) provides a measure of the
deformation of the signal:
∞  Y 2
THD(%) = 100x ∑ Yh 
h=2 1
The harmonic currents and voltages are created
by non-linear loads connected to the line supply.
Harmonic distortion (see Fig. 12 ) is a form of
pollution of the line supply which can give rise to
problems at a rate of more than 5%.
The electronic power devices (variable speed
drives, inverters, etc.) are the principal sources
which inject harmonics into the line. Since the
motor is not perfect, it can also create 3rd order
harmonics; in a delta connection, flux rebalancing
can then occur, generating a current in its windings.
The presence of harmonics causes an increase in
eddy current losses, leading to additional heating.
They can also generate pulsating torques (causing
vibration and mechanical fatigue) and noise
nuisance, and limit the use of motors at full load
(see Schneider Electric “Cahier Technique” no. 199).

h1
h5
h total (h1+h5)
Fig. 12 : Sinusoidal voltage reading, including 5th order harmonics.

3.3 Faults external to the motor: Phenomena related to the use of the motor
Motor starting: excessively long and/or
frequent starting IS
The starting phase of a motor is the period IN
required for it to reach its nominal rotation speed.
The starting time (tS) depends on the resistive
20
torque (Tr) and the motor torque (Tm). An increase
in the resistive torque, due to the load to be driven,
together with a decrease in the motor torque, due 15
to a line voltage drop (20 to 30% of Un), causes
an increase in the motor starting time as follows:
10
π N 9
tS (s) = J
30 Tm − Tr 8
where 7
J is the global moment of inertia of the moving 6
frames 5
N(r.p.s.) is the rotation speed of the rotor.
Because of its intrinsic characteristics, each 4
motor can only withstand a limited number of
3
starts, generally specified by its manufacturer (as
the number of starts per hour). t (s)
3 4 5 7 10 15
Similarly, each motor has a maximum starting Fig. 13 : Permissible start times of motors as a function
time which is a function of its starting current of the ratio between starting current and nominal current.
(see Fig. 13 ).

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.11

 Rotor locking
The locking of a motor due to mechanical factors
creates an overcurrent approximately equal to
the starting current. However, the heating which
it causes is much greater, since the losses in the
rotor are kept at their maximum level throughout
the locking and ventilation is prevented if it is
dependent on the rotation of the rotor. The rotor
temperatures can become very high (350 °C).
Overload (deceleration or overspeed)
The overload of a motor is caused by an
increase in the resistive torque or by a drop in
the supply line voltage (> 10% Un). The increase
in the current drawn by the motor causes heating
which reduces its service life and can be fatal in
the longer or shorter term.

3.4. Summary
This summary, shown in table form in Figure 14, In all cases, two forms of protection are always
shows the possible causes, the probable effects required for motors:
and the established consequences of each type b short-circuit protection
of fault. b overload (overheating) protection

Fault Cause Effects Consequences

for the motor
Short circuit b Contact between more than one phase, b Current peak Destruction of the
between one phase and neutral, or b Electrodynamic forces on windings
between several coils of a single phase the conductors
Overvoltage b Lightning b Dielectric breakdown in Destruction of the
b Electrostatic discharge the windings windings due to loss
b Operation of insulation
Voltage b Disconnection of a phase b Decreased useful torque Overheating(1)
unbalance b Single phase load upstream of the motor b Increased losses
Brownouts b Instability of the line supply voltage b Decreased useful torque Overheating(1)
b Connection of large loads b Increased losses
Harmonics b Pollution of the line supply by variable b Decreased useful torque Overheating(1)
speed drives, inverters, etc. b Increased losses
Excessive b Excessively high resistive torque Increased starting time Overheating(1)
starting time b Brownouts
Locking b Mechanical problem Overcurrent Overheating(1)
Overload b Increased resistive torque Increase in current drawn Overheating(1)
b Brownouts
(1) Followed by short-circuiting and destruction of the windings after a period which depends on the importance and/or frequency of the fault.

Fig. 14 : Summary of the faults which can affect a motor, with their causes, effects and consequences.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.12

