MCC Panels

Motor feeders do not experience simultaneous failures. One will trip due to overload, a second will operate at half-load, and the third will experience multiple starts in a short period of time. The design of our MCC Panel is to accommodate this mixed behaviour without causing confusion to the maintenance team. The configuration of the panel is designed so that each motor feeder remains independent, protected, and easily isolated from the remainder of the section.

Before we finalise the layout of the feeders, we examine the motor rating, duty cycle, starting method, and the direction of the cable entry. We plan a combination of DOL, star delta, soft starter and VFD feeders in one lineup to ensure proper power and control segregation. When sizing the busbars, we consider the total grouped motor load and the effect on temperature rise in the enclosure under continuous operation.

The type of feeder design chosen (either a withdrawable or fixed feeder design) will depend on the way the plant will operate when shut down. Identification, access for adjustment and adequate termination space are necessary to allow for breakdowns when little time is available. Interlocking will be used for any stand by motors or switch over schemes. The MCC panel manufacturer will provide monitoring of current flow through each feeder and will provide an indication of any abnormal load situations without having to open compartments. Routine testing will assure the proper operation of the feeder, protection settings and control logic response.

The MCC Panels are supplied for installation throughout the United States where there will be multiple motors running in parallel and require features such as selective tripping, maintenance safety and rapid recovery of power to each feeder to maintain an uninterrupted production process.