ACL or ATL? (for across the line motor starters)

[fjceng]

What is the proper way to reference a full voltage (across the line) starter, in terms of abbreviation, ACL or ATL? Although, from the electrical standpoint, this type of device is called FVNR (full voltage non-reversing) sometimes we call them "across-the-line". I have seen it both ways (ACL and ATL) on many different motor starter's manufacturer manuals and technical articles. What will be the right one?

 

[davidbeach]

Never seen ACL or ATL; around here the most common is DOL for Direct On Line.

 

[ScottyUK]

I've seen ATL occasionally but DOL is far, far more common.


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[jraef]

ATL is what I see here in North America, and DOL seems to be used everywhere else. ACL is something I have never seen. It wouldn't be a proper acronym anyway. ACross the Line? That's technically not how TLAs work.

But then again, I am guilty of using X-line, so what do I know?


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[rbulsara]

FVNR or DOL. Only when spelled out, across the line is seen. Never seen ATL or ACL in Eastern USA.

For me ATL is the code for Atlanta airport

 

[dpc]

Here in this part of North America, I've never seen either abbreviation. We use the term "across the line". Rarely see DOL. Mostly FVNR. Abbreviations are false economy when dealing on an international level - write it out - at least the first time.



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[fjceng]

We all know, that from the design and engineering point of view FVNR is the correct term, to differentiate it from RVSS (reduced voltage solid state or softstart).

All of you are right!!!

I did my research and found out that:

ACL = ACross the Line (acronym used in some sectors of the water and wastewater industry and some IEEE articles). ACL, also can be found in CAD, graphic and drafting standards (or symbology) in architecture and construction sector in early 90's. e.g. "blueprints" and drafting manuals dated between 1900 to 1990.

ATL = Across The Line (acronym used by some motor starter's manufacturers and end-user sector, mostly in USA). ATL starter is defined as follow; a category of starters in which the motor is directly connected to the supply lines, allowing full voltage when the motor starts; therefore across the line. In my opinion, ATL is used by a writer or an author (in technical articles or manuals) after mentioning the whole word as a form of laziness, or I should say to avoid redundancy.

DOL = Direct On Line starters (acronym used all around the world, electrical engineering books and electric motor-related reference, therefore the most commonly used).

 

[rbulsara]

And now you can decide if you want to use the one that draws more questions or one that is understood by the majority (and more appropriate).

 

[electricpete]

I have never heard the acronym FVNR.
What does it stand for?

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[dpc]

Full Voltage Non-Reversing. It is NEMA terminology for a standard full voltage starter. FVR = full voltage reversing. RVAT = reduced voltage autotransformer, etc.



"The perfect is the enemy of the good." -- Voltaire

 

[electricpete]

Thanks.

So perhaps a distinction should be made:

FVNR refers to one type of device used for DOL starting.

DOL and "accross the line" refer to the starting method. There are general terms which apply even to larger motors that use breakers rather than starters.



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[rbulsara]

electpete:

Your assessment is correct, if read by itself. However, the OP was referring to FVNR and DOL. Also the use if acronym FVNR is limited to the NEMA world, it's equivalent is DOL "starter" in many other parts of the world.