ABB SafeStart low-voltage motor control centre

ABB has launched a range of SafeStart low-voltage motor control centre (MCC) technology. The SafeStart range improves safety, equipment reliability and ease of maintenance for operators of demountable-type MCCs in the mining and minerals industry.

To address the key needs of operators and owners of local mine sites, the design of the SafeStart MCC has been engineered and developed in Australia based on direct feedback received from a series of market surveys conducted by ABB in Australia.

The SafeStart MCC modules are designed to improve safety for operators and electrical maintenance workers with improved protection against arc faults and with interlocking mechanisms. This allows the main switch handle to be padlocked in the OFF position with the door open or closed, and also prevents insertion or withdrawal of the demountable module when the main switch is in the ON position.

SafeStart low-voltage MCCs have been designed to operate in harsh conditions such as operation ambient temperatures of between -5 and 50°C, and dusty environments which demand protection ratings of up to IP54. Temperature rise tests and internal arcing fault tests have been conducted under the worst conditions of IP54 without extrapolation or assumptions.

Maintenance has also been simplified due to modular design. All demountable modules come in standard sizes and are provided with facilities to allow for quick interchange or replacement of modules within the framework. Main busbars are of a maintenance-free construction and distribution bars are fully phase-segregated, reducing the probability of an arc flash.