Soft Stater Choice??

[RodVito]

Hello All,

We are trying to decide on what brand of SS to go with on our next project. This is a LV line, wiht a few SS on it, varrying in HP from 150 to 450hp. We are looking at Benshaw and Motortronics, but want some experienced input on the two...Can anyone give their two cents about the two manufacturers?

Thanks a lot,

Rod Vito

 

[Marke]

Hello Rod

There are many options these days, and there is not the major differentiation that there was. It depends on specific requirements that you have and you may find that one suits the specifics better than the other. The other important issue is the backup and support that is locally available to you. Where do you go if you have a problem?
I think that the support issue is really the major choice factor as good presales support will ensure that you have the correct product and configuration so no problems and the after sales support keeps your plant operating.
Out here in New Zealand, there are plenty of choices and plenty of order takers, but few applications and support people. That is worth more than the purchase price.

Best regards,

Mark Empson

http://www.lmphotonics.com

 

[DickDV]

I have rep'd both Benshaw and Motortronics (also ABB) and all are reputable suppliers with reasonably good products.

Mark's comments about local tech support are most important.

One other caution---be sure you select a softstart with heat sink capacity that covers the actual expected accel time for your application. You will find, with the low cost units, that they limit accel times to typically 30 seconds. That allows for a smaller less expensive heat sink. On high inertia loads with longer accel times, you will need to select the "heavy duty" versions.

 

[jraef]

Considering that I work for a soft start manufacturer, I will preface this by saying that any opinion I give would be worthless, but let me say that by selecting those two, you have at the very least eliminated the light-duty problem mentioned by DickDV. Both of those two offer a well built power structure, (as do others, but you have apparently already narrowed your choice). I think the advice from both Marke and DickDV is right on target. Base your decision on the local support you feel best about. For the most part, technology issues are secondary if you can never get anyone to listen to your needs.



"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"