480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
(OP)
Just trying to list the pros and cons of using a starter with a 480VAC coil vs a 120VAC coil.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
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480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
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RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
Except for a very small system, 480V-control reliability and troubleshooting could quickly become nightmares. Spare-parts availability with respect to 480V components could bring outage-restoration costs to new extremes.
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
All other voltages are typically special order, but not hard to get.
We tried for a few years to go with 24 volt coils. Easy enough to get but always a hassle, no one anywhere seemed to ever have any, wait a week or two and they will get it.
We have noticed this for most voltages unless someone is stocking for a specific customer.
PUMPDESIGNER
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
I guess voltage levels would be the main concern.. I got a bit curious after seeing a 30hp motor control cct wired up with a 480V coil. I eventually changed the circuitry and replaced with a 120VAC coil wondering if any harm had been done.
Additionally, with a 480V control circuit pilot lights and other indicating/status devices become a bit tricky to implement.
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
No offense intended, but I agree with grobert—as long as long-term reliability is of no concern.
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
At the very least, if you put in a 480-volt control circuit, I'd put some BIG warning stickers on there to alert your electricians. Keep in mind the new flash-hazard sign requirements from the NEC, they might be applicable here.
I'm not trained as an electrician, I'm an engineer, but I will still occasionally open a starter for minor circuit tracing & troubleshooting (only at non-union sites of course). You would not find me poking around in a 480-volt control circuit, though. I may be dumb but I'm not stupid.
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
I am trained as an engineer myself but often times end up troubleshooting control ccts. I have only five years field experience and only recently eyeballed a 480V control circuit on a small system.
I have gotten a tingle from 120V a few times and with some of these newer and smaller control transformers on the market, there should always be space for one.
It really is not a major issue apart from the safety aspect of which trained personnel should be aware
thanks
RE: 480V vs 120V CONTACTOR COIL
220V or 380V control wiring is used in Europe. Visit
http://www.memonline.com/ams_2.html
for more info.