Electronic motor starter simplifies wiring, adds safety and intelligent control

Rockwell Automation, Inc. recently launched the M100 Electronic Motor Starter, enabling industrial organizations to simplify panel wiring and reduce component and engineering complexities with advanced functional safety solutions and more refined motor starting capabilities.  

Rockwell’s traditional motor starters lay a foundation for customizable motor control solutions including starting, stopping and protecting motors. Building on this, the new M100 Electronic Motor Starter seamlessly integrates into intelligent motor control setups, boosting productivity and minimizing downtime. According to Rockwell Automation, it serves as a cost-effective, space-efficient option, including a range of features designed to improve performance across various applications. Notably, the M100 incorporates point-on-wave (POW) switching technology, the company said. 

 The new M100 Electronic Motor Starter offers zero stacking with no derating up to 55C, providing flexibility in installation without compromising performance. Removable terminal blocks, available in both screw and push-in variants, add convenience and adaptability. The M100 also supports direct-on-line (DOL), reversing and safety capabilities in the same form factor for flexibility in various operational scenarios.  

“Our M100 Electronic Motor Starter represents a significant leap forward in motor starting technology and Rockwell’s motor control portfolio,” said Bill Meindl, Rockwell Automation’s business manager for industrial components. “Its advanced features, including point-on-wave switching technology, significantly boosts productivity while minimizing valuable panel space, delivering a powerful solution that aligns with the evolving needs of the industry.” 

Embedded features such as electronic overload protection, phase loss detection, phase imbalance monitoring and weld detection contribute to a comprehensive safety net in critical operations. Additionally, with the growing importance of functional safety for end users, the M100 represents an expansion in the motor starting portfolio to now include SIL3 certified models, providing compliance with high safety standards.

Edited by Stephanie Neil, WTWH Media, for Control Engineering, from a Rockwell Automation press release.