1) What size starter do I need?
This is the most common question we get asked.
In general, this is pretty easy to answer.
To size an IEC starter you will need to know at least:
-Full load Amps (FLA) of your motor
-Operating Voltage
-Motor Voltage
-Single or Three Phase
It is good to also know HP and application as well. Hard running equipment like vacuum pumps, air compressors, exhaust fans or any motor that is running near its capacity - may "need" an oversized contactor.
If you are just trying to determine size of a pre-wired starter then you will probably want your coil operating voltage to be the same as your motor supply voltage. That way you will only need to supply one power source.
Example 1: You have a 5 HP motor, 3 phase, with a FLA of 14.2 Amps @ 230V. Starter size would be 12-18 Amp @ 230V. This starter from Elimia would be built with a size 25 Contactor. In most arrangements our starters utilize a contactor rating at least (1) HP size larger. The contactor being a larger frame does not affect the Amp trip range.
Example 2: You have a 5 HP motor, 1 phase, with a FLA of 23.1 Amps @ 230V. Starter size would be 23-32 Amps @ 230V 1 phase. This starter is available with a standard size contactor size 32 and a larger frame contactor size 40. This is a frame size overlap rating where the overload range of 23-32 is available in small and large frame. This is also a cost jump point.
