Section 11: Submersible Motor Controls; How It Works; Specifications - Pentair Pentek Series Electronic Manual

SECTION 11: Submersible Motor Controls

11.1 How it Works

Submersible Motor Controls act as an above ground
control system for you submersible motor. They provide
easy access to the "brains" of your motor, so you can
monitor, adjust and perform maintenance without
removing the motor.
There are three main groups of motor controls. Each of
these controls has a slightly different function, although
all serve the main purpose of providing control for the
motor.
Capacitor Start / Induction Run (CSIR)
A CSIR control uses a starting capacitor and a switch.
When voltage is first applied, the switch is closed and
the start capacitor is in the circuit. This provides extra
torque to bring the motor up to speed. The switch is often
referred to as a potential relay. The relay's coil senses
voltage across the windings. When the windings get
close to full speed, they magnetize the coil and physically
breaks the connection to the start windings. This takes
not only the start windings out of the circuit, but the
starting capacitor as well. The motor then runs on the
main winding alone.
Capacitor Start / Capacitor Run (CSCR)
A CSCR control functions very similar to a CSIR control
except that in addition to the starting capacitor, it also
uses a running capacitor. This allows the start winding
to act as an auxiliary winding during operation. This
smooths out operation of the motor and provides greater
efficiency and a reduction in vibration and noise.
Plus Series Controls
The Pentek PLUS series controls combine a CSCR
®
design and a control circuit to provide not only starting
power to the motor, but a switch to turn the control
on and off. The switch takes the form of a magnetic
contactor that uses a coil that physically closes the
contacts when energized. The contactor allows the
installer to use a pressure switch with a lower current
rating, since it is not switching the full amperage of the
motor.

11.2 Specifications

All Pentek Submersible Motor Controls are rated for
Indoor or Outdoor use and employ NEMA 3R enclosures.
They are rain-tight and resistant to weathering
and corrosion.
The controls are rated for operation in temperatures
up to 50° C (122° F). DO NOT locate the control box in
direct sunlight.
The terminals can accept up to #4 AWG copper wire rated
for at least 75° C. Internal wiring conforms to appliance
wiring standards UL 1015 which is resistant to acids, oils,
alkalies, moisture and fungus.
Pentek Submersible Motor controls are agency
recognized and tested to rigorous safety standards.
For specific ratings of individual components please see
the repair parts portion of the manual.
11.3 Mounting and Installation
• Mount the control boxes to a secure backing.
• Mount controls vertical and plumb.
• In order to maintain NEMA 3R, plug all
unused openings.
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