4 Protection functions
4.1 Short-circuit protection
Background
A short circuit is a direct connection between two
points having different electrical potentials; the
types of short circuit are:
b alternating current: A connection between
phases, between a phase and neutral, between
a phase and a conductive frame, or between the
coils of a single phase
b direct current: A connection between the two
polarities or between a conductive frame and the
polarity insulated from it
There are various possible causes: Deterioration
of the insulating varnish on the conductors,
loosening, breakage or stripping of wires or
cables, presence of metallic foreign bodies,
conductive deposits (dust, moisture, etc.),
penetration of water or other conductive liquids,
deterioration of the load, and errors in wiring at
start-up or during servicing.
A short circuit is indicated by an abrupt increase
in the current, which may become several
hundred times greater than the operating current
in just a few milliseconds. A short circuit can
have devastating effects and cause major
damage to equipment. It is characterized by two
phenomena:
b A thermal phenomenon which corresponds to
the amount of energy released in the electrical
circuit through which the short-circuit current I
flows for a time t, according to the formula I2t,
expressed in A2s. This thermal effect can cause:
v melting of the contacts of the contactor
v destruction of the thermal elements of a
bimetallic relay, in the case of type I coordination
(see the “Coordination” section)
v generation of electric arcs
v burning of insulating materials
v fire in the equipment.
b An electrodynamic phenomenon between the
conductors gives rise to strong mechanical
forces, caused by the flow of current, with the
following effects:
v deformation of the conductors forming the
motor windings
v breakage of the insulating supports of the
conductors
v repulsion of the contacts (inside contactors)
which may lead to their melting and welding
Such effects are dangerous to both property and
personnel. It is therefore essential to use short-
circuit protection devices designed to detect faults,
and to break the circuit very quickly, if possible
before the current reaches its maximum level.
Two protection devices are commonly used for
this purpose:
v fuses (circuit breakers) which break the circuit
by blowing, and must be replaced subsequently
v magnetic trip circuit-breakers, often simply
called “magnetic circuit-breakers” which
automatically break the circuit when their poles
are opened, and which only require a resetting
operation to bring them back into service.
Short-circuit protection can also be incorporated
into multi-function devices such as motor circuit-
breakers and contactor/circuit-breakers.
Definitions and characteristics
The main characteristics of short-circuit
protection devices are:
b the breaking capacity: i.e. the highest
presumed short-circuit current which a protection
device can interrupt at a given voltage
b the making capacity: i.e. the highest current
which the protective device can pass at its
nominal voltage in specified conditions. The
making capacity is equal to k times the breaking
capacity, according to the table in Figure 15 .
Fuses
Fuses provide protection for one phase at a time
(single-phase protection), with a high breaking
capacity in a small volume. They limit the level of
I2t and the electrodynamic stresses (Ipeak).
Breaking capacity Cos j Making
(BC) capacity (MC)
4.5 kA < BC < 6 kA 0.7 1.5 BC
6 kA < BC < 10 kA 0.5 1.7 BC
10 kA < BC < 20 kA 0.3 2 BC
20 kA < BC < 50 kA 0.25 2.1 BC
50 kA < BC 0.2 2.2 BC
Fig. 15 : Breaking and making capacity as specified by
IEC Standard 60947-2 for circuit-breakers.
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.13
 They are fitted as follows:
b either to special supports called fuseholders
b or in isolators, where they replace sockets or
terminal strips (see Fig. 16 ).
a b
L1 L2 L3
Fig. 16 : Fused 32 A and 125 A isolators
(Telemecanique LS1-D32 [a] and GS1-K4 [b]).
Note that fuse cartridges with strikers can be
combined with an all-pole breaking device (often
the motor control contactor) to prevent single-
phase operation after they have blown.
Type aM fuses are used for motor protection.
They have the characteristic of allowing excess
magnetizing currents to pass when motors are
switched on. Therefore, they are unsuitable for
overload protection (unlike gG fuses). For this
reason, an overload relay has to be added to the
motor supply circuit.
As a general rule, their rating must be
immediately above the full load current of the
motor to be protected.
Magnetic circuit-breakers
Subject to their breaking capacity, these circuit-
breakers can protect installations against short
circuits by means of their magnetic trip releases
(one per phase) (see Fig. 17 ).
Magnetic circuit-breakers are intrinsically all-
pole breaking devices: the tripping of a single
magnetic trip release causes the simultaneous
opening of all the poles. For low short-circuit
4.2 Overload protection
Background
Overloading is the most common motor fault. It
causes an increase in the current drawn by the
motor, as well as thermal effects. The insulation
class determines the normal heating of a motor
at an ambient temperature of 40 °C. If the
maximum operating temperature is exceeded,
this reduces the service life as a result of the
premature ageing of the insulation.
However, it should be noted that an overload
leading to heating above the normal level does
not have immediate negative consequences if
it is limited in time and infrequent. Thus it does
not necessarily mean that the motor must be
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.14
currents, circuit-breakers operate more quickly
than fuses.
This protection conforms to IEC Standard 60947-2.
Effective interruption of a short-circuit current
requires three essential functions:
b very fast detection of the fault current
b very fast separation of the contacts
b interruption of the short-circuit current
Most magnetic circuit-breakers for motor
protection are current limiters, and therefore
also contribute to the coordination (see Fig. 18 ).
Their particularly short breaking time enables
them to interrupt the short-circuit current before
it reaches its maximum amplitude. The thermal
and electrodynamic effects are therefore also
limited, thus providing better protection of cables
and equipment.
L1 L2 L3
I> I> I>
Fig. 17 : Telemecanique GV2-L magnetic circuit-
breaker and its graphic symbol.
t
Non-limiting
Limiter
I
Id
Limiting zone
Fig. 18 : Tripping curves of magnetic circuit-breakers.
stopped, but normal operating conditions must
be resumed as soon as possible.
The importance of proper overload protection is
obvious, because:
b it protects the service life of motors by preventing
them from operating in abnormal heating conditions
b it ensures continuity of operation, by:
v avoiding untimely stoppage of motors
v enabling restarting to be carried out in the best
safety conditions for personnel and equipment,
after tripping.
The actual operating conditions (ambient
temperature, altitude of use and standard
service) must be known in order to determine the
operating levels of the motor (in terms of power and
current) and in order to choose effective overload
protection (see Fig. 19 ). These operating levels
are supplied by the motor manufacturer.
According to the desired level of protection,
overload protection can be provided in the form
of relays of the following types:
b overload, thermal (bimetallic) or electronic,
which will at least protect the motors in the
following two cases:
v overload, by controlling the current drawn in
each phase
v phase unbalance or failure, by means of their
differential devices
b PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient)
thermistor probe
b excess torque
b multi-function
Reminder: A protection relay does not have a
circuit-breaking function. It is designed to open a
circuit-breaking device, generally a contactor,
which must have the requisite breaking capacity
for the fault current to be interrupted.
For this purpose, a protection relay has a fault
contact (NC) which is to be connected in series
with the power supply to the contactor coil.
Overload relays (thermal or electronic)
b Background
These relays protect motors against overloads,
but they must allow the temporary overload
caused by starting, and must not trip unless the
starting time is abnormally long.
Depending on the application, the motor starting
time can vary from a few seconds (for no-load
starting, low resistive torque, etc.) to several tens
of seconds (for a high resistive torque, high inertia
of the driven load, etc.). It is therefore necessary
to fit relays appropriate to the starting time.
To meet this requirement, IEC Standard
60947-4-1 defines several classes of overload
relays, each characterized by their trip time
(see Fig. 20 ).
The relay rating is to be chosen according to the
nominal motor current and the calculated starting
time.

Altitude Ambient temperature

m 30 °C 35 °C 40 °C 45 °C 50 °C 55 °C 60 °C
1000 1.07 1.04 1.00 0.96 0.92 0.87 0.82
1500 1.04 1.01 0.97 0.93 0.89 0.84 0.79
2000 1.01 0.98 0.94 0.90 0.86 0.82 0.77
2500 0.97 0.95 0.91 0.87 0.84 0.79 0.75
3000 0.93 0.91 0.87 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.71
3500 0.89 0.86 0.83 0.80 0.76 0.72 0.68
4000 0.83 0.81 0.78 0.75 0.72 0.68 0.64

The values in the table above are provided for guidance only. In reality, the derating of a motor
depends on it size, its insulation class, its type of construction (self-cooled or forced-cooled, IP 23 or
IP44 degree of protection, etc.), and varies according to the manufacturer

Note: The nominal power which is generally shown on a motor plate is specified by the manufacturer
for a continuous service S1 (operation at constant speed and for a long enough time to reach
thermal equilibrium).
There are other standard services, such as temporary service S2, or periodic intermittent services
S3, S4 and S5 for which the motor manufacturer specifies an operating power, different from the
nominal power, for each case.
Fig. 19 : Derating factors of motors according to their operating conditions.

Trip time from the following states:

Cold Hot Hot Cold
at 1.05 x Ir at 1.2 x Ir at 1.5 x Ir at 7.2 x Ir Narrower tolerances (band E)
Class
10 A > 2 hrs < 2 hrs < 2 mins 2 s < tp < 10 s -
10 > 2 hrs < 2 hrs < 4 mins 4 s < tp < 10 s 5 s < tp < 10 s
20 > 2 hrs < 2 hrs < 8 mins 6 s < tp < 20 s 10 s < tp < 20 s
30(1) > 2 hrs < 2 hrs < 12 mins 9 s < tp < 30 s 20 s < tp < 30 s
(1) class used infrequently in Europe, but used widely in the United States
Cold state: Initial state without previous load
Hot state: Thermal equilibrium reached at Ir
Ir: Setting current of the overload relay
Fig. 20 : Main tripping classes of overload relays according to IEC 60947-4-1.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.15

 The limits of use are also characterized by graphs
(see Fig. 21 ) showing time as a function of the t (s)
adjustment current (expressed as multiples of Ir).
These relays have a thermal memory (except for
some electronic overload relays, as indicated by
their manufacturers) and can be connected as
follows: Class 30
30
v in series with the load
v or, for high power, to current transformers in Class 20
series with the load 20
b Bimetallic thermal relays (see Fig. 22 ) Class 10
These are combined with contactors to protect 10
motors, lines and equipment from small prolonged
overloads. They are therefore designed to allow
the normal starting of motors without tripping.
However, they must be protected from large
overloads by a circuit-breaker, or by fuses (see
“Short-circuit protection”).
The operating principle of a thermal overload
relay is based on the deformation of its bimetallic
strips when heated by the current flowing
through them (see Fig. 23 ).
I/Ir
The bimetallic strips are deformed when the 1.05 1.50 7.2
current flows, and, depending on their 1.20
adjustment, can cause the sudden opening of Fig. 21 : Tripping curves of overload relays.
the relay contacts.
Resetting is only possible when the bimetallic
strips have cooled down sufficiently.
Thermal overload relays can be used for both
alternating and direct current, and are generally:
v three-pole
v compensated, i.e. non-sensitive to variations in
ambient temperature (identical trip curve from
0 to 40 °C over a standard range (see Fig. 24 Fig. 22 : Telemecanique LRD bimetallic overload relay
hereafter) and its graphic symbol.

