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| Manufacturer | Benshaw | ||
| Series | EMX4i Series | ||
| Model # | EMX4i-0064B-V5-C1-H | ||
| Warranty: | 3 Year Manufacturer | ||
| Horsepower | 15.0 HP | ||
| Input Voltage(s): | 200 - 240 VAC Input, | ||
| Output Voltage(s): | 240 VAC Output | ||
| Rated Current: | 52.0 Amps | ||
| Input Phase: | Three Phase Input | ||
| Output Phase: | Three Phase Output | ||
| Enclosure: | Not Rated | ||
| 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: 10 minutes
In industrial applications, starting a three-phase motor can create significant electrical and mechanical stress. Essentially, benshaw emx4i softstarters are a type of reduced voltage starter designed to mitigate these harsh startups. Instead of applying full power instantly, an EMX4i motor starter gradually increases the voltage, allowing for a smooth and controlled acceleration. This process is crucial because it minimizes the inrush current that can strain power supplies and reduces the mechanical shock on couplings, gearboxes, and the driven load. Consequently, as noted by Aucom, these capabilities ensure minimal mechanical stress on belts, gears, and other critical equipment during both startup and shutdown sequences.
The primary importance of this advanced Benshaw motor control technology lies in its ability to enhance operational reliability and extend equipment lifespan. By preventing abrupt starts and stops, the EMX4i protects expensive machinery from premature wear and failure, which in turn reduces maintenance costs and unplanned downtime. Furthermore, many models feature an integrated bypass contactor, which activates once the motor reaches full speed. According to EMX4 Series Soft Starters, the built-in bypass drastically reduces heat generation during operation, increasing the unit's overall energy efficiency and thermal performance. This makes the EMX4i a critical component for optimizing the longevity and efficiency of motor-driven systems.
Beyond basic soft starting, the EMX4i series distinguishes itself with a suite of intelligent features that provide comprehensive motor protection and control. For instance, these units offer advanced functionalities such as Adaptive Acceleration Control, which adjusts the motor's startup profile to match the specific application load, ensuring an optimized ramp-up every time. The EMX4i is a full-featured starter that includes a graphical display for easy setup and real-time monitoring, as detailed by EMX4i Soft Starter. The EMX4i Soft Starter Specifications specification further highlights its extensive protective functions, covering everything from overloads to phase imbalance. In other words, this integrated intelligence makes the EMX4i not just a starter, but a complete motor management solution.
The Benshaw EMX4i motor starter series distinguishes itself by integrating advanced motor control technologies into a compact and robust package. This industrial motor controller is designed for versatility, handling motor applications from 200 to 690 VAC and currents up to 1250A. Consequently, its design focuses on providing precise control, comprehensive protection, and user-friendly operation for demanding industrial environments. The series offers various models in protected chassis or NEMA-rated enclosures to suit diverse installation requirements, as noted by EMX4i Protected Chassis Soft Starter.
A standout feature of the EMX4i is its Adaptive Acceleration Control, which provides smoother starting and stopping by profiling the motor's performance to adjust the output ramp accordingly. This intelligent control minimizes mechanical shock on equipment like pumps, fans, and conveyors, thereby extending the life of drivetrains and reducing maintenance needs. For instance, according to Benshaw EMX4i User Manual, this feature allows the starter to learn the motor's characteristics for optimal performance. Furthermore, every unit includes a built-in bypass contactor that engages once the motor reaches full speed, which significantly reduces internal heat generation and improves overall system efficiency.
The Benshaw EMX4i series is a crucial reduced voltage starter that prevents electrical and mechanical stress on three-phase motors during startup.
In addition to its advanced control capabilities, the EMX4i series offers a comprehensive suite of motor protection functions. These protections, detailed by Aucom, include safeguards against motor overload, phase imbalance, phase loss, overtemperature, and shorted SCRs. The starter’s intuitive graphical display provides real-time data and simplifies both the Benshaw EMX4i setup and troubleshooting processes. For enhanced connectivity and configuration management, a built-in USB port allows users to easily upload, download, or clone settings, ensuring consistency across multiple units as highlighted by Benshawexpress. This combination of features makes the EMX4i a highly reliable and adaptable reduced voltage starter for modern industrial applications.
