Control Design

IEC Motor Starters. Are They Accepted?

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Submitted by Katherine Bonfante on Thu, 10/13/2011 - 09:31

We want to save cabinet space and money by using IEC motor starters instead of NEMA. Yes, they're global standards, but we're concerned about resistance to IEC outside of Europe. What's the real state of acceptance of IEC motor starters right now?

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  • Submitted by rcwithlime on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 08:39

    <p>I interchange to and quote IEC contactors and starters almost daily as replacements for NEMA sized units. There are heavy duty applications where customers only want NEMA sized starters. Some IEC manufacturers can renameplate theirs to show NEMA size.</p> <p>Overall, cost is the leading factor. If the product works, handles the ampacity, and has reasonable longevity, the customer is happy. Also, increased cost reduction with enclosed units. In the last 3 years, IEC contactors and starters have gained wide acceptance, with standard NEMA manufacturers and suppliers now offering their own IEC products, lest they lose market share.</p>

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  • Submitted by MikeB on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 09:16

    <p>We are a design and build company of industrial and computer control equipment, and have been using IEC contactors for over 10 years now with no problems. We have had good acceptance from customers for the space savings and cost reductions of their systems. I also have learned how to use the IEC product correctly in order to apply UL and CSA product safety labeling to the end product for use here in North America.</p>

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  • Submitted by mmman on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 06:52

    <p>For the most part, IEC starters have been a nice upgrade to NEMA. The space savings in panels are great. We have replaced NEMA with IEC in many applications just to gain panel space for additional controls. That being said, it is widely accepted here that IEC does not have the longevity of NEMA. We have replaced some IEC with the next size even though it was rated for the application. I would still recommend IEC over NEMA.</p>

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