Mitsubishi MS-T Series
Mitsubishi started producing contactors and motor starters in 1933 and launched the MS-T series in 2012. A magnetic contactor is an electromechanical switch used to turn on or off high-power electrical devices. The main component in the construction of these devices is a coil, which is energized or de-energized through an AC/DC control signal which, in turn, opens or closes the switch, thus controlling the passage of electric current from one point to another. Mitsubishi offers a wide range of magnetic contactors and motor starters with many features to meet the demand of modern industrial challenges. The MS-T series presents the following notable features.
Salient Features of the MS-T Series
Down-Sizing
The frame size of contactors is reduced compared to previous models of the MS-N series (launched in 1994). For example, the width of the S-T10 model is 36 mm wide, whereas the S-N10 model was 43 mm. Similarly, the width of the S-T20 model is 43 mm compared to the 63 mm wide S-N20 model. The smaller size of the MS-T series offers benefits, such as saving space. Additionally, the size of the switchboard size can be reduced. Therefore, customers can design and expand their applications more confidently.
Standardization
Mitsubishi has included the terminal covers in the MS-T series as standard. All models, including contactors, auxiliary contact units, and other special purpose units, come with terminal covers. Customers do not have to find these optional products, which reduces costs, saves time and storage space, and increases the switchboard's safety.
Mitsubishi has also standardized the operation coil ratings of the contactors and motor starters. Previously, there were 14 ratings, ranging from 12 VAC up to 500VAC for a 50/60 Hz frequency. In this series, there are 7 conventional types with a 50/60 Hz line frequency and rated voltages of 24 VAC, 48 VAC, 100 VAC, 200 VAC, 300 VAC, 400 VAC, and 500 VAC for a frame size of 50 A and larger. The benefits include improved voltage range for each type, reduced number of products for storage, and timely delivery.
Safety and Quality
The contactors and relays in the MS-T series are provided with terminal covers to improve safety and avoid accidental contact during maintenance and routine checks. The products are compliant with DIN and VDE standards.
The contactors can also respond to a low voltage of 20V and a low current of 3 mA. The circuits of the PLC can be used to signal auxiliary contacts in an application.
Smart Wiring
The use of terminal covers improves the wiring efficiency. Wiring streamlining terminals is available as an option that can further improve the wiring standards and ease the whole process. These practices act as a guide and enhance customers' productivity.
Global Standard
The MS-T series is certified at multiple standards and covers standards from Japan, China, US & Canada, and European countries. These international certifications help customers in expanding their business across borders.
Motor Starters and Contactors
AC-Operated Type Motor Starters and Motor Contactors: MS-T, MSO, and S-T
Each motor starter and magnetic contactor series has several models according to frame size. The frame size starts from T10 and ends at T100 for the MS-T series. With the increasing serial number of the frame, the product's dimensions, and the rated power, increase. These standard high-quality motor starters are usable for motor controls like starting, stopping, and protecting from burnout. For unmatched reliability, twin contacts are provided for the auxiliary contacts.
The base models' rated capacity ranges from 2.5 kW to 4 kW and the operating current ranges from 11 A to 5 A at a voltage range of 220 VAC to 690 VAC. Similarly, for high-end models, the rated capacity ranges from 30 kW to 55 kW and the operating current ranges from 105 A to 65 A at a voltage range of 220 VAC to 690 VAC. These ranges are based on the AC-3 category for a 3-phase squirrel-cage motor. These motor starters support various thermal overload relay models.
Reversible Motor Starters and Magnetic Contactors: MS-2xT, MSO-2xT, and S-2xT
These products are ideal for the following directional control of AC motors: forward and reverse rotation. Also, they can be used for switching between two power sources (normal and emergency), which is a common application for domestic and industrial environments. A high-performance mechanical interlock is fitted as standard for reliable performance.
The AC-operated reversible motor starters and contactors have similarly rated capacities, current ratings, and thermal overload relay compatibility compared to the standard models. This similarity standardizes the catalog and helps customers in selecting a product. The only difference is that auxiliary contacts are not the same.