Current conductor
Blade with high
coefficient of expansion
Support forming
Blade with zero fixed point
coefficient of
expansion Bimetallic strip after heating

Current input

Trip release
system

Bimetallic strip with

resistor
Trip capacity
setting Current output

Fig. 23 : View of the inside of a thermal overload relay and detail of one of its bimetallic strips.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.16

 basis of a model which reconstitutes the thermal
Lower limit time constants of the motor, the electronic system
1.4 Ir Upper limit calculates the motor temperature constantly as a
Tripping zone function of the current flowing through it and the
1.3 Ir operating time. The protection thus gives a better
approximation of the actual conditions and can
1.2 Ir
prevent incorrect tripping. Electronic overload
1.1 Ir relays are less sensitive to the thermal environment
of the location where they are installed.
1 Ir
In addition to the conventional functions of overload
0.9 Ir relays (protection of motors from overloads and
phase unbalance and failure), electronic overload
0.8 Ir °C relays can be supplemented with options such as:
-10 0 10 20 30 40 50
v PTC probe temperature monitoring
Ambiant air temperature
v protection against locking and excess torque
Fig. 24 : Tripping zone for compensated thermal v protection against phase inversions
overload relays according to ambient air temperature v protection against insulation faults
(source: IEC 60947-4-2 and 6-2). v protection against no-load operation
v etc.
v manually or automatically reset PTC thermistor probe relays
v graduated in “motor amperes”: the current
These protection relays monitor the actual
shown on the motor name plate is displayed
temperature of the motor to be protected. They
directly on the relay
offer extremely precise temperature measurement:
They can also be sensitive to a phase failure: this the small volume of the probes gives them a very
is the “differential” concept. This function low thermal inertia and therefore a very short
prevents the single-phase operation of the motor, response time.
and meets the conditions of IEC 60947-4-1 and Allowing direct monitoring of the stator winding
60947-6-2 (see Fig. 25). temperature, they can be used to protect motors
against overload, rises in ambient temperature,
ventilation circuit faults, excessive starting
Trip time Multiple of the setting frequency, jerky running, etc.
current They comprise:
> 2 hrs 2 poles : 1.0 Ir b One or more Positive Temperature Coefficient
1 pole : 0.9 Ir (PTC) thermistor probes placed within the
< 2 hrs 2 poles : 1.15 Ir windings of the motors or in any area subject to
1 pole : 0 heating (bearings, etc.).
They are static components whose resistance
Fig. 25 : Operating limit of a differential thermal increases sharply when the temperature reaches
overload relay (sensitive to a phase failure). a threshold called the Nominal Operating
Temperature (NOT), as shown in Figure 27 next
page.
Widely used, this relay offers excellent reliability,
and is inexpensive. It is particularly recommended b An electronic device, supplied with alternating
if there is a risk of the rotor locking. or direct current, which constantly measures the
resistance of the probes combined with it. When
However, it has the disadvantage of not taking into the NOT is reached, the threshold circuit detects
account in a very precise way the thermal state of the sharp resistance increase of the probe and
the motor to be protected, and of being sensitive then causes the output contacts to change state.
to the thermal environment of the location where Depending on the probes chosen, this protection
it is installed (cabinet ventilation, etc.). method can be used as follows:
b Electronic overload relays (see Fig. 26 ) v either to provide an alarm without stopping
These relays benefit from the advantages of the machine (where the NOT is lower than
electronics which enables a more detailed the maximum temperature specified for the
thermal image of the motor to be created. On the component to be protected)
b or to stop the machine (where the NOT is
equal to the maximum specified temperature).
(see Fig. 28 next page)
The use of this protection method must be
specified in advance, because the probes
have to be incorporated in the windings during
Fig. 26 : Electronic overload relay (Telemecanique LR9F) the manufacture of the motor, or during any
rewinding operation after an mishap.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.17

 Unlike most overload relays, these relays do not
have a thermal memory. They have a operating
R (Ω)
(Logarithmic scale) characteristic for a specified time (with adjustable
threshold current and delay).
The excess torque relay can be used as overload
4000 protection for motors where starting is lengthy or
very frequent (e.g. those used for hoists).
1330
Multi-function relays (see Fig. 30 )
550 These relays can protect motors from the main
causes of heating.
250
Moreover, the electronic technology provides
these relays with capacity for communication
with PLCs and supervisors via fieldbuses.
This link with a PLC facilitates the set-up and
maintenance.
It makes it possible to set parameters and
activate the necessary protection, to configure
and operate the motor driver, and to monitor
20 the states of starting, alarms and tripping. It can
T (°C) be used for exchanging data, measurement
-20 0 NOT -20 information (currents, heating, etc.) with the
NOT -5 higher PLC level (controlling PLC), and for
TNF monitoring the thermal state of the motor. This
High markers NOT+5
facilitates diagnostics and the implementation of
Low markers NOT+15
preventive measures.
Fig. 27 : Markers or “operating points” of PTC These relays are used for the isolated protection
thermistor probes. of “sensitive” motors, i.e. those for which an
incorrect stop would have serious effects on
personal protection, safety, production losses, etc.
The diagram below shows the possibilities of a
multi-function relay connected to a supervising
PLC (see Fig. 31 opposite page).

Fig. 28 : Electronic device (Telemecanique LT3) to be

combined with three thermistor probes to stop a motor
when the maximum temperature is exceeded. Fig. 29 : The excess torque relay (Telemecanique
LR97D) is a supplementary form of protection in case
of rotor locking, seizing or mechanical shock.
The choice of the PTC probes to be incorporated
depends on the insulation class and structure of
the motor. This choice is normally made by motor
manufacturers or rewinders who are the only
ones who have the necessary skill.
Because of these two constraints, the choice of
PTC probe protection is generally reserved for
top-range equipment with expensive motors.

Excess torque relays: a supplementary form

of protection (see Fig. 29 )
As a supplement to thermal protection by relay or
PTC probe, these protect the drive chain in case Fig. 30 : Multi-function relay (Telemecanique LT6).
of rotor locking, seizing or mechanical shock.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.18

 PLC

Computer
I> I> I>

Modbus network

Multi-function
M PTC probes protection relay M M
3a 3a 3a

Fig. 31 : Example of a communications network based on a multi-function relay (source: Telemecanique).

