Smaller, OEM Current Sensors and Transducers Provide Cost Effective
     Load Monitoring



2007-09-19 - In many pump installations, problems such as dead head or loss of suction can lead to serious damage long before circuit breakers, fuses, or overloads trip. These devices are typically installed to prevent catastrophic overheating failures. Users looking to prevent premature motor failures and expensive emergency repairs are using OEM current sensors and current transducers to save time and money .

In a properly designed system the nominal motor operating current remains in a consistent range. After the motor reaches full speed, a fast rise in current usually means a jammed impeller, jammed shaft, failed bearing, or failed drive train component. A sudden drop in current usually indicates a broken shear pin, broken drive belt, loss of suction, or blocked intake line. Current sensing is the fastest method to monitor these changes in the system.

Operation of Current Monitors and Transducers:
In equipment control applications, current sensors and monitors include trip points and a solid state or relay ouput that can disconnect the motor or sound and alarm when the monitored current exceeds the trip points. In process applications, current transducers can be used with a PLC or SCADA control system to monitor and trend actual motor current. Current transducers provide a 0 to 10 V or 4 to 20 mA output that is directly proportional to the motor's current. ABB offers AC current sensors and transducers for up to 50 A (in ranges) at 600 VAC; DC currents to 15 A. Some models include an onboard "CT" which means the monitored load voltage is completely isolated from the control circuit voltage.

Features of ABB OEM Current Monitors and Transducers:

Applications:

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SwitchesCircuit ProtectionDigital Switching SystemsPower Distribution CentersTool & Die