DC-Operated Motor Starters and Magnetic Contactors: SD-T ad MSOD-T
The DC-operated motor starters and contactors have a dedicated DC operation coil. An external power supply can provide a DC signal for operation. The main circuit, however, can be used for AC or DC switching.
The base models' rated capacity ranges from 3.5 kW to 5.5 kW and the operating current ranges from 13 A to 7 A at a voltage range of 220 VAC to 690 VAC. Similarly, for high-end models, the rated capacity ranges from 30 kW to 55 kW and the operating current ranges from 105 A to 65 A at a voltage range of 220 VAC to 690 VAC. These ranges are based on the AC-3 category for a 3-phase squirrel-cage motor.
Mechanically Latched Motor Starters and Magnetic Contactors: SLD-T and MSOLD-T
The mechanical latch mechanisms are built with high-quality materials. The coil does not produce any sound as it is energized momentarily, and the contact does not open on voltage drops or momentary power failures. These features save power and establish a stable contact. These contactors can be used in more critical applications, such as memory circuits, distribution panels, and street lightning.
The base models' rated capacity ranges from 5.5 kW to 7.5 kW and the operating current ranges from 25 A to 9 A at a voltage range of 220 VAC to 690 VAC. Similarly, for high-end models, the rated capacity ranges from 30 kW to 55 kW and the operating current ranges from 105 A to 65 A at a voltage range of 220 VAC to 690 VAC. These ranges are based on the AC-3 category for a 3-phase squirrel-cage motor.
Delay Type Magnetic Starters and Magnetic Contactors: S-TDL and MSO-TDL
The MS-T series also offers magnetic starters and contactors that can retain their state on a power failure for a few seconds. In the case of lightning strikes on electric wires, there could be a momentary voltage drop or a power failure. The charge stored in the capacitor retains the closed state for 2 seconds (+2 seconds, -1 second). The retention increases stability during the power loss, and no re-closing signal is required after the power is restored, as the state should remain unchanged.
Several models are available, which operate from 13 A at 220V AC to 65 A at 690 VAC. The rated capacity ranges from 3.5 kW up to 55 kW. The auxiliary contact version of 1a1b is valid and thermal overload relays are also supported. The switching frequency of the operating coil is 1200 times/hour, and its mechanical and electrical switching durability reaches up to 500 and 1 million, respectively.
Magnetic Starters with Saturable Reactors and Thermal Overload Relays: MSO-TSR and MSO-T(KP)SR
The MS-T series brings a thermal overload relay with three and two-element versions, which can be used with saturable reactors and magnetic starters to protect the motor. There can be motors in an industrial plant that sometimes take too long to start or consumes a high starting current because of a restriction or an overload condition. In such cases, there is a high possibility of motor burnout. The motors that run intermittently can be protected through these kinds of magnetic starters. There are many magnetic starters available, which operate from 11 A at 220 VAC to 65 A at 690 VAC. The rated capacity ranges from 2.5 kW up to 55 kW. The auxiliary contact versions of 1a(1b), 1a1b(2a), and 2a2b are valid, and thermal overload relays are also supported.
Magnetic Starters and Quick-acting Thermal Overload Relays: MSO-TFS and MSO-TFS(KP)
The magnetic contactors and thermal overload relays can be used in combination to achieve overheat protection functionality. Submersible motors have chances of heating up, and some compressors have a short time constant. The combination of a magnetic contactor and quick-acting thermal overload relays improves performance and safety. Many magnetic starter variants are available, which operate from 11 A at 220 VAC to 64 A at 690 VAC. The rated capacity ranges from 2.5 kW up to 55 kW. The auxiliary contact versions of 1a(1b), 1a1b(2a), and 2a2b are valid and thermal overload relays are also supported.