4.3. Selection table for protection relays

Type of relay Overload relay PTC probe relay Overload relay Multi-function
(thermal or relay
electronic)
Causes of heating:
Overload
Rotor locking
Phase failure
Ventilation fault With PTC probe
Shaft bearing seizing With PTC probe
Excessive starting time Class 20 or 30
Demanding service With PTC probe
Torque shocks With PTC probe
Some LR2K, LRD, LT3 LR97D & LT47 LT6
Telemecanique LR9D, LR9F
references Tesys U : Standard or Multi-function CU*
expandable CU*
(*) CU: Control Unit Entirely suitable Possible solution Unsuitable (no protection)

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.19

4.4 “Motor circuit-breakers” (thermal-magnetic circuit-breakers)
Background
A “motor circuit-breaker” is a thermal-magnetic
circuit-breaker which provides protection against
both short circuits and overloads, by rapidly
opening the faulty circuit. It is a combination of a
magnetic circuit-breaker (see “Short-circuit
protection”) and an overload relay (see “Overload
protection”). It conforms to IEC 60947-2 and
60947-4-1 (see Fig. 32 ).
L1 L2 L3
I> I> I>
Fig. 32 : Motor circuit-breaker (Telemecanique GV7)
and its graphic symbol.
In these circuit-breakers, the magnetic devices
(short-circuit protection) have a non-adjustable
trip threshold, generally about 10 times the
maximum setting current of thermal trips.
Their thermal elements (overload protection) are
compensated against variations in ambient
temperature. The thermal protection threshold
can be adjusted on the front panel of the circuit-
breaker. Its value must match the nominal
current of the motor to be protected.
In all these circuit-breakers, coordination (type II)
between the thermal elements and the short-
circuit protection is provided by the design.
Additionally, in the open position, most of these
devices have a sufficient clearance distance
(between their contacts) to provide an isolation
function. They also incorporate a padlocking
device required for logging.
Tripping curves
A motor circuit-breaker is characterized by its
tripping curve, which represents the trip time of
the circuit-breaker as a function of the current
(multiple of Ir).
This curve has four zones (see Fig. 33 ):
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.20
b the normal operation zone 1  . Since I < Ir,
there is no tripping.
b the thermal overload zone 2  . The thermal
element trips; the trip time decreases as the
overload increases. This tripping mode is
therefore called “inverse time” in standards.
b The high current zone 3  , monitored by the
“instantaneous magnetic element” or “short-circuit
element” whose operation is instantaneous (less
than 5 ms).
b And, in some circuit-breakers (electronic circuit-
breakers), an intermediate zone 4 monitored by
a “time-delayed magnetic element” whose operation
is delayed (by 0 to 300 ms). This tripping mode is
called “independent delay mode” in standards. It
can be used to avoid incorrect tripping when
peak magnetizing current of motors is present at
switch-on.
Their limits are:
Ir: setting current of the overload protection; this
must match the nominal current (In) of the motor
to be protected.
Im: trip current of the time-delayed magnetic
protection.
Iinst: trip current of the instantaneous magnetic
protection. This can vary from 3 to 17 times Ir,
but is generally close to 10 Ir.
Ics: rated breaking capacity in short circuit
Icu: ultimate (maximum) breaking capacity in
short circuit
t(s)
Overload Short-circuit
zone zone
1
2
4
3
I(A)
Ir Im Iinst Ics Icu
1.0 Ir 1.20 Ir
Fig. 33 : Operating zones of a thermal-magnetic circuit-
breaker.
5 Motor starters

5.1 Background
A motor starter has four basic functions: b Power: speed adjustment, progressive starting,
b Isolation phase inversion, etc.
b Short-circuit protection b Control: auxiliary contacts, time delay,
b Overload protection communication, etc.
b Control (on - off). In the design of a motor starter, the functions
Each motor starter can be enhanced with are distributed in different ways, as shown
additional functionality according to the schematically in Figure 34 .
application requirements. These relate to:

Isolator-fuse: Thermal-magnetic Magnetic circuit-breaker:

b short-circuit circuit-breaker: b short-circuit protection,
protection, b short-circuit protection, b isolation for maintenance.
b isolation for b overload protection
maintenance. b isolation for maintenance. Contactor :
b on-off
Contactor: Contactor : b disconnection in case
b on-off b on-off of fault.
Overload relay: Variable speed drive:
b overload b progressive starting,
protection b variable speed control,
b motor protection,
b overload protection.

M M M
Motor Motor Motor
Fig. 34 : The various functions and their combinations forming a motor starter.

5.2 The basic functions of motor starters

Isolation
The isolation function is essential, and must
form the basis of any circuit (see installation
standards NF C15-100, IEC 60364-5-53); it is
not stipulated but is recommended for all motor
starters. It serves to isolate the circuits from their
power source (power supply line) in a secure
way in order to protect property and personnel
during maintenance, repair or modification work
carried out on the downstream electrical circuits.
This isolation must be designed according to the
specifications, which require:
b simultaneous all-pole breaking
b conformity with specified clearances according
to the supply voltage
b interlocking It is therefore always operated in no-load
b visible, or fully apparent, circuit-breaking:
v “visible breaking” signifies that the opening of
the poles can be viewed directly by an operator
v apparent breaking is identified either by the
position of the actuator, or by a position indicator
which, according to the standard, must not
indicate the “off” position unless the contacts
are actually separated by a sufficient distance
specified in the standards. Manufacturers offer
numerous devices to perform this function. The
isolation and short-circuit protection functions
are often combined in a single device (e.g. fused
isolator). For this purpose, some basic devices
have to be supplemented with an additional
device, such as a plug-in support.
Reminder: An isolator is intended to isolate
a circuit; it has no breaking or making capacity.
conditions.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.21

 Short-circuit protection
This function requires the detection of overcurrents
following short circuits (generally more than
10 times the nominal current) and the opening
of the faulty circuit. It is provided by fuses or
magnetic circuit-breakers.
Overload protection
This function requires the detection of excess
currents following overloads (Ir < Ioverloads < Im)
and the opening of the faulty circuit. It is provided
by electromechanical or electronic devices
(overload relays) combined with a breaking device
(circuit-breaker or contactor) or incorporated in
electronic starters or variable speed drives. It also
protects the motor line against thermal overloads.
Control
“Control” signifies the closing (making) and
opening (breaking) of an electrical circuit under
load. The control function is provided by switches
or possibly by motor circuit-breakers, starters or
variable speed drives. However, the contactor
is the product most commonly used for this
function, since it allows remote control. For
motors, this control device must permit a large
number of operations (electrical durability) and
must conform to IEC 60947-4-1. According to
these standards, manufacturers must specify the
following characteristics for this equipment:
b Control circuit
v the nature of the control current, and its
frequency in the case of alternating current
v the rated voltage of the control circuits (Uc) or
the control supply voltage (Us)
b Power circuit
v the rated operating voltage (Uo): this is
generally expressed as the voltage between
phases. It determines the operation of the
circuits to which the making and breaking
capacity relates, the type of application and the
starting characteristics
v the rated operating current (Io) or rated
operating power : this characteristic is defined
by the manufacturer according to the specified
conditions of use and takes into account, in
particular, the rated operating voltage and the
conventional thermal current (Ith corresponds to
the maximum value of the test current: Ith u Ie).
In the case of equipment for the direct control of
a single motor, the indication of a rated operating
current can be replaced or supplemented by that
of the rated maximum available power.
In some cases, this information is supplemented
with:
v the duty rating, with details of the intermittent
duty class, if applicable. The classes define
different operating cycles
v the rated making and/or breaking capacity.
These are maximum currents, specified by the
manufacturer, which a piece of equipment can
establish (making) or interrupt (breaking) in a
satisfactory way in specified conditions. The
rated making and breaking capacities are not
necessarily specified by the manufacturer, but
the standard requires minimum values for each
category of operation.
b The standards of the IEC 60947 series
define operating categories according to the
applications for which the control devices
are intended (see Fig. 35 ). Each category
is characterized by one or more operating
conditions such as:
v currents
v voltages
v the power factor or time constant
v and other operating conditions if necessary.

