Blog | Electrical Engineering Resource

Selecting the right motor starter option

February 25, 2021/in Motor Starters and Contactors /by Victoria Anders

Of the various motor starter options, which is the best fit for your application? This article introduces the benefits and tradeoffs of the three main starter types: across-the-line starters, softstarters, and variable frequency drives.

How much time and money can push-in contactors save you?

January 27, 2021/in Panel Builders, Reliability /by Victoria Anders

Panel builders are always looking for ways to speed production, reduce costs, and improve panel reliability. Devices equipped with push-in connectors check all three of those boxes. Use this simple tool to calculate your potential savings.

Smarter breakers enable higher-performing panels

December 17, 2020/in Circuit Breakers, Panel Builders /by Victoria Anders

Some panel builders are content to offer traditional, serviceable designs. Others position themselves as higher-value providers, offering panels with more functions and performance. They often achieve that by relying on smarter breakers.

Repair or replace your switchgear lineup: Four things to consider

November 19, 2020/in Power Distribution Equipment, Reliability, Switchgear /by Victoria Anders

Repair or replace? It’s a question repeatedly faced by plant engineers and maintenance managers. For power distribution equipment, there are four important considerations when making that decision.

Choose the right combination motor controller type for your next panel

October 15, 2020/in Motor Starters and Contactors, Panel Builders, SCCR /by Victoria Anders

Combination Motor Controller (CMC) provide the four essential elements of motor branch circuit protection and control. Panel builders should understand the benefits and drawbacks of the five most popular CMC types.

Three ways the right panel components can reduce stress in food and beverage facilities

September 29, 2020/in Easy to install, Energy efficiency, Food & Beverage, Motor Starters and Contactors, Panel Builders, Space savings /by Victoria Anders

Most panel components are sourced based on electrical or functional specs, and then cost. But there are other factors to consider. Learn about three surprising benefits panel builders can realize by making smart component selections for food and beverage facilities.

Boost the reliability of your backup-power control system

August 25, 2020/in ABB Ability, Asset Health, Circuit Breakers, Energy efficiency, Panel Builders, Reliability /by Victoria Anders

Facility managers with backup-power systems are like skydivers; they can’t know if the backup actually works until they need it. Using smart devices in power-control-system panels greatly increases backup-power system reliability.

3 things to think about when selecting an automatic transfer switch

August 19, 2020/in Circuit Breakers, Energy efficiency, Panel Builders, Reliability /by Victoria Anders

The automatic transfer switch has moved from a relatively mundane role in power distribution and control systems to being a major player. Read about three traits to consider to ensure you select the right ATS for your application.

Could you get into the UL 845 motor control center panel market?

July 31, 2020/in Critical Power, Energy efficiency, Motor Starters and Contactors, Panel Builders, Project cost reduction, Reliability /by Victoria Anders

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Rebecca Stamps, Product Marketing Manager LV & MV Motor Control, ABB

Providing UL 845 motor control centers represents a step up the value chain for UL 508A panel shops. But that step up into a new and potentially profitable market requires a smaller step than you might think.

Streamlining panel design equals higher SCCR

June 30, 2020/in ABB Ability, Circuit Breakers, Panel Builders /by Victoria Anders

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Sean Ghoddoucy, Segment Manager, National Alliance Accounts, ABB
Daniel Lightsey, ABB Ability(TM), Smart Power

Panels with higher AIC / SCCR ratings provide superior safety, helping protect employees and equipment while avoiding production losses and scrap. OEM machine builders and panel builders can pursue several paths to achieve those higher ratings.

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