;Definition of Term

Contact – Equivalent to a switch. A contact in a motor starter or relay is controlled by

a magnetic coil.
Control Circuit – That the portion of the electrical installation that contain the coil,
solenoids and overload contacts, and the control device that initiates the operation
of the equipment.
Controller – A device that governs the delivery of power to an electrical apparatus in
some predetermined manner.
Eutectic Alloy – Metal with low and definite melting point; used in thermal overload
relays; converts from a solid to a liquid state at a specific temperature; commonly
called solder pot.
Jogging Control – sometimes called inching, this is the process where the contactor
is closed for very short durations to allow the motor to move in small increments.
This control does not allow the motor to remain running.
IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission is an international body that sets
performance rating for its member’s product.
Jogging (Inching) – Momentary operations; quickly repeated closures of the circuit to
start a motor from rest for the purpose of accomplishing small movements of the
driven machine.
Ladder Diagrams – A method of showing the electrical relationships of multiple
controls and relays in an organize fashion. The schematic diagram resembles a
ladder with rungs.
“Low” or “No” Voltage Protection – Sometimes called undervoltage protection, this
is the method that is used to release the contacts of a controller if the supply
voltage falls, but will not reclose the contacts when proper voltage returns. This
method is used with three-wire control.
“Low” or “No” Voltage Release – Sometimes called undervoltage release, this
method is used to released the contacts of a controller when the supply voltage
falls too low properly supply the load. The contacts may reclose upon restoration of
normal voltage. This method is used with two wire control.
Momentary Contact – A contact that changes position only when actuating event, the
contact returns to its normally open or closed state.
NEMA – National Electrical Manufacturers Association is a body that performance
standard for its members products.
Noise – A condition that interfere with the desired voltage, or signal, in a circuit. Noise
can produce erratic operation.
Normally Open and Normally Close – When applied to a magnetically operated
switching device, such as a contactor or relay, or to the contacts of these devices,
these terms signify the position taken when the operating magnet is deenergized.
The term applies only to non latching type of device.
Open or Close Transition – This is a term that indicates how a motor is transferred
from the starting mode to the running mode of operation. If power to the motor
interrupted during transition, it is open transition. If there is no interruption of power
to the motor, it is closed transition.
Overload Contact - A contact connected in the coil circuit of a motor starter that is
held close by the overload relay mechanism. If an overload should persist, the
contact will open, deenergizing the coil, stopping the motor.
Overload Protection – Overload protection is the result of a device that operates on
excessive current, but not necessarily on short circuit, to cause and maintain the
interruption of current flow to the device governed.
Overload Relay– Overload Relay Heater Coil; Coil used in thermal overload
relays; provides heat to melt eutectic alloy. Overload Relay Reset: Push button
used to rest thermal overload relay after relay operated.
Pick-up Voltage – The minimum control voltage needed to cause the armature on an
electromagnetic relay or starter to move. This voltage is typically 80 percent to 85
percent of the rated coil voltage.
Pilot Device – A device that directs the operation of another device. A pilot device is
typically a low-power device that creates a circuit to control a larger-power
handling device.
Power Circuit – That portion of the electrical circuit that serves to apply the stator
winding of the motor
Push button – A master switch; manually operable plunger or button for an actuating
device; assembled into pushbutton stations.
Schematic Diagram – A diagram that represents the electrical relationship of each of
the control function, laid out in a logical sequence.
Seal-in Voltage – The minimum control voltage required to cause the magnetic pole
faces to seal against the moving armature without chatter or poor contact. This
voltage is approximately 75 percent of coil-rated voltage.
Switch – A switch is a device for making, breaking, or changing the connection in an
electric Circuit.
Thermal protection (as applied to motors) – An inherent overheating protective
device that is responsive to motor current and temperