
MANUAL MOTOR STARTER GUIDE
APRIL 19
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7.6 Suitable applications for manual motor starters for North
America
For North America, the suitable applications for manual motor starters can be divided into two categories: those
which require the use of upstream branch circuit protection (e.g. circuit-breakers or fuses), and those which require
no additional upstream branch protection.
Recall from the earlier discussion in Chapter 7.1.5 Categorizing manual motor starters that manual motor starters are
classified by UL under two categories:
−
Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV)
−
Combination Motor Controllers (NLDX)
These categories follow the same division in regard to the need for upstream coordination.
First, we will review those applications specific for Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV), which require upstream branch
circuit protection.
7.6.1 Defining Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV)
ABB manual motor starters are initially tested as Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV). A manual controller is defined as
a hand-operated switching device whose contacts are controlled by the position of a mechanical actuator. These
controllers can optionally be provided with the following functions:
An instantaneous trip element for short-circuit protection (not suitable for branch circuit protection without further
testing)
−
Motor overload protection
−
Suitability for motor disconnecting means, on the load-side of the branch circuit protective device
−
Suitability for tap conductor protection in group installations
These additional functions are considered “optional” for devices within this category. To understand this, consider
non-fusible disconnect switches tested according to UL 60947-4-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1. These devices feature
no internal releases and are therefore not suitable for load protection. Even so, both manual motor starters and non-
fusible
disconnect switches are classified within the same category NLRV.
Manual motor starters, tested as Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV)
Tested according to UL 60947-4-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1
as Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV)
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Load control (AC-1, AC Motor)
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Motor overload protection
-
Component-level short-circuit current ratings with fuses and circuit-
breakers
Optional additional testing within this category includes
-
Suitable as motor disconnect
-
Suitable for use in group installations
-
Suitable for tap conductor protection in group installations
Figure 37: Manual motor starters, tested as Manual Motor Controllers (NLRV).