MS-TPM Magnetic Starters with Pushbuttons
A magnetic starter with a pushbutton is a new addition to the MS-T family. The magnetic starter is enclosed in a case and a pushbutton is available on the front of the enclosure. The pushbutton can function as an on, off, or reset button. The reset function is combined with the off-state in high-end models. The thermal overlay relay can be reset using the push button. Many magnetic starter variants are available, which operate from 11 A at 220 VAC to 65 A at 690 VAC. Additionally, the rated capacity ranges from 2.5 kW up to 55 kW. Furthermore, the auxiliary contact versions of 1a(1b), 1a1b(2a), and 2a2b are valid and thermal overload relays are also supported from 0.12 A up to 82 A.
Magnetic Starters and Magnetic Contactors with Wiring Streamlining Terminals: S-TBC and MSO-TBCKP
Magnetic starters and contactors with wiring streamlining terminals are another new addition to the MS-T series. This wiring method conforms with certifications related to finger-safe specifications. Wiring can be done even without removing terminal covers, thus improving efficiency. Many models are available with reversible and non-reversible magnetic starters/contactors, with current ratings that range from 10 A to 50 A.
3-Pole Magnetic Contactors: S-T32 and SD-T32
The MS-T series offers a compact three-pole magnetic contactor. It has a small size which reduces the space occupied by a panel. Auxiliary contacts are optional. The rated capacity of the two variants ranges from 7.5 kW to 15 kW at 32 A, 220 VAC to 24 A, 500 VAC. These magnetic contactors consume up to 3.3 W max, and the operation coil requires 20 mA current for excitation. The switching frequency is 1800 times/hour with a rated mechanical and electrical switching durability up to 1000 and 2 million, respectively.
Thermal Overload Relays
- Due to a large inertia load, three-phase motors may take a long time to start in some applications. The thermal overload relays cannot read protection properties properly in such cases. Therefore, a saturable reactor is introduced, which changes the operation properties of the thermal relay. It limits the current to the heater and increases the operation time, thus ensuring the protection of the motor.
- Submersible motors have small periods allowed during constraints. The quick-acting thermal overload relays are designed with a quicker operation time to meet the requirements of this application. Different models are available in the MS-T series, ranging from standard power ratings to high power ratings.
Contactor Relays
The product line of contactor relays is introduced in the MS-T series. These contactor relays widen the product range and offer more flexible options for the customers to choose from. The rated insulation voltage is 690V. The IEC 35 mm rail mounting standard mechanism is adopted, which reduces assembly time. The coil ratings are mentioned clearly, reducing time in panel design and maintenance checks. High-quality insulation is provided between consecutive poles and between contacts of the same pole. Reliable wiring is ensured by using self-lifting terminal screws and crimp lugs. The terminal protection covers are built-in to increase safety. Two-pole and four-pole auxiliary contact units are optional, and a surge absorber unit can be installed in one touch. The following types of contactor relays are offered:
- Standard AC-operated (SR-T) contactor relays come in 5 and 9 contact points and are available with AC and DC operated current.
- DC-operated (SRD-T) contactor relays use DC voltage operatable solenoid. The live part of the terminal units is protected with covers as standard.
- A mechanically latched (SRL-T and SRLD-T) contactor relay is available in 5 points only and both AC and DC types. The power consumption of the coil is reduced. There is also an option of manual closing and tripping.
- Delay-type contactor relays (SR-TDL) are used to hold the closed state of the contact during a momentary voltage drop or power failure.
- Wiring streamlining-based contactor relays (SR-TBC and SRD-TBC) can be wired easily without the need to remove the terminal cover. Crimp lug wiring is used for this purpose.
Optional Units
A huge catalog of optional units is available to increase the functionality and safety features of the motor starters/magnetic contactors of the MS-T series. The categories of the optional units are mentioned below.
- Auxiliary contact units for low-level signals (low-level signal: 5 V, 5 mA; twin contact: 20 V, 5 mA)
- Auxiliary contact blocks with built-in 2-pole and 4-pole auxiliary contacts
- Main circuit surge absorber unit
- Surge absorber units for operation coils
- AC/DC Interface units for operation coils
- Mechanical interlock units
- Fault detection units
- Main circuit conductor kits
- Fluorescent display lamps
- Independent mounting units
- Protection cover units
- Connecting conductor kits
- 3-pole array connection units
- Reset releases