Type of current Operating categories Typical applications

Alternating AC-1 Non-inductive or low-inductance loads, resistance furnaces. Power
current distribution (lighting, generator sets, etc.)
AC-2 Slip-ring motors: starting, disconnection. Equipment for intensive use
(lifting, handling, grinding machines, rolling mill trains, etc.)
AC-3 Squirrel cage motors: starting, disconnection of started motors(1). Motor
control (pumps, compressors, fans, machine tools, conveyors, presses, etc.)
AC-4 Squirrel cage motors: starting, reversing, inching. Equipment for
intensive use (lifting, handling, grinding machines, rolling mill trains, etc.)
Direct current DC-1 Non-inductive or low-inductance loads, resistance furnaces.
DC-3 Shunt motors: starting, reversing, inching. Dynamic disconnection of
motors for direct current.
DC-5 Series motors: starting, reversing, inching. Dynamic disconnection of
motors for direct current.
(1) The AC-3 category can be used for inching or reversing for occasional operations of limited duration, such as the assembly of a
machine; the number of these operations during these limited periods does not normally exceed five operations per minute or ten
in a period of 10 minutes.

Fig. 35 : The different operating categories of contactors according to their intended applications,
as shown in IEC 60947-1.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.22

 Thus the following characteristics are taken into
account, for example:
v the making and breaking conditions
v the nature of the controlled load (squirrel cage
motor, slip-ring motor, resistor)
v conditions in which making and breaking takes
place (motor running, motor stalled, during
starting, counter-current braking, etc.).
b Choosing a contactor:
The operating categories defined in the standard
can be used for an initial selection of equipment
capable of meeting the requirements of the
motor’s intended application. However, other
constraints must be taken into account, and not
5.3 The special case of electronic starters and variable speed drives
Starting asynchronous motors by direct connection
to the line supply is the solution which is most
common, most economical and most suitable for a
wide range of machines. However, this may entail
constraints (such as the inrush current on starting,
mechanical shocks on starting, the impossibility
of controlling acceleration and deceleration and
the impossibility of varying the speed) which may
be troublesome for some applications, or even
incompatible with the desired operation of the
machine. Electronic starters and variable speed
drives (see Fig. 36 ) can overcome these problems,
but the conventional protection described above
is ineffective with equipment which modulates
the electrical energy supplied to the motor.
Fig. 36 : Variable speed drive (Telemecanique ATV58H).
5.4 A complementary function: communication
Communication is a function that has become
almost indispensable in industrial production
processes and systems. It provides a remote
method of monitoring the machines of a
production system, interrogating different
devices, and controlling the machines.
Industrial network communication can be
broken down into five levels, represented by
a triangle, according to the CIM (Computer
Integrated Manufacturing) concept (see Fig. 37
next page).
all of these are defined by the standard. Thus
there are factors external to the application,
such as the climatic conditions (temperature,
humidity), the geographical location (altitude,
coast).
In some situations, the reliability of the
equipment can also be a critical factor,
particularly when maintenance is difficult. The
electrical life (durability of the contacts) of the
equipment (the contactor) is also an important
characteristic.
It is therefore essential to consult
comprehensive, detailed catalogues, in order
to ensure that the chosen equipment meets all
these requirements.
Electronic variable speed drives and starters
therefore have integrated protection. Modern
variable speed drives generally provide overload
protection for motors and self-protection. On the
basis of the current measurement and data on
the speed, a microprocessor calculates the
motor temperature increase and sends an alarm
or trip signal if the heating is excessive. Variable
speed drives, and in particular frequency
inverters, are also often fitted with protection
against:
b short-circuits between phases and between
phase and ground
b overvoltages and voltage drops
b phase unbalance
b single-phase operation
Additionally, data produced by the thermal
protection incorporated in the variable speed
drive can be exchanged with a PLC or a
supervisor via the communications link provided
in the more advanced variable speed drives and
starters.
For further information about electronic starters
and variable speed drives, see Schneider-
Electric “Cahier Technique” no. 208.
For this form of communication, which can also
be global, between all elements of a production
system, communicating components or modules
(see Fig. 38 next page) are integrated into many
devices, including protection devices such as
multi-function relays or motor starters.
With communication modules such as AS‑i,
Modbus, Profibus, etc., it is possible, for
example, to control a motor (remote on-off
control of the motor starter), and also to remotely
monitor the motor load (current measurement)
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.23
 Entreprise level Production management

Factory level Scheduling

Workshop level Supervision

Cell level Automated systems

Machine level Sensors - Actuators

Fig. 37 : The five levels of industrial communication.

and/or existing faults (overcurrent overload, etc.)

or earlier faults (log).
Communication systems are not only useful
for integrating protection into automatic
industrial processes, but also enable any
breakdown to be anticipated (pre-alarm
conditions, etc.), thus reducing downtime and
ensuring continuity of operation. It therefore Fig. 38 : A starter-controller with the Modbus
helps to improve equipment management, with communication module (Telemecanique Tesys U).
positive effects on the economic outcome.

5.5. Motor starters and coordination

Motor starter solutions
As explained at the start of this chapter, the main Solution "1 product"
functions required from a motor starter (isolation,
control and protection against short circuits and
overloads) can be provided by different devices.
There are three possible combinations of devices
(see Fig. 39 ) which enable a motor starter to
provide all these functions correctly, but they LU
require compatibility between the characteristics motor starter
of each of the combined devices.
Solution "2 products"
b The “all in one” solution:
The three functions are combined in a single
device; its overall performance is guaranteed by
the manufacturer. For the user, this is the simplest
solution, from the design phase through to
installation: it is easy to install (less wiring) and GV2 M LC1 K
can be chosen immediately (no special research Thermal-magnetic + contactor
circuit-breaker
needed).
b The “two device” solution Solution "3 products"
Thermal-magnetic circuit-breaker + contactor
Compatibility between the characteristics of the
two devices must be checked by the user.
b The “three device” solution
Magnetic circuit-breaker + contactor + overload GVE LE LC1 K LRK
relay Magnetic + contactor + overload
This can cover a wide power range. This circuit-breaker relay
combination requires a compatibility study for the Fig. 39 : The three possible combinations of devices for
selection of the devices and an installation study a motor starter.
for their mounting on a chassis or in an enclosure.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.24

This nature of this operation (compatibility,
choice and installation) is not always obvious
to users, since it is necessary to combine the
characteristics of the different devices and
have the skill to compare them. For this reason,
manufacturers investigate the combinations of
devices and then offer them in their catalogues.
As part of this operation, they attempt to find
optimal combinations of protection devices: this
is the “coordination” concept.
Coordination between protection and control
This coordination is the optimal combination of
different protection devices (for short circuits and
overloads) and the control device (contactor)
which make up a motor starter.
Designed for a given power rating, it provides the
best protection for the equipment controlled by
the motor starter (see Fig. 40 ).
It has the double advantage of reducing
equipment and maintenance costs, since the
different protection devices are matched with
each other as precisely as possible, without
unnecessary redundancy.
b There are different types of coordination.
Two types of coordination (type 1 and type 2) are
defined by IEC 60947-4-1.
v Type 1 coordination: this is the standard
solution and is most commonly used. It requires
that, in short-circuit conditions, the contactor
or starter must not create any risk to personnel
or installations. It allows the necessary repair
or replacement of components before the
restoration of service.
t(s) Thermal withstand limits:
- contactor
- circuit-breaker
- overload relay
1 the thermal withstand of the circuit-breaker;
2 3
I(A)
In 0.7Ic Ic 1.2Ic
Overload Impedance- Short-circuit
zone earthed zone
short-circuit
Tripping curves:
1 overload relay
2 magnetic trip release
3 fuse
Fig. 40 : The principles of coordination.
v Type 2 coordination: this is the high-
performance version; it requires that the
contactor or starter must not create any risk
for personnel or installations, and must be
capable of operating afterwards. The risk of
contact welding is accepted; if this occurs, the
manufacturer must state the action to be taken
for the maintenance of the equipment.
v There is a very high performance version,
provided in CPS (control and protective switching
devices) and offered by some manufacturers,
called “Total Coordination”.
This type of coordination requires that, in short-
circuit conditions, the contactor or starter must
not create any risk for personnel or installations,
and must be capable of operating afterwards.
The risk of contact welding is not acceptable; the
motor starter must be capable of being restarted
immediately.
b What type of coordination should be chosen?
The choice of the type of coordination depends
on the operating parameters.
It must meet the user’s requirements at an
optimal installation cost.
v Type 1
Acceptable when continuity of service is not
required and service can be restored after the
replacement of the faulty elements.
In this case, the maintenance service must be
effective (available and competent).
The advantage is a lower equipment cost.
v Type 2
To be chosen when continuity of service is required.
It requires less maintenance.
To enable a motor starter to operate
correctly, the coordination between all
the devices must meet all the following
requirements:
b the overload relay must protect the
magnetic circuit-breaker in the overload
zone : its curve “1” must pass below that of
b and, conversely, in the short-circuit
zones, in order to protect the thermal relay,
the short-circuit trip curve must pass below
that of the thermal withstand of the relay;
b finally, in order to protect the contactor,
its thermal withstand limit must be above
the curves of the two trip releases (thermal,
“1”, and magnetic, “3”) (or the fuse, “2”).
Note that the standard specifies the limit
test currents:
b up to 0.75 Ic only the thermal protection
must operate;
b above 1.25 Ic only the short-circuit
protection must operate.
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.25
 v When immediate restarting of the motor The types of coordination offered in
is essential, “Total Coordination” must be manufacturers’ catalogues simplify the user’s
chosen. choices and provide assurance that the motor
No maintenance is required. starter conforms to the standard.

