Bulletin 150
Smart Motor Controllers — SMC-3™
Overview/Modes of Operation
Bulletin 150 — Smart Motor Controllers — SMC-3™ Smart Table of Contents
Motor Controller
The SMC-3™ is a compact, simple to use, solid-state motor controller designed Cat. No. Explanation ............... 34
to operate 3-phase motors. It features a built-in overload relay and a built-in Product Selection..................... 35
SCR bypass contactor on all three phases, allowing a smaller footprint than Typical Wiring Diagrams ........ 38
other soft starters on the market. This product is designed for many
applications, including compressors, chillers, pumps, conveyors, and crushers. Specifications............................. 40
Modes of operation for the controller are as follows: Approximate Dimensions ...... 44
y Soft Start y Soft Stop Enclosed Options ..................... 46
y Current Limit Start y Coast-to-Rest Accessories (SMC-3 and
y Kick Start SMC-Delta) ................................. 47
The controllers are available in twelve sizes: 3, 9, 16, 19, 25, 30, 37, 43, 60,
85, 108, and 135 A. They offer two voltage ranges: 200…480V AC and
200…600V AC. All voltage ranges will operate at either 50 or 60 Hz.
y 1…135 A Range
y Built-In Electronic Motor Overload Protection
y Built-In SCR/Run Bypass
y Delta Connections for 108 A and 135 A Devices
Standards Compliance/Approvals
y UL 508
y CSA C22.2 No. 14
y EN/IEC 60947-4-2
y cULus Listed (Open Type) (File No. E96956)
y CE Marked (Open Type) per EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive
Modes of Operation
Soft Start
This method has the most general application. The motor is raised from an
initial torque value to full voltage. This initial torque can be adjusted to
15%, 25%, 35%, or 65% of locked rotor torque. The motor voltage is
gradually increased during the acceleration ramp time, which can be
adjusted from 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 s. (3…37 A, 2…15 s only)
Current Limit Start
This starting mode is used when it is necessary to limit the maximum
starting current. It can be adjusted to 150%, 250%, 350%, or 450% of full
load amps. Start times are selectable from 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 s.
(3…37 A, 2…15 s only)
Selectable Kick Start
A kickstart, or boost, at the beginning of the start mode is intended to
provide a current pulse of 450% of full load current. The kickstart time is
adjustable from 0.5…1.5 seconds. This allows the motor to develop
additional torque during starting for loads which may need a boost to get
initial shaft rotation.
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Bulletin 150
Smart Motor Controllers — SMC-3™
Modes of Operation/Features
Modes of Operation, Continued
Soft Stop
The Soft Stop function can be used with applications that require an
extended stop time. When enabled, the voltage ramp down time can be
selected to one, two, or three times the starting time. The motor will stop
when the motor voltage drops to a point where the load torque is greater
than the motor torque.
Description of Features
Electronic Motor Overload Protection Phase Imbalance
The SMC-3 controller incorporates, as standard, electronic motor The unit monitors for imbalance between phase currents. To prevent
overload protection. This motor overload protection is accomplished motor damage, the unit will trip if the phase imbalance exceeds
electronically with the use of current transformers on each of the 50% current imbalance for 3 seconds, and a fault will be indicated.
three phases. The controller’s overload protection is programmable,
providing the user with flexibility. The overload trip class selection
Shorted SCR
consists of either OFF, 10, 15, or 20. The trip current is easily
selected by adjusting the rotary potentiometer to the motor full load Prior to every start and during starting, the unit will check all SCRs
current rating. Trip reset is selectable to either automatic or manual for shorts and unit load connections to the motor. If there is a
mode. shorted SCR in the SMC-3 and/or open load, the start will be
aborted and a shorted SCR or open load fault will be indicated. This
Note: Trip rating is 120% of dial setting.
prevents damage from phase imbalance.
Over-temperature
The SMC-3 monitors the SCR temperature by means of internal Push to Test
thermistors. When the power poles maximum rated temperature is The unit with control wiring can be tested for fault conditions by
reached, the microcomputer switches off the SMC, a TEMP fault is using the Push to Test function. Hold down the Reset button for 5
indicated via LED, and the 97/98 fault contact closes. seconds to activate the fault Aux (97, 98) and shut down the SMC-3.
To clear, either push the Reset button or cycle control power to the
device.
Phase Reversal Protection
When enabled via a DIP switch, 3-phase input power will be verified
before starting. If input power phasing is detected to be incorrect, LED Description (Number of Flashes)
the start will be aborted and a fault indicated. 1. Overload
2. Overtemperature
Phase Loss/Open Load 3. Phase Reversal
The unit will not attempt a start if there is a single-phase condition 4. Phase Loss/Open Load
on the line. This protects from motor burnout during single-phase 5. Phase Imbalance
starting. 6. Shorted SCR
7. Test
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