In Stock
Need Member, Reseller, or OEM Pricing?
Estimated Repair Price: $393.62 - $918.44
| Manufacturer | Benshaw | ||
| Series | EMX4e Series | ||
| Model # | EMX4e-0042B-V5-C1-H | ||
| Warranty: | 3 Year Manufacturer | ||
| Enclosure: | Not Rated | ||
| Horsepower | 10.0 HP | ||
| Input Voltage(s): | 200 - 240 VAC Input, | ||
| Output Voltage(s): | 240 VAC Output | ||
| Input Phase: | Three Phase Input | ||
| Output Phase: | Three Phase Output | ||
| Rated Current: | 28.0 Amps | ||
| Height | 9.1 in | ||
| Width | 6.0 in | ||
| Depth | 13.2 in | ||
| Weight | 11 lbs | ||
| Learn More | You can hover your mouse over highlighted product specs to learn more. | ||
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
The Benshaw EMX4e series represents a critical evolution in industrial soft starters, designed to manage the significant electrical and mechanical stresses placed on a Three-Phase Induction Motor during startup. In contrast, traditional direct-on-line (DOL) starting methods subject motors to massive inrush currents and abrupt mechanical shock. According to industry analysis from Dosupply, this uncontrolled start can generate currents four to seven times the motor's rated load, leading to premature wear and potential grid instability. Consequently, Benshaw EMX4e softstarters provide a sophisticated yet essential alternative for protecting valuable motor assets.
At its core, an EMX4e soft starter operates by providing a controlled "voltage ramp-up," which smoothly brings the motor to full operational speed. As a result, this method prevents the "sudden mechanical shock" associated with DOL starts, as noted by DoSupply Tech. The primary benefit is a significant "reduction in mechanical stress" on drivetrains, including gears, belts, and couplings, which directly translates to extended equipment life. Furthermore, by mitigating high inrush currents, these devices improve overall "power quality, grid stability and equipment longevity," a critical concern for modern industrial facilities highlighted by Induction Motor Softstarters Power Quality.
In today's competitive industrial landscape, the Benshaw EMX4e softstarter matters because it delivers a solution that is both "economic yet powerful," as described by manufacturer resources from EMX4e Soft Starter. It is not simply a starting mechanism; rather, it is a comprehensive motor management and protection tool. For instance, the EMX4e stands out by integrating advanced functionalities like adaptive acceleration control and a full suite of motor protections, including thermal overload, phase loss, and undercurrent detection, which eliminates the need for separate components. This integration improves system reliability, simplifies installation, and ultimately reduces total cost of ownership. Therefore, for any engineer or technician focused on optimizing motor performance and ensuring the longevity of critical machinery, understanding the Benshaw EMX4e is fundamental.
The Benshaw EMX4e series is engineered to be an economic yet powerful solution for low voltage soft starter applications. As described by EMX4E Soft Starter, these units deliver advanced functionality without unnecessary complexity, making them a cost-effective choice for modern motor control. Specifically, the EMX4e provides precise control over the starting and stopping of three-phase induction motors, which significantly reduces mechanical stress and electrical disturbances like inrush current. Consequently, this controlled starting method enhances overall system reliability and contributes to improved equipment longevity. The series supports a wide range of motor sizes, with models available for voltages from 200V to 600V AC and current ratings spanning from 24A to 1250A.
A defining characteristic of the EMX4e soft starter is its sophisticated control algorithm. For instance, the starter incorporates an Adaptive Control for Starting, which intelligently adjusts the motor's output to ensure a smooth, linear acceleration ramp regardless of load variations. This feature is particularly useful in applications like pumps and conveyors. Furthermore, every EMX4e unit includes a built-in bypass contactor that automatically engages once the motor reaches full speed, thereby minimizing heat dissipation and improving energy efficiency during operation. This integrated design simplifies installation and reduces the overall panel footprint compared to solutions requiring external bypass components.
The Benshaw EMX4e series provides advanced motor control with a user-friendly interface, ensuring smooth startup and protection for critical industrial equipment.
Comprehensive Benshaw motor protection is another cornerstone of the EMX4e platform. These industrial soft starters are equipped with a full suite of protective functions that safeguard both the motor and the starter from damaging conditions. Key protections, as detailed in product documentation, include motor thermistor input, phase imbalance, phase sequence, power loss, and shorted SCR detection, as noted by Benshaw EMX4 Data Sheet. In addition, the starters feature fully programmable overload protection with selectable trip classes, allowing technicians to precisely match the starter’s protective characteristics to the specific motor application, in compliance with NEC standards. This robust protection scheme prevents costly downtime and extends the service life of critical rotating equipment.
