Index of Products

Master Highlights

Starting Methods

There are a variety of starting methods for Fire Pump Controllers, each with a different answer for how much current will be drawn when the motor is initially started. The more the reduction of the inrush current, the more complex the equipment must be.

The links below will discuss in detail each starting method beginning with the most basic, the Across the Line controller, or you may read a brief comparative summary here.

Across the Line
Wye Delta Closed

Part Winding
Soft Starting

Primary Reactor
Autotransformer

Wye-Delta Open
Variable Speed

Softstarter, Single Source

Inrush Current:
400%

Motor Starting Operation:
Upon receiving a start signal, our model MCS controller begins ramping up the voltage from 40% to 100%. After 10 seconds, the bypass contactor closes to provide full voltage to the motor. When a stop signal is received, the bypass contactor opens and the soft starter begins ramping down until 40% voltage is reached. The motor will then shut down. If a start demand is received during a ramp down, the soft starter will immediately ramp back up.

Standard Alarms and Remote Contacts:
All model MCS Electric Controllers are equipped with "Power On" and "Phase Reversal" LEDs as well as normally open and normally closed form C remote contacts for "Pump Running," "Failure to Start," "AC Failure," and "Phase Reversal."

Special Features and Standard Equipment:
In addition to meeting the stringent requirements of NFPA 20, Underwriters Laboratories, and FActory Mutual Research, Master MCS Controllers are equipped with the following special and standard features:
- Starting mode selector switch allows automatic across-the-line operation if necessary
- Bypass contactor with timer overrides the soft start unit after 10 seconds.
- Adjustable ramp time and starting voltage level.
- Controller withstand rated for 42,000 amps at 200-240V, 30,000 amps at 380-480V, and 22,000 amps at 550-600V.