Correctly sizing a reduced voltage starter is crucial for motor longevity and system reliability. The process begins with the motor's nameplate data, specifically Full Load Amps (FLA), voltage, and horsepower. However, these specifications are only a baseline. You must also evaluate the application's load characteristics, as mismatching the starter to the load is a common cause of failure. For accurate selection, consulting manufacturer guides like the official EMX4i Soft Starter Specification specification sheets is a critical step.
Application duty cycle is another key factor. For instance, a high-inertia fan (heavy-duty) demands a more robust starter than a centrifugal pump (standard-duty) with the same FLA rating. This is because the extended start time for the fan generates more heat within the starter's SCRs. Consequently, manufacturers like Aucom provide distinct sizing tables for different duty ratings to ensure the selected unit can safely dissipate this thermal energy.
Finally, always consider the operating environment. High ambient temperatures and altitudes above 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) reduce air density, which impairs cooling and requires derating the starter. The Benshaw EMX4i manual provides specific derating factors for these conditions. Similarly, other leading suppliers like Rhoss Case Study also stress the importance of environmental considerations for all motor control applications. In conclusion, combining motor data, load profiles, and environmental factors ensures the proper selection of Benshaw EMX4i softstarters.
Proper Benshaw EMX4i setup begins with an unwavering commitment to safety. First and foremost, before touching any component, technicians must follow all Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to de-energize the equipment completely. It is crucial to verify the absence of voltage in accordance with NFPA 70E standards. After confirming the system is safe, the installation process involves three primary stages: mechanical mounting, power circuit wiring, and control circuit connections. For detailed guidance, always consult the official Benshaw EMX4i manual before proceeding.
The Benshaw EMX4i motor starter series integrates advanced motor protection, a user-friendly interface, and flexible control options into a compact, efficient unit for superior motor control.
Next, securely mount the reduced voltage starter in a suitable enclosure, ensuring adequate clearance for airflow to prevent overheating, as specified by NEMA standards. Subsequently, you will connect the main power wiring. This involves connecting the incoming three-phase power to the L1, L2, and L3 terminals, and the motor leads to the T1, T2, and T3 terminals. All wiring must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) for conductor sizing and overcurrent protection. The use of pluggable terminals on some EMX4 Series Soft Starters models can simplify this step considerably.
Finally, connect the control wiring to integrate the EMX4i motor starter into your control system. This typically involves a two-wire or three-wire start/stop configuration connected to the designated control input terminals. In addition, you may need to wire relay outputs for status indicators, such as run or fault conditions, which are detailed in the product specifications. Correctly wiring these circuits is essential for reliable operation and remote control of the motor. Verifying all connections for tightness and accuracy before re-energizing the system is a critical final check. For additional product details, you can view resources from distributors like EMX4i Soft Starter.
Proper Benshaw EMX4i setup is foundational to leveraging the full capabilities of this advanced reduced voltage starter. Before applying power, always ensure Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are strictly followed. Initially, programming begins with the user-friendly graphical display, which simplifies navigation through parameter menus. For most applications, the 'Quick Setup' menu is the most efficient starting point, prompting for essential motor nameplate data. According to the Benshaw EMX4i manual, this streamlined process allows technicians to configure the starter in minutes. Consequently, this drastically reduces commissioning time compared to more complex industrial motor controllers.
After completing the quick setup, it is crucial to fine-tune specific parameters for optimal Benshaw motor control and protection. For instance, you must accurately input the motor's Full Load Amps (FLA), service factor, and overload class to ensure the starter's protective functions perform correctly. The Benshaw specification sheet details how these settings are critical for preventing thermal damage. In addition, setting the correct input and output configurations, such as assigning functions to programmable relays, allows for seamless integration into the broader control system. These detailed adjustments are vital for tailoring the starter's operation to the specific mechanical load.
Finally, configuring the start and stop profiles is essential for protecting mechanical equipment from shock. The EMX4i features advanced options like Adaptive Acceleration Control, which intelligently adjusts the motor's ramp-up to match the load, ensuring a smooth start every time. This function is particularly useful for applications with varying initial loads, such as conveyor systems or pumps. Similarly, programmable stop modes like soft-stop can eliminate water hammer in pumping applications, as noted by experts at Aucom. By carefully selecting these control parameters, you can significantly extend the life of motors, couplings, and gearboxes.
Correctly sizing a reduced voltage starter is the most critical step in ensuring motor longevity and system reliability for your application.