Properly installing and commissioning Benshaw EMX4e softstarters is critical for ensuring operational safety and maximizing equipment longevity. Before beginning, always de-energize the entire circuit and follow strict lockout/tagout procedures in compliance with NFPA 70E. In addition, technicians must thoroughly review the official user manual, as it outlines crucial safety warnings and specific electrical requirements that must be followed. According to the Benshaw EMX4e User Manual manual, the starter must be properly grounded to prevent electrical hazards. This initial phase demands meticulous attention to detail to prevent personnel injury and equipment damage.
Once safety protocols are established, the physical installation can proceed. First, securely mount the EMX4e soft starter in a vertical position within a suitable enclosure that allows for adequate ventilation, preventing the unit from overheating. The EMX4e is designed for industrial environments, as noted by its compliance with Pollution Degree 3 standards from Aucom. Subsequently, connect the three-phase line-side power and load-side motor conductors, ensuring all terminals are torqued to the specifications listed in the documentation. All wiring must adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations, using appropriately sized conductors for the motor's full load amperage (FLA).
Commissioning involves configuring the device for the specific application. After verifying all power connections, apply control power and navigate the user interface to program essential parameters. Key settings include motor FLA, line voltage, and overload class. For instance, setting the correct start and stop ramp times is vital for effective EMX4e Soft Starter. Many applications benefit from the unit’s advanced features, such as the ‘Adaptive Control for Starting’ function detailed by Benshaw EMX4e User Manual, which optimizes the motor's acceleration profile. Finally, perform a test run without a load to confirm the three-phase induction motor ramps up and down smoothly before placing the system into full service.
To unlock the full potential of Benshaw EMX4e softstarters, operators must move beyond default settings and tailor the programming to the specific application. The key to this customization lies in features like Adaptive Control, which intelligently adjusts the motor's output for a smooth and efficient start-up sequence. According to the official user manual, this function is designed to profile the motor during starting and stopping to optimize performance. For instance, correctly programming the start ramp ensures a gradual voltage increase, which is critical for protecting both the motor and connected mechanical equipment from excessive torque and inrush current. Consequently, this precise control directly enhances system longevity and operational reliability for any three-phase soft starter application.
The user-friendly interface is a core feature of the Benshaw EMX4e series, allowing for straightforward setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting of motor performance to ensure optimal operation.
Effective programming begins with setting fundamental parameters based on the motor's nameplate data and the load's characteristics. Fine-tuning the Initial Voltage Control, for example, determines the starting torque, which must be sufficient to overcome inertia without causing a jolt. Furthermore, the EMX4e soft starter includes a robust suite of motor protection features that require careful configuration, such as overload, phase imbalance, and undercurrent detection. Setting these protection levels appropriately is not just a recommendation; it is an essential step in safeguarding valuable assets against electrical faults and preventing unplanned downtime, ultimately improving overall motor efficiency and safety.
Beyond starting, advanced programming of the stopping sequence is equally vital for certain applications. For pumping systems, for instance, an abrupt stop can lead to damaging hydraulic shock, commonly known as water hammer. The Benshaw EMX4e series provides specialized pump control algorithms that ramp down the motor speed gently, which, as explained by pumpsandsystems.com, is a proven method for minimizing surges in the system. Similarly, the Adaptive Control for Stopping can be useful for gradually decelerating high-inertia loads. Ultimately, investing time in programming these parameters ensures peak performance and extends the life of the entire electromechanical system.
The comprehensive Benshaw motor protection capabilities integrated into the EMX4e series are a primary advantage, extending its function far beyond simple motor starting. In fact, these industrial soft starters incorporate a suite of protective relays that often eliminates the need for separate, standalone devices. This consolidation not only simplifies the control panel design but also enhances the overall reliability of the motor circuit. According to Benshaw EMX4 Data Sheet, the built-in safeguards cover a wide range of potential fault conditions from power loss to motor thermistor inputs.
Key protective functions include selectable trip classes (10, 15, 20) for thermal overload, ensuring precise coordination with a three-phase induction motor’s specific service factor. Furthermore, the starter monitors for undercurrent and under power, which is critical for applications like pumping to prevent damaging dry run conditions. The unit also actively detects phase imbalance and loss; as noted by White Paper: Eliminating Water Hammer, the soft starter will react if "any phase of the supply is lost or significantly unbalanced." This intelligent monitoring, combined with the "Adaptive Control for Starting" logic mentioned by Benshaw EMX4e User Manual, provides robust defense against common electrical faults.