5.6 Control and protective switching devices (CPS)

CPS or “starter-controllers” are designed
to perform the functions of control and

1/L1

1/L2

1/L3
protection (against overload and short circuit) Power base unit
simultaneously; they are also designed to enable
control to be provided in short-circuit conditions. Control
They can also provide complementary functions units
such as isolation, enabling them to perform all the
functions of a “motor starter”. They conform to IEC
60947-6-2, which in particular defines the rated
values and the operating categories of CPS, and Control unit
to the principles of IEC 60947-1 and 60947-4-1.
The various functions of a CPS are combined

2/T1

4/T2

6/T3
and coordinated to provide continuity of service
for all currents up to the rated breaking capacity
for short-circuit operation, Ics, of the device. The Fig. 41 : Example of a modular CPS (Telemecanique
system may or may not incorporate a single Tesys U starter-controller).
device, but its characteristics are always rated as
if for a single device. Additionally, the guarantee
general-purpose “power base unit” or “sub-base”
of “total” coordination between all the functions
rated at 32 A (see Fig. 42 ).
gives the user a simple choice of an optimal
protection device which is easy to use. Additional functionality can also be installed, for
the following aspects:
Even if it takes the form of a single device, a
CPS can provide a degree of modularity equal b power: inverter unit, limiter
to, or even greater than, that of a “three product” b control:
motor starter. This is true of the Telemecanique v function modules: alarms, motor load,
Tesys U starter-controller (see Fig. 41 ). This automatic reset, etc.
allows a control unit integrating the protection v communication modules: AS-i, Modbus,
and control functions for motors from 0.15 A to Profibus, CAN-Open, etc.
32 A to be added, or changed at any time, on a v auxiliary contact modules, additional contacts.

Possible functions Control units:

Standard Expandable Multi-function
Starter states (ready, operating, faulty)
Alarms (overcurrent, etc.)
Thermal alarm
Remote reset via the bus
Indication of the motor load
Fault differentiation
Parameter setting and protection functions look-up
“Log” function
“Supervision” function
Start and stop commands
Information carried on the bus (Modbus) and functions provided
Fig. 42 : Example of optional functions available with a modular system (Telemecanique Tesys U starter-controller).

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.26

5.7 Discrimination
In an electrical installation, the loads are
connected to the generators via a sequence of
isolation, protection and control devices.
Unless there is a carefully implemented
discrimination plan, an electric fault may affect
several protection devices. Thus a single fault
can result in a larger or smaller part of the
installation being switched off. This causes an
additional loss of availability of electrical energy
in correctly operating feeders.
To prevent this loss, in a radial feeder layout
(see Fig. 43 ) the aim of discrimination is to
disconnect only the faulty feeder or motor
from the line supply, while keeping the largest
possible part of the installation live. Thus
discrimination makes it possible to combine
safety and continuity of service. It also facilitates
fault location.
To provide maximum continuity of service,
protection devices which are coordinated with
each other must be used. For this purpose,
different methods are used to achieve either
D1
D3 D2
Fig. 43 : Discrimination between two circuit-breakers
D1 and D2 connected in series, where the same fault
current is flowing through both, requires that only the
circuit-breaker D2 downstream of D1 should open
5.8 Example
The aim is to select a motor starter for protecting
and controlling a lifting pump where continuity of
service is essential.
Technical characteristics of the motor to be
protected
b Three-phase asynchronous motor
b Power: 4 kW at 400 V, 50 Hz, and nominal
current In ≈ 8.1 A
b Operating category AC-3
b Normal start (no specific starting time)
“total discrimination”, which covers all fault
current levels up to the maximum available in the
installation, or “partial discrimination” which does
not cover the whole range.
Discrimination methods
There are several types of discrimination:
b current-based, using a difference between the
trip thresholds of the circuit-breakers connected
in series
b time-based, where the tripping of the upstream
circuit-breaker is delayed by a few tens or
hundreds of milliseconds, or use is made of the
ordinary operating characteristics related to the
ratings of the devices. Thus discrimination can
be provided between two overload relays by
meeting the condition Ir1 > 1.6 Ir2 (where r1 is
upstream of r2).
b “SELLIM” or “energy-based”, in the electricity
supply field: here a limiting circuit-breaker is
connected upstream, and opens for the time
required for the operation of the downstream
circuit-breaker, and then recloses.
b logic, in which one circuit-breaker informs the
other that the threshold has been exceeded,
leaving the more downstream circuit-breaker the
choice of whether to open.
For further information on discrimination, see
Schneider Electric Cahiers Techniques no. 167.
Discrimination in processes
For process control equipment (production lines,
chemical production units, etc.), the
discrimination methods most commonly used
between motor starters and the electrical line
supply to these processes are generally current-
based and time-based. In most cases,
discrimination is provided by the limiting or ultra-
limiting capacity of the motor starters.
b Short-circuit current of the installation calculated
in relation to the equipment: Isc = 35 kA
b Control voltage: 230 V.
Essential limit characteristics
The operating conditions lead to the following
choice:
b for short-circuit protection, and in order to
provide the requisite continuity of service, a
magnetic circuit-breaker must be provided, with a
breaking capacity in excess of Isc, calculated as
35 kA in this case.
Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.27
 To allow the continuous passage of the nominal
current, the operating current of the magnetic
circuit-breaker must be more than In = 8.1 A.
b for overload protection, given normal starting,
the relay must be of class 10 or 10 A, with a
setting current Is of 8.1 A or slightly more.
b a contactor having an operating current of
more than 8.1 A. Its control coil must be supplied
at 230 V a.c.
Since continuity of service is essential, type
II coordination or total coordination of the
protection devices is required.
The hardware solutions
The selection of equipment having all these
characteristics can be difficult, especially if
devices made by different manufacturers have
to be combined. However, most manufacturers’
catalogues show ranges of motor starters
together with tables of tested combinations,
facilitating the selection process. (see Fig. 44 ).

