CONTACTRON Modular Hybrid Motor Starters

The CONTACTRON pro is a hybrid motor starter offering from Phoenix Contact with simple safety integration and auxiliary contact extension options. The platform is based on Phoenix Contact's proven hybrid technology, which offers 3-phase motor switching up to 5 HP. Hybrid technology allows significant benefits, such as an unparalleled service life of up to 30 million switching cycles, ease of wiring with integrated lock-out circuits, and a compact footprint at just 22.5 mm wide.

CONTACTRON pro adds to the benefits of hybrid technology with new key features that further streamline and improve hybrid motor starter integration. CONTACTRON pro now offers auxiliary contact modules that allow feedback of the motor state as well as the implementation of self-sealing motor circuits (also known as 3-wire control). Phoenix Contact has also developed the PSR-MC38 safety relay, which can easily permit a SIL3/PLe group emergency shutdown of hybrid starters via one interface. These feedback and safety functions are made possible using the T-bus backplane system, which conveniently allows simple 24 V_DC power distribution to each device. The streamlined installation of group safety functionality, power distribution, and auxiliary contacts greatly simplifies the installation of already easy-to-wire CONTACTRON starters. Thanks to the modular nature of the system and the compact footprint of the hybrid motor starters, CONTACTRON pro is a great choice for distributed motor control such as conveyor systems and material handling, as well as machine-building applications like fan and pump control.

Currently, there are no other hybrid motor starter solutions offered on the market that feature auxiliary contacts and a hot-swappable 24 V_DC power distribution solution. In addition, the group-safe shutdown function can support up to ten hybrid starters; competitive solutions are limited to four devices.

This product is perfectly suited for a control cabinet or a distributed motor control application that requires three or more motor starters in one location. Other applications may include cases where the auxiliary feedback contact is necessary for verification of motor operation or for use in simple motor control circuits that do not require a PLC.

The CONTACTRON pro does not have to be used as a modular system, however, as it can also function like a traditional CONTACTRON stand-alone motor starter. That makes CONTACTRON pro an easy choice for integrators who see a mix of clustered motor starters as well as stand-alone devices within a given project.

Resources

• Video: Modular Hybrid Motor Starters
• Datasheet: CONTACTRON Pro Modular Hybrid Motor Starter

Features and Benefits

• Auxiliary contact modules
• Expandable aux contact modules allow for assured feedback of the motor state, also permitting the use of 3-wire control to create self-sealing motor circuits
• Easy group shutdown up to SIL3/PLe
• Dedicated safety relay, combined with T-bus technology, permits the rapid and reliable shutdown of up to 10 motors with only one safety relay required; save wiring time, space, and cost using the PSR-MC38 safety relay
• T-bus backplane
• Rapidly distribute 24 V power, bridge the e-stop enable signal, and add auxiliary contact modules with no additional wiring required, further reducing installation costs and wiring time
• Hybrid technology
• Hybrid techology offers many benefits over traditional contactors, such as a 75% reduction in wiring time, a 75% reduction in space, and up to 10x the service life of electro-mechanical solutions