Streamline

Streamline Powered by Gross Automation

Product Configurator

A starter panel is the most basic type of motor control panel. It houses the starter and associated controls for an electric motor. In addition to motor control, Streamline starter panels also offer protection options from overload.

Streamline offers a variety of simple, durable starter panel configurations designed to aid in motor control.  Both off-the-shelf and custom-built panels contain the starter and other related controls.  Streamline’s preconfigured starter panels are an easy and safe way to control the path of electrical power to your equipment.  They allow users to operate and protect industrial machinery and equipment.

Streamline starter panels offer a variety of options to suite your specific application.  Using our configurator, you can select each of the attributes for you project.  Specifically: voltage, horsepower, circuit breaker vs fused disconnect, and start/stop vs hand/off/auto.  The team of engineers at Streamline are always available if you need assistance configuration the panel for your application.

 

Voltage Levels:

Both 240V and 480V starter panels include similar components, but the components themselves need to be rated for the appropriate voltage level:

  • 240V Starter Panel – This type of panel operates equipment that is designed to run on a 240-volt electrical supply. Common examples include motors, pumps, conveyors, and heating or cooling systems that require higher power levels. These panels are used in various industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
  • 480V Starter Panel: – These panels are designed for equipment that requires a higher voltage level, typically 480 volts. They are often used in more demanding industrial applications, where larger motors, heavy machinery, and power-hungry equipment are involved. Industries such as mining, large-scale manufacturing, and data centers might use 480V starter panels.

Protection:

The choice between a fused disconnect switch and a circuit breaker in a starter panel depends on various factors including safety requirements, ease of maintenance, cost considerations, and the specific needs of the equipment being controlled.

Fused Disconnect Switch

Advantages:

  • Simplicity: Fused disconnect switches are straightforward devices. They provide a means to completely isolate the equipment from the power source, which is crucial for maintenance and repair work.
  • Clear Visual Indication: Fused disconnects often have visible fuse indicators, making it easy to identify whether a fuse has blown.
  • Protection Fuses provide a high degree of protection against overcurrent and short circuits. When a fault occurs, the fuse will blow, interrupting the circuit and protecting the equipment.

Disadvantages:

  • Manual Replacement: Once a fuse blows, it needs to be manually replaced, which can lead to downtime and increased maintenance efforts.
  • Lack of Reset: Fuses do not have a reset feature. A blown fuse must be replaced with a new one.

Circuit Breaker

Advantages:

  • Automatic Reset: Circuit breakers automatically reset after a fault is cleared, reducing downtime and the need for manual intervention.
  • Combination Protection: Circuit breakers offer both short-circuit and overload protection in a single device.
  • Reduced Maintenance Time: Circuit breakers typically require less maintenance compared to fuses, as there’s no need to replace components after each trip.

Disadvantages

  • Initial Cost: Circuit breakers can be more expensive upfront compared to fused disconnect switches.
  • Less Obvious Fault Indication: While modern circuit breakers often have trip indicators, a blown circuit breaker might not be as immediately apparent as a blown fuse.

Choosing Between Them:

When deciding between a fused disconnect switch and a circuit breaker for a starter panel, consider the following:

  • Safety Requirements: If quick and complete isolation of power is critical for safety during maintenance, a fused disconnect might be preferred.
  • Maintenance Considerations: If minimizing downtime and reducing manual maintenance efforts are priorities, a circuit breaker could be a better choice.
  • Budget: If initial cost is a significant concern, fused disconnect switches might be more cost-effective.
  • Complexity: If you prefer a simpler device with fewer internal components, a fused disconnect might be suitable.
  • Long-Term Operating Costs: Consider the ongoing costs associated with fuse replacements versus the potential higher reliability and reduced maintenance needs of circuit breakers.

Ultimately, both fused disconnect switches and circuit breakers have their advantages and drawbacks. The decision should be based on the specific needs and priorities of your application.

 

Control:

“Start-Stop” and “Hand-Off-Auto” are two common control options used in starter panels for controlling electric motors or other equipment. They provide different levels of control and automation.

Start-Stop Control:

In the “Start-Stop” control mode, there are separate buttons or switches for starting and stopping the equipment. Pressing the “Start” button initiates the start sequence, sending power to the motor or equipment. The equipment starts operating as long as the “Start” button is held down. Pressing the “Stop” button interrupts the power supply to the motor or equipment, causing it to stop. The equipment remains stopped until the “Start” button is pressed again.

Advantages of Start-Stop:

  • Simple and straightforward control.
  • Operator has direct control over starting and stopping the equipment.
  • Useful when the equipment needs to be started and stopped frequently, and operator intervention is required each time.

Disadvantages of Start-Stop:

  • Requires continuous operator presence to keep the equipment running.
  • Not suitable for situations where automation or remote control is needed.

Hand-Off-Auto Control:

  • The “Hand-Off-Auto” (HOA) control mode offers more flexibility and automation. It has three positions:
  • Hand: In this position, the equipment is controlled manually using buttons or switches, similar to the “Start-Stop” mode. The operator presses the “Start” button to start the equipment and the “Stop” button to stop it.
  • Off: This position completely de-energizes the equipment, ensuring it cannot be accidentally started.
  • Auto: In this position, the control of the equipment is automated. The equipment can be started and stopped remotely or through external control signals. It might respond to sensors, timers, or other control systems.

Advantages of Hand-Off-Auto:

  • Offers both manual control (Hand) and automation (Auto) options.
  • Allows for remote operation.
  • Eliminates the need for continuous operator presence, improving efficiency and safety.

Disadvantages of Hand-Off-Auto:

  • Can be more complex to set up compared to simple Start-Stop controls.
  • Requires additional wiring and potentially more components.

Choosing Between Them:

The choice between “Start-Stop” and “Hand-Off-Auto” depends on the specific requirements of the equipment and the operational needs. 

Start-Stop: Use this mode when the equipment requires frequent manual starting and stopping, and operator intervention is necessary each time.

Hand-Off-Auto: Choose this mode when you need a combination of manual control and automation. It’s particularly useful when the equipment needs to be controlled remotely, or when it should start and stop based on specific conditions or signals.  In many cases, for safety and operational efficiency, the “Hand-Off-Auto” mode is preferred as it allows for both manual control when needed and automation for improved process control and monitoring.