ABB Ultra-Thin Compact Starter

ABB has launched a new hybrid compact starter that is up to 90% thinner than conventional solutions. The ultra-thin HF compact starter range is just 22.5mm wide, enabling smaller electrical cabinet designs that reduce material costs and save factory floor space.

Dr Klaus Wittmann, global product manager for ABB’s motor protection business, said: “ABB’s new compact starters are a great example of how ABB’s design innovations and embedded functions free up time and space for customers. We specifically designed the HF range for OEMs, machine builders, and process industry applications with power requirements of up to 3kW and 400V. Our ultra-thin new HF range of electronic compact starters will be the technology of choice in installations with multiple starters and where floor space for the switchboard is limited.”

The HF’s innovative hybrid design combines the benefits of solid-state electronics and a mechanical relay to deliver the highest possible performance over an exceptionally long lifetime of 30 million operating cycles. The technology also helps reduce power losses by up to 34%.

With key functions embedded, ABB’s HF starters also enable quicker, less error-prone wiring. Direct-on-line, reversed starting, motor overload protection and emergency stop functions all come fully integrated, cutting wiring time during installation by up to 75%.

The HF’s pre-wired reversing starter means there is no need to connect reversing starter links. With motor protection overload embedded, installation time is further minimized. The HF’s high levels of integration and its minimal wiring requirements also improve installation quality by limiting the risk of wiring errors.

Automatic, manual and remote reset functions make resuming operations after a thermal trip quicker and simpler.

The HF range is a perfect complement to ABB’s existing motor starting solutions. It fixes on a standard DIN rail or 60mm busbars and is controlled via a 24VDC PLC output. The starter can also be used in applications complying with Atex, SIL3 and PLe. The product is suitable for a wide range of industry applications including: conveyor systems, packaging machines, paper machines, pumps and valves, printing presses, injection molding systems, machine tools and CNC processing centers.