D.O.L. starters with circuit-breaker and thermal overload relay – “3-product” solution, type 2 coordination
Standard power ratings of 50/60 Hz three-phase Circuit-breaker Contactor Thermal overload
motors in Category AC-3 relay
400/415 V 440 V 500 V Ref. Rating FLAm Ref.(2) Ref. Setting
(1)
P Ie Iq P Ie Iq P Ie Iq range
kW A kA kW A kA kW A kA A A A
GV2 L 0.08 0.22 130 0.06 0.19 130 - - - GV2 L03 0.4 5 LC1 D09 LRD 02 0.16…0.25
or LE03
0.09 0.36 130 0.09 0.28 130 - - - GV2 L03 0.4 5 LC1 D09 LRD 03 0.25…0.40
- - - 0.12 0.37 130 - - - or LE03
0.12 0.42 130 - - - GV2 L04 0.63 8 LC1 D09 LRD 04 0.4…0.63
0.18 0.6 130 0.18 0.55 130 or LE04

LC1 D
………
3 6.5 130 - - - - - - GV2 L14 10 10 LC1 D09 LRD 12 5.5…8
or LE14
- - - - - - 4 6.5 10 GV2 LE14 10 138 LC1 D12 LRD 12 5.5…8
- - - - - - 4 6.5 50 GV2 L14 LC1 D12 LRD 12 5.5…8
4 8.4 130 GV2 L14 10 138 LC1 D09 LRD 14 7…10
LR D or LE14
Solution: GV2 L14 + LC1 D09 + LRD 14
TeSys U starter-controllers – “1 product” solution, total coordination
- Power base
Rated short-circuit breaking capacity (Isc)
Volts 230 440 500 690
kA 50 50 10 4
Note: For higher values, use limiters. At 690 V, use phase barrier LU9 SP0.
Connection Rating Ref.
Power Control y 440 V 500 V 690 V
A A A
Screw clamp Screw clamp 12 12 9 LUB 12
32 23 21 LUB 32
- Control units
Maximum standard power ratings of Setting Clip on power Ref. to be
50/60 Hz single-/three-phase motors range base rating completed with
LUB 12 400/415 V 500 V 690 V code indicating
kW kW kW A A voltage
Advanced control – Pressing the Test button on the front panel simulates tripping on thermal overload.
Class 10 for three-phase motors
0.09 - - 0.15…0.6 12 and 32 LUCB X6pp
0.25 - - 0.35…1.4 12 and 32 LUCB 1Xpp
1.5 2.2 3 1.25…5 12 and 32 LUCB 05pp
5.5 5.5 9 3…12 12 and 32 LUCB 12pp
7.5 9 15 4.5…18 32 LUCB 18pp
15 15 18.5 8…32 32 LUCB 32pp
Existing control circuit voltages
Volts 24 48…72 110…240
c BL
a B
c or a - ES FU
Solution: LUB12 + LUCB 12 FU

Fig. 44 : Two solutions in which good coordination between the different functions of a motor starter is guaranteed
(source: Telemecanique).

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.28

6 Conclusion

In any installation including electric motors,

different kinds of faults can occur. But, whether
they originate in the motors (short circuits
between phases, etc.) or are related to the
operation of the motor (rotor locking, prolonged
starting, etc.) or to the power supply (overvoltage,
unbalance, etc.), their effects on the motors can
include short circuits and/or overheating of the
windings, which may destroy them.
Accordingly, in order to avoid these mishaps or
limit their effects, every motor should be
protected from:
b short circuits: by fuses, magnetic circuit-
breakers, etc.
b and overloads: by thermal or electronic
overload relays, multi-function relays, etc.
In a motor starter, these protection elements are
combined with an isolation device and a control
device. To ensure that they perform their
functions correctly, their coordination must be
ensured. This is an operation which is often
difficult for the designer of the installation or
machine, since he has to take into account not
only the type of motor, but also its mode of
operation and the characteristics of the
installation.
To facilitate the selection process, all major
manufacturers of motor starters publish
combination tables for their equipment in their
catalogues. Only a few manufacturers, such as
Schneider Electric, have produced devices which
incorporate all the necessary elements to
guarantee the correct operation of a whole
installation. Thus the requisite motor protection
devices can be rapidly specified and installed
without the risk of random occurrences.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.29

Appendix 1: Modular system of the Tesys U starter-controller

The Tesys U CPS, or starter-controller (made by

Telemecanique) is a direct motor starter for
protecting and controlling single-phase or three-
phase motors. Its functions are integrated simply
by plugging control units and modules into a
power base unit (see Fig. 45 ).
With this technology, the CPS can be adapted up
to the last minute, and other plug-in elements are 6
available to simplify or even eliminate the wiring
in it.

Power base unit [1]

b Independent of the control voltage and the 2
motor power
b Integrates the circuit-breaker function with a
breaking power of 50 kA at 400 V, total coordination
(continuity of service), and the switch function

Control units [2] 1

b Standard control unit
v Protection against overloads and short circuits 3
v Protection against phase failure and unbalance
v Protection against isolation faults (equipment
protection only)
v Manual reset 4
b Expandable control unit
v Includes the functionality of the standard
control unit (see above)
5
v When combined with a function or
communication module:
- fault differentiation with manual reset
- fault differentiation with remote or automatic
reset
- thermal pre-alarm Fig. 45 : Tesys U modular starter-controller.
- indication of the motor load.
b Multi-function control unit Modules [3-4]
v Includes the functionality of the standard
b Auxiliary contacts
control unit (see above)
v Reset parameters can be modified in manual b Function
or automatic mode v Fault differentiation (with manual reset or
v Protection system alarm remote or automatic reset)
v Display on front panel or on remote terminal, v Thermal pre-alarm
using Modbus RS 485 port v Indication of the motor load
v “Log” function b Communication
v “Monitoring” function, displaying the main v Parallel bus
motor parameters on the front panel of the v Serial bus: AS-Interface, Modbus, Profibus, etc.
control unit or on a remote terminal
v Fault differentiation (short circuit, overload, etc.) Inverter unit [5]
v Protection against excess torque and no-load
operation Limiter-isolator unit [6]

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.30

Appendix 2: the main starting modes

DOL starting (see Fig. 46 ) characteristics, it cannot be used unless:

b the load allows a large starting torque
This is the simplest and most economical starting b and the line supply allows a starting current
mode, but, owing to its electromechanical which may be up to 10 times the nominal current.

C Id / In
I
Cmax

Cn Acceleration
torque Cr If (Cr)
Cd In
Resistive torque
N N
N1 Nn N1 Nn
In the power network
Starting current Large overcurrent (5 to 10 In)
Brownout Considerable
Harmonic disturbance Considerable during starting
Power factor Low during starting
In the motor
Number of successive starts Limited (thermal withstand)
Available torque Low during starting (see graph)
Temperature stress Very considerable (rotor)
In the mechanism
Stress on couplings Very considerable
Suitable load types Low-inertia load
Fig. 46 : Graphs and summary of the induced effects of the DOL starting mode.