Leveraging these integrated protections delivers significant practical benefits beyond just safeguarding the motor asset. For instance, consolidating multiple functions into the EMX4e soft starter reduces component count, thereby minimizing control cabinet footprint and simplifying field wiring. This streamlined approach directly contributes to "minimizing overall system cost," a key benefit highlighted by Benshaw. Ultimately, this integration results in faster commissioning, fewer potential points of failure, and as DoSupply Tech points out, a tangible extension of motor life and long-term operational reliability.
Proper installation is the first critical step in commissioning your EMX4e soft starter. This guide ensures safety and optimal performance from day one.
Effectively troubleshooting Benshaw EMX4e softstarters is critical for minimizing operational downtime. Fortunately, these industrial soft starters are equipped with a sophisticated user interface and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities that simplify the fault-finding process. The first step in addressing any issue should always be to identify the specific fault code displayed on the unit. For instance, the official Benshaw EMX4e User Manual user manual provides a detailed list of these codes and their corresponding corrective actions, which is an invaluable resource for technicians. This methodical approach ensures that diagnostics are both efficient and accurate.
Power supply faults are a common occurrence in industrial environments and a frequent cause for trips in a three phase soft starter. For example, if any phase of the supply is lost or becomes significantly unbalanced, the soft starter will detect it and interrupt operation to protect the connected motor. As noted in a technical white paper by Benshaw, this is a critical protective function. Before proceeding with any physical inspection of terminals or connections, it is absolutely essential to adhere to proper lockout/tagout procedures as defined by NFPA 70E to guarantee personnel safety. Verifying the integrity of all three phases with a multimeter is a standard subsequent step.
In addition to external power issues, the Benshaw motor protection features are designed to handle internal and load-related problems. The EMX4e series provides robust defense against overloads, motor thermistor faults, and phase current imbalances, all of which are detailed in Benshaw EMX4 Data Sheet datasheets. Consequently, when a motor protection fault is indicated, technicians should investigate for potential mechanical binding in the load, incorrect parameter settings, or insufficient ventilation that might cause the motor to overheat or draw excessive current. These steps can help pinpoint the root cause beyond the electrical system itself.
To ensure the long-term reliability of Benshaw EMX4e softstarters, establishing a consistent preventive maintenance schedule is critical. Proactive upkeep not only maximizes the operational lifespan of these industrial soft starters but also maintains system integrity and prevents costly unplanned downtime. For instance, regular maintenance directly contributes to the reduction in mechanical stress on both the motor and connected equipment over years of service. Adhering to these best practices ensures the Benshaw EMX4e series continues to deliver smooth, controlled motor starting and stopping performance.
A crucial first step in any maintenance plan involves routine physical inspections, which must always be preceded by following strict lockout/tagout procedures compliant with NFPA 70E. Technicians should visually inspect the EMX4e unit for any accumulation of dust, debris, or moisture, as these contaminants can obstruct airflow and lead to overheating, compromising Energy Efficiency. Consequently, it is vital to ensure that cooling fans are operational and ventilation paths are clear. Additionally, check for any signs of corrosion or physical damage to the enclosure and internal components.
Furthermore, periodic electrical checks are fundamental to Benshaw motor protection and longevity. This includes verifying the tightness of all power and control wiring terminations, as thermal cycling can cause connections to loosen over time, creating potential points of failure or electrical arcing. It is also wise to inspect conductors and components for any signs of discoloration, which often indicates an overheating issue. Regularly reviewing the starter’s fault logs can also provide valuable insight into intermittent problems, contributing directly to overall equipment longevity and system stability.
Ultimately, selecting the right industrial soft starters is a critical decision, and the Benshaw EMX4e series proves to be a superior choice for ensuring operational reliability. This EMX4e soft starter blends advanced motor protection against issues like overload and phase imbalance, with user-friendly programming and robust performance into a single package that is both "economic yet powerful," as noted by EMX4E Soft Starter. For engineers and facility managers aiming to optimize three-phase motor applications, the evidence confirms that choosing Benshaw motor control is a strategically sound investment for enhanced performance and long-term asset protection.
Moreover, the long-term advantages solidify its position as a market leader. The primary benefit is a significant "reduction in mechanical stress," a point emphasized by DoSupply Tech, which directly extends the life of connected equipment like pumps, fans, and conveyors by minimizing abrupt jolts during startup. This controlled motor starting contributes to overall system health, improving "power quality, grid stability and equipment longevity," according to analysis from Power Quality and Induction Motor Softstarters. By preventing premature wear on essential components, the initial investment pays dividends through lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime. Therefore, for any application demanding a cost-optimized solution without sacrificing critical features, as highlighted on EMX4e Protected Chassis Soft Starter, the EMX4e is the smart choice.
