Specialist supplier of low- and medium-voltage motor control equipment CHI Control’s medium-voltage switchgear (MVS) medium-voltage soft starters are an integrated solution for motor control and protection.

The AuCom MVS soft starter combines 
advanced soft-start and soft-stop functionality with extensive motor and system protection, plus a user-friendly interface and complete commissioning diagnostics.

MVS soft starters are available in either IP42 or IP54 panels, with options for line and bypass contactors, earthing and isolation switches. CHI Control can also design and build panels to meet particular specifications, and offer full applications engineering support at all stages of the design process.

CHI Control’s customised solutions include 
a modular design which allows panels to be mounted side by side or as standalone bus bars configured to a client’s specification, and 
cabling which can enter front, above, below or either side of the panels.

The panel configurations extend beyond soft starters to include power factor correction, additional motor protection relays, transition panels with cables or direct bus bar connections, multimotor operations, top or bottom entry cabling, different control options and resistance temperature 
detector relays.

The MVS is easy to use through the user-friendly input and output connection and termination points. The starters are supplied with a plinth with built-in fork-lift spaces. Safety is the primary concern when designing an MVS solution. Prominent warning signage, air insulation and isolated control through fibre-optic connections to the control panel are supplied. The air insulation assures long-term reliability.

The MVS has communication between the low-voltage controller and the high-voltage power assembly through fibre-optic cables, for complete electrical isolation. Enclosed units include additional physical isolation and safety interlocks for increased safety.

The MVS is easy to install and use; the panels are compact and easy to access by 
removing panels on all sides. The MVS panels feature a bolted construction to prevent 
unintentional access, which ensures that covers can only be removed with deliberate actions. This also removes the need for 
mechanical interlocking. The compact size of the power assembly leaves room for auxiliary 
equipment to be installed. Phase arms are easy to inspect and service as the built-in runners slide the arm out through the front of the starter.

CHI Control makes medium-voltage 
installation and commissioning simple without unnecessary interruption to normal 
operations. For reduced disruption, the MVS incorporates extensive operating simulations and allows the starter to be tested with a low-voltage motor to confirm circuit integrity and identify any errors before full commissioning.

Besides comprehensive run simulations, the MVS can simulate each protection to 
ensure that the starter is signalling as expected 
and interacting correctly with the associated 
equipment.

The simulation function allows the MVS to be tested without a motor being connected to confirm that the soft starter’s control circuits are operating correctly. The MVS can be connected to a low-voltage motor for testing. This allows installers to test the soft starter and its associated power and control circuits thoroughly.

Not all starts and stops are the same; some applications that still experience transient starts and stops can often be solved by specialist AuCom’s start and stop profiles. The MVS includes constant current, current ramp, kickstart, timed voltage ramp soft stop and coast to stop. The MVS integrates into existing monitoring and control networks, using easy-to-install plug-in communication interfaces. The MVS supports Profibus, DeviceNet and Modbus remote terminal unit protocols. The communication modules are an optional extra.

Mining applications present their own challenges, but CHI Control’s experience in dusty, wet, or underground facilities mean that designs are easy. CHI Control is able to design an MVS starter to work with conveyors, crushers, fans, pumps and more.

Sitewide solutions for soft starters are provided with a range of low-voltage starters to complement the MV range. The simplicity of set-up and trip diagnosis on the entire soft starter range from CHI Control makes the training of staff easy, using similar techniques on both ranges. CHI Control’s low-voltage starters across the AuCom CSX, CSXi, IMS2 and EMX3 range cover 18 A to 2 400 A, or 7 kW to 1 600 kW.

CHI Control engineers, backed by AuCom, aim for a deep understanding of its customer’s application, site and potential issues. Having a solution focus instead of a product focus brings customer needs to the forefront. Questions are asked and an analysis is performed to provide a customised solution 
according to a client’s specific needs.

CHI Control is the sole distributor of the AuCom range of products in sub-Saharan Africa available through a network of branches and over 40 distributors. CHI has a nationwide service and support footprint, as well as offering support into sub-Saharan Africa.