Soft-start sizing and programming made simple

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 27, 2004

WEG is increasing both the functionality and ease of use of its SSW-05 micro soft-starters with the introduction of a new programmable keypad and sizing software.

WEG is increasing both the functionality and ease of use of its SSW-05 micro soft-starters with the introduction of a new programmable keypad and sizing software.

The new sizing software makes the task of selecting a soft starter for all types of pumps, fans, compressors and mixers that much easier, while the programmable keypad provides the flexibility and convenience of remote programming, monitoring of the motor control process and simple copying of programs between serial soft starters.

Selection, setup and commissioning of the SSW-05 are made both simple and transparent with the new additions.

Using the sizing software, the correct soft starter can be accurately determined for any equipment - axial, centrifugal and vacuum pumps, screw compressors, mixers and calendars, without the cost penalty of oversizing "just to be on the safe side".

The programmable keypad complements the new software, providing the user with the convenience of remote programming and monitoring for all motor parameters including motor current and voltage, acceleration and deceleration ramp times, motor overload protection, fault indications (21 in total), serial communication enable/disable and network addresses and many, many more.

The SSW-05 micro soft starters are an ideal complement to WEG's, market leading, W21 range of high efficiency motors.

They provide an extremely simple, low cost and compact solution to the problem of starting AC motors smoothly and efficiently without "snatch".

This reduces stress on transmission devices, such as gearboxes, shafts and couplings, during motor startup and helps to increase the life of both motor and mechanical parts.

Although extremely compact (the smallest is just 130 x 55 x 145mm) the micro soft starters offer the user a fully featured package including soft starting/stopping controls, motor protection, metering diagnostics, integrated operator interface pump control and even RS232 serial communications.

This combination of high functionality at low cost means that the units are ideal for OEM applications - especially when employed as part of integrated control systems enclosed in panels.

In these applications, the compact footprint of the soft starters reduces panel space; and simplified wiring and the facility for either direct or DIN rail mounting reduce the time required for installation.

Taken together these factors cut overall installation costs, ensuring improved competitiveness for the OEM panel or machine builder.

A range comprising 24 different models means that the micro soft starters can cater for the majority of motor starting requirements, in the power range from 0.55 to 55kW.

Conveniently for OEMs, all the models in the range are rated for both 50 and 60Hz operation, with the choice of 13 supply voltages from 220 to 575V (3-85A).

The soft starters meet all the requirements of UL508, for industrial control equipment, IEC60947-4-2 and the European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC - Industrial Environment.