Reduced Voltage Starters

Application – Three-Phase Motors

All Franklin three-phase submersible motors are suitable for full-voltage starting. Under this condition the motor speed goes from zero to full speed within a half second or less. The motor current goes from zero to locked rotor amps, then drops to running amps at full speed. This may dim lights, cause momentary voltage dips

to other electrical equipment, and shock power distribution transformers.

In some cases the power companies may require reduced-voltage starters to limit this voltage dip. There are also times when reduced-voltage starters may be desirable to reduce motor starting torque thus reducing the stress on shafts, couplings, and discharge piping. Reduced-voltage starters also slow the rapid acceleration of the water on start-up to help control upthrust and water hammer.

Reduced-voltage starters may not be required if the maximum recommended cable length is used. With maximum recommended cable length there is a 5% voltage drop in the cable at running amps, resulting in about 20% reduction in starting current and about 36% reduction in starting torque compared to having rated voltage at the motor. This may be enough reduction in starting current so that reduced-voltage starters are not required.

Three-Lead Motors: Autotransformer or solid-state reduced-voltage starters may be used for soft-starting standard three-phase motors.

When autotransformer starters are used, the motor should be supplied with at least 55% of rated voltage to ensure adequate starting torque. Most autotransformer starters have 65% and 80% taps. Setting the taps on these starters depends on the percentage of the

maximum allowable cable length used in the system. If the cable length is less than 50% of the maximum allowable, either the 65% or the 80% taps may be used. When the cable length is more than 50% of allowable, the 80% tap should be used.

Six-Lead Motors: Wye-Delta starters are used with six-lead Wye-Delta motors. All Franklin 6" and 8" three-phase motors are available in six-lead Wye-Delta construction. Consult the factory for details and availability. Part winding starters are not compatible with Franklin Electric submersible motors and should not be used.

Wye-Delta starters of the open-transition type, which momentarily interrupt power during the starting cycle, are not recommended. Closed-transition starters have no interruption of power during the start cycle and can be used with satisfactory results.

Reduced-voltage starters have adjustable settings for acceleration ramp time, typically preset at 30 seconds. They must be adjusted so the motor is at full voltage within THREE SECONDS MAXIMUM to prevent excessive radial and thrust bearing wear.

If Subtrol-Plus or SubMonitor is used the acceleration time must be set to TWO SECONDS MAXIMUM due to the 3 second reaction time of the Subtrol-Plus or SubMonitor.

Solid-state starters AKA soft starts may not be compatible with Subtrol-Plus/SubMonitor. However, in some cases a bypass contactor has been used. Consult the factory for details.

During shutdown, Franklin Electric’s recommendation is for the power to be removed, allowing the pump/motor to coast down. Stopping the motor by ramping down the voltage is possible, but should be limited to three (3) seconds maximum.

Inline Booster Pump Systems

Franklin Electric offers three different types of motors for non-vertical applications.

1.The Booster motors are speciﬁ cally designed for booster applications. They are the “Best Choice” for sealed Reverse Osmosis applications.

These motors are the result of two years of focused development and bring additional value and durability to booster module systems. These motors are

only available to OEMs or Distributors who have demonstrated capability in Booster Module systems design and operation and adhere to Franklin’s Application Manual requirements.

2.The Hi-Tempmotors have many of the internal design features of the Booster motor. It’s additional length allows for higher temperature handling and the Sand Fighter sealing system provides greater abrasion resistance. One or both of these conditions

are often experienced in open atmosphere applications such as lakes, ponds, etc.

3.The Standard Vertical Water Well (40-125 hp) motors can be adapted to non-vertical applications when applied per the below guidelines. However, they will be more sensitive to application variances than the other two designs.

All of the above motors must be applied per the guidelines listed below. In addition, for all applications where the motor is applied in a sealed system, a Submersible Motor Booster Installation Record (Form 3655) or its equivalent must be completed at startup and received by Franklin Electric within 60 days. A sealed system is one where the motor and pump intake are mounted in a sleeve and the water feeding the pump intake is not open to the atmosphere.