Star-triangle starting
U V W U V W
The principle of this mode is that the motor is
started by coupling the windings in star L1 L2 L3
configuration under the line voltage (see Fig. 47 ),
which is equivalent to dividing the nominal 1 3 5
voltage of the motor in star configuration by 3. Q1 X Y Z X Y Z
The peak starting current is then divided by 3, 2 4 6
i.e. Is = 1.5 to 3 In.
This is a simple and economical starting mode
which reduces the current peak on starting (see 1 3 5 1 3 5 1 3 5
Fig. 48 next page). KM2 KM3 KM1
It can only be used if: 2 4 6 2 4 6 2 4 6

b the starting load is zero, or has a low torque

not exceeding 1/3 of the nominal torque (U) (V) (W)
b and the line can withstand the excess current U1 V1 W1
1 3 5
during the coupling changeover. M F2
3
Rheostatic stator starting 2 4 6
The principle is to start the motor at a reduced U2 V2 W2
(X) (Y) (Z)
voltage by connecting resistors in series with the
windings (see Fig. 49 next page). When the speed
is stabilized, the resistors are short-circuited and
the motor is coupled directly to the line supply. Fig. 47 : Electrical diagram of a star-triangle starter.
This operation is generally controlled by a timer.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.31

 C / Cn Id / In

C in ∆ I
Cmax I in ∆
4
2
2 I in Y
C in Y
Cr If (Cr)
1 In

Resistive torque
N N
N1 Nn N1 Nn
In the power network
Starting current Low overcurrent (1.5 to 3 In)
Brownout Considerable on change of coupling
Harmonic disturbance Considerable during starting
Power factor Degraded during starting
In the motor
Number of successive starts 2 to 3 times greater than in direct connection
Available torque Reduced during starting (1/3 Cn)
Temperature stress Lower than in direct connection
In the mechanism
Stress on couplings Lower than in direct connection
Suitable load types Low-inertia

Fig. 48 : Graphs and summary of the effects of the star-triangle starting mode.

L1 L2 L3 Autotransformer starting
1 3 5 The motor is supplied at reduced voltage by
means of an autotransformer which is switched
Q1 out of the circuit after starting.
2 4 6

Ic Id
1 3 5 1 3 5 6
I∆ (direct)
KM1 KM1
5
2 4 6 2 4 6
I (stage 1)
R1 R3 R5 with resistances
4
I (stage 2)
3 without
R2 R4 R6
resistance

2
1 3 5
F2 1

2 4 6
N
U V W 50 100
Torque
M Cm (stage 2)
3
1.5 C∆ (direct)
Fig. 49 : Electrical diagram and sequence of a
rheostatic stator starter. 1

Cm (stage 1)
This starting mode avoids power cuts during the 0.5
starting phase; it can greatly reduce the Cresistive
magnetizing current peaks (transients). N
50 100
However, the starting current remains high, at about Fig. 50 : Current and torque graphs for a rheostatic
4.5 In. This starting mode causes a considerable stator starter.
loss of torque and power (see Fig. 50 ).

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.32

Starting takes place in three stages (see Fig. 51 ). where the torque characteristics can withstand
This starting mode is used mostly in the decrease in motor torque in a ratio varying
LV applications for power ratings of more than from 0.4 to 0.85 with respect to the starting
150 kW and for mechanisms having low inertia torque of the motor (see Fig. 52 ).

L1 L2 L3

Stage 1
L1 L2 L3

I> I> I>

U V W

M
K3 K2 3

U1 V1 W1
Stage 2 Stage 3
L1 L2 L3 L1 L2 L3
U V W

U3 M
3
V3
U V W
W3
U V W M
U2 V2 W2 3

M K1
3

Fig. 51 : Electrical diagram and sequence of autotransformer starting.

Ic Electronic starting (soft starter)

Id
6 When the motor is switched on, it is supplied
I∆ (direct) with a progressively increasing voltage. This
5 is produced by means of a power controller
whose output voltage can be controlled by an
4 acceleration ramp which is determined by the
I (3e temps) value of the limit current, or the torque, or is
related to these two parameters (see Fig. 53 ).
3
I (1er temps) This is a high-performance starting mode which
2
allows soft starting and stopping.
In current limiting control, a maximum current
1 (3 to 4 In) is fixed during the starting phase,
although this decreases the torque performance.
N This form of starting is particularly suitable for
Couple 50 100 “turbine machines” such as centrifugal pumps
and fans.
1,5 C∆ (direct)
Cm (2e tps) Cm (3e tps)
1

Cm (1er tps)
0,5
Crésistant
N
50 100
Fig. 52 : Current and torque graphs for an Fig. 53 : Progressive starting and deceleration unit
autotransformer starter. (Telemecanique Altistart 01).

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.33

 In torque regulation control, the torque
performance is optimized on starting, but with
negative effects on the current drawn from the
line supply.

Frequency converter starting

This operates on a principle similar to that of
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) according to a
PWM sinus law. This method provides regular
and shock-free rotation of the machines, even at
low speed, because the output current waveform
is very close to a sine wave.
This is a high-performance starting mode, used
when the speed must be controlled.
Suitable for all types of machine, it can be used
for the following purposes, among others:
b starting high-inertia loads
b starting large loads in a network with a low
short-circuit capacity
b optimizing electricity consumption in
accordance with the speed of turbine machines.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.34

Appendix 3: Bibliography

Standards Miscellaneous
b IEC 60034-26: Rotating electrical machines. b Schémathèque Technologies du contrôle
b Part 26: Effects of unbalanced voltages on the industriel, Edition CITEF - Collection Technique
performance of three-phase induction motors. Telemecanique 1994
b IEC 60364, NF C 15-100: Low-voltage b Utilisation industrielle des moteurs à courant
electrical installations. alternatif, TEC & DOC, Schneider-Electric 2001 -
Jean Bonal
b IEC 60947-1: Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear - Part 1 : General rules. b Protections électriques des alternateurs et
moteurs, Techniques de l’Ingénieur no. D 3775 -
b IEC 60947-2: Low-voltage switchgear and
Bernard Guigues
controlgear - Part 2 : Circuit-breakers.
b Protections électriques des alternateurs et
b IEC 60947-4-1: Low-voltage switchgear and
moteurs, Techniques de l’Ingénieur no. D 4820 -
controlgear - Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-
Jacques Verschoore
starters - Electromechanical contactors and
motor-starters. b Guide d’installation et de maintenance des
Moteurs asynchrones triphasés fermés à cage
b IEC 60947-6-2: Low-voltage switchgear and
ou à bagues, Leroy Somer Document
controlgear - Part 6-2: Multiple function
equipment - Control and protective switching
devices (or equipment) (CPS).
b IEC 60947-8: Low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear - Part 8 : Control units for built-in
thermal protection (PTC) for rotating electrical
machines.
b IEC 61000-2-1: Electromagnetic compatibility
(EMC) - Part 2: Environment - Section 1:
Description of the environment - Electromagnetic
environment for low-frequency conducted
disturbances and signalling in public power
supply systems.

Schneider Electric Cahiers Techniques

b Overvoltages and insulation coordination in MV
and HV
Cahier Technique no. 151- Didier Fulchiron
b Energy-based discrimination for LV protective
devices
Cahier Technique no. 167 - Marc Serpinet and
Robert Morel
b LV surges and surge arresters - LV insulation
coordination
Cahier Technique no. 179 - Christophe Séraudie
b Discrimination with LV power circuit-breakers
Cahier Technique no. 201 - Jean-Pierre Nereau
b LV protection devices and variable speed
drives (frequency converters)
Cahier Technique no. 204 - Jacques Schonek
and Yves Nebon
b Electric motors ... and how to improve their
control and protection
Cahier Technique no. 207 - Etienne Gaucheron
b Electronic starters and variable speed drives
Cahier Technique no. 208 - Daniel Clenet

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric no. 211 / p.35

 © 2007 Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric Schneider Electric Industries SAS DTP: AXESS Valence.

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92506 Rueil-Malmaison Cedex
FRANCE

01-07