Double Throw Switch 1

[Thunter78]

Hello,

I am a mechanical engineer by trade and have been learning more and more of the electrical side of things. I'm currently working on a project and hope someone with more experience can make sure I'm at least headed in the right direction.

I have two electrical panels, A and B, that are both capable of providing three phase 460V power. Both of these panels do have adequate motor protection branches. I need to power a 15HP motor from one of these panels, but never able to connect power from both.

We use panel A most of the time, but occasionally need the soft start capabilities of panel B (we cannot use a soft starter when operating with panel A, else I would only use panel B). Right now we have to rewire power to the motor every time we need to change panels, which is slowing us down. I have been trying to find what I need and think something like this will work perfectly:

https://www.se.com/us/en/product/DT...-safety-switches&selected-node-id=12144220094

Before I spend a few thousand on double throw panels, can anyone confirm my idea or think of a better way?

Thanks,

Taylor

 

[waross]

The big issue I have noticed with IEC is the contactors go up in smoke if they bounce for any reason such as a motor start on a system with weak generators.

Is that what I call "Machine Gunning"?
The contactor pulls in.
The voltage drops.
The contactor drops out
The voltage recovers.
The contactor pulls in.
The voltage drops.
The contactor drops out.
Rinse and repeat.
That will kill a NEMA contactor as well.

Bill
--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[TugboatEng]

For sure, but the NEMA stuff is much more tolerant and much easier to replace contacts on. Even worse when they use NEMA 1 equivalent enclosures in spaces that should be using NEMA 12. Thankfully we don't operate that boat any more. It was a steaming pile for a whole lot of other reasons too.