Selection Tool Helps Panel Builders Meet UL Electrical Standards

Free, short-circuit current rating tool offers new options for motor-control components

MILWAUKEE, June 13, 2016 — Global machine and equipment builders designing smart machines for the North American market need to select the right combination of panel components to meet UL electrical standards. To simplify this process, Rockwell Automation has expanded the Global Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) Selection Tool to include new options for motor-control components.

A critical factor in meeting standards is selecting the appropriate SCCR protection levels. Traditionally, machine and panel builders looked up the ratings for individual components to ensure they would cover the available fault current when combined in a panel. Without that protection, a short-circuit current event could result in welded contacts, damaged components, lost productivity and higher maintenance costs.

Machine and panel builders can use the Global SCCR Selection Tool to significantly cut down component selection time and optimize panel design with the best motor-control combination. Rockwell Automation developed the tool for across-the-line starters and variable frequency drives based on common, global, motor voltages (50/60 Hz) and SCCR fault levels. The tool includes UL-compliant tables that allow users to select motor-control components over a wide range of horsepower or kilowatt ratings.

Users select the proper application parameters to locate the correct SCCR with a one-line bill of material for the desired motor rating. The table and bill of material provide the appropriate list of components and confirmation that the panel SCCR will cover the available fault current.

“We tested a wide breadth of motor-control devices together in an extensive range of ratings – up to 100 kA levels,” said Karen Hecht, business manager for Supply of Power, Rockwell Automation. “When global OEMs are designing panels, they can easily and quickly choose components, and know that the resulting combination will achieve the highest level of protection possible against short-circuit current events.”