Even with their robust design, effectively diagnosing issues is a critical skill for maintaining Benshaw EMX4i softstarters. This EMX4i troubleshooting guide provides a starting point for addressing common alarms and faults. Before beginning any diagnostic work, it is absolutely essential to adhere to all established Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure the equipment is de-energized and safe. For detailed fault codes and flowcharts, the official Benshaw EMX4i manual should be your primary reference. Consequently, having a digital or physical copy on hand can significantly expedite any repair or diagnostic process, ensuring you follow manufacturer-approved steps.
The EMX4i is equipped with a comprehensive suite of protective features designed to safeguard both the motor and the starter. According to EMX4i 1200V Soft Starter, these protections are vital for operational longevity. Faults such as Phase Loss, Overcurrent, or Network Communication Error will be clearly displayed on the graphical interface. In most cases, the display provides not just a fault code but also a plain-language description, which makes EMX4 Series Soft Starters starter diagnostics more intuitive than on legacy equipment. For instance, a "Motor Overtemperature" fault, as specified in technical documents, points directly to an issue with motor heating, rather than a generic overload code.
When a fault occurs, the first step is to record the exact message from the display before resetting. For example, if you receive a persistent "Motor Overload" trip, you should investigate potential mechanical issues like a jammed load or bearing failure. Additionally, verify that the motor protection parameters programmed into the EMX4i match the motor’s nameplate data, as an incorrect setting is a frequent cause of nuisance tripping. The starter's internal event log, which records hundreds of time-stamped events according to Benshaw specifications, is an invaluable tool for analyzing the sequence of events leading up to a failure and preventing a recurrence.
Proactive preventive maintenance is fundamental to ensuring the longevity and operational reliability of your Benshaw motor control systems. Establishing a regular inspection schedule for the EMX4i motor starter can significantly reduce unplanned downtime and prevent catastrophic failures that lead to costly repairs. In fact, many industries implement such strategies to minimize the need for reactive maintenance, as noted by . Consequently, a well-documented maintenance program helps maintain system integrity and protects your investment in sophisticated reduced voltage starter technology over the long term.
A critical first step in any maintenance routine involves a thorough visual and physical inspection, which must always be preceded by following strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure personnel safety. Technicians should carefully inspect the EMX4i enclosure and internal components for any accumulation of dust, dirt, or moisture, which can impede heat dissipation and lead to premature component failure. In addition, it is vital to check that all ventilation paths are clear and fans are operational. Verifying the integrity of all power and control wiring connections is also crucial; look for signs of discoloration or corrosion that may indicate overheating or environmental contamination.
Beyond physical checks, regular electrical and data verification is essential for optimal performance. Periodically, all terminal connections should be torqued to the specifications outlined in the Benshaw EMX4i manual to prevent issues from vibration. It is also important to operate the starter within its specified environmental limits for temperature and humidity, which are detailed in manufacturer documentation from Benshaw EMX4i User Manual. For instance, leveraging the EMX4i’s advanced data logging capabilities to review the extensive event and trip history can provide early warnings of developing issues, as the unit records hundreds of time-stamped events according to the official specifications.
Ultimately, Benshaw EMX4i softstarters represent a significant advancement in motor control technology, offering a comprehensive solution for reducing electrical and mechanical stress on critical equipment. By providing smooth, stepless acceleration and deceleration, these units mitigate the damaging effects of inrush currents and water hammer. As a result, facilities experience fewer breakdowns and an extended operational life for motors, pumps, and conveyors. This advanced level of control, according to Aucom EMX4i Soft Starter, is essential for minimizing wear on components like belts and gears. Therefore, implementing an EMX4i is a proactive step towards greater system reliability.
Throughout this guide, we have explored the EMX4i’s key features, from its straightforward installation and programming to its robust troubleshooting and maintenance protocols. The combination of a user-friendly graphical interface, extensive protective functions, and adaptable communication options makes the EMX4i motor starter a versatile and powerful tool for any industrial setting. For instance, its comprehensive data logging and diagnostic capabilities simplify fault analysis, allowing technicians to resolve issues quickly. Information from EMX4i Protected Chassis Soft Starter highlights the value of its intuitive design in practical applications. In conclusion, adopting this technology is a strategic investment in operational efficiency, safety, and long-term performance, making it a cornerstone of modern EMX4 Series Soft Starters motor control systems.
