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240,000 ft2
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Built Per Year

MCI Control Solutions - Knowledge Vault

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MCI Control Solutions: Knowledge

With over 40 years of hands-on experience in designing, developing, manufacturing, shipping, installing, and on-going support, MCI Control Solutions has learn many things and has become a global leader in the production of control solutions. To help our customers better understand the manufacturing process, we've put together common terms and definitions used in the industry. MCI has also put togetr a list of frequently asked questions and answers. If you're not finding the information your looking for, please contact our world class team for answers. We are available 24/7 to be of assistance.

MCI Control Solutions: Terminology

  • Hand-Off-Auto (HOA) Switch:

    This is a three-position switch suitable for use where the motor will normally be controlled automatically when placed in the "Auto" position. The operator may also choose to control (start and stop) the motor manually by use of the "Hand" and "Off" positions of the same switch.

  • On/Off Switch:

    In the case where the motor will not be automatically controlled, this option is an appropriate choice for the operator. This option is reffered to as two-wire control. The motor will re-start automatically after a power outage.

  • Start/Stop Push Button:

    In the case where the motor will not be automatically controlled, this option is an appropriate choice. This option is referred to as three-wire control. The motor must be restarted manually (by pushing the start button) after a power outage.

  • Ammeter:

    The ammeter measures and displays the actual motor current on one-phase.

  • Emergency Stop Button:

    This red mushroom head push button provides a visible maintained stop condition in unsafe situations. Rotating this button resets the circuit.

  • "Power On" Light:

    This light shows the presence of control power. It is not an indicator of motor readiness to start.

  • "Run" Light:

    This light shows that the motor starter is in run mode.

  • Overhead Fault Light:

    While operating, the motor is monitored for overload conditions. When an overload situation occurs, the overload relay causes the motor to stop until this relay is manually reset. A fault light indicates the "tripped" status of the overload relay.

  • Run-Time Meter:

    This display of the meter shows the accumulated operating time for the motor. It is not re-settable to zero time, although a reset option is available.

  • Number-of-Starts Counter:

    The display of this meter shows the number of times the motor has attempted to start. It is not re-settable to zero, although a reset option is available.

  • Surge Arrestor:

    Through its connection to the incoming power lines, the surge arrestor absorbs spike energy in an attempt to protect electrical components. Due to the unknown intensity of these spikes, total protection against any spike is not possible.

  • Undercurrent Relay with Adjustable Delay (Dry Pump):

    An unloadable motor or dry pump has the characteristics of lowered motor current. This option will shut the motor off or warn the operator of the condition.

  • Phase Sequence & Phase Loss Relay:

    During commissioning of equipment, the direction of rotation for a motor may be critical to personal safety or equipment operation. This relay senses the correct rotation of power feeding the motor controller. If any changes in power connections supplying the motor controller occur, this relay will prevent the operation of the motor. In addition to the phase rotation detection, the loss of one or more phases feeding the motor will also prevent the motor's operation. The loss of one fuse is a common problem detected by this option.

  • Motor Winding Temperature Relay (Thermistor):

    Large motors or critical motors are often fitted with temperature sensitive resistors (Thermistors) in order to directly detect the internal motor temperature. Each occurance of a 10°C temperature ride in a motor, above this rating, will reduce it's serviceable life by 50%. This relay senses that temperature and and prevents the motor from operating under high temperature conditions. Resetting to normal operation, after the motor cooling, is done manually.

  • Bearing Temperature Detection Relay (Pump or Motor):

    Bearings on large motors or critical motors are sometimes fitted with temperature sensitive resistors (RTD's) in order to detect motor or pump bearing temperatures. This relay senses that temperature and prevents the motor from operating under high bearing temperature conditions. Resetting the delay, after resolving the heating problem, is done manually.

  • Liquid Level Control (Pump Up or Down):

    This option provides the controller for controlling pumps, which maintain a liquid level by the addition or removal of liquid. Since the probe assemblies are particular to the installation, they may be quoted separately once more installation details are provided. Call factory for pricing of probe assemblies.

  • Four Level Switches (Control and Alarms):

    The level switches are provided for High Level Alarm and Low Level Alarm (both with indicator lights on the panel door). A Start Pump float switch & a Stop Pump float switch are also provided to control the pumping action for pump up or pump down action. Different float switch arrangements are available upon request.

  • Auxiliary Contacts for Customer Use:

    The installation of this motor starter may require that a signal be sent to other equipment upon this motor being called upon to start. This option provides "dry" contacts, to permit the monitoring of running status. One normally open and one normally closed contact are provided. Additional contacts are available.

  • Door Lock:

    The door lock is a quarter turn thumb latch.

  • Enclosure Type 1:

    General purpose enclosure. Protects against accidental contact with live parts.

  • Enclosure Type 4:

    An enclosure for either indoor or outdoor use, constructed so as to provide a degree of protection against rain, snow, and windblown dust; splashing and hose directed water; undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure.

  • Enclosure Type 4X - 304/316 Stainless Steel:

    An enclosure for either indoor or outdoor use, constructed so as to provide a degree of protection against rain, snow, and windblown dust; splashing and hose directed water; undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure; resists corrosion. The stainless steel is more durable than regular 4X painted box which relies on being unstratched in order to maintain corrosion resistance.

  • Enclosure Type 12:

    An enclosure for indoor use, constructed so as to provide a degree of protection against circulating dust, lint, fibers, and filings; dripping and light splahing of non-corrosive liquids; not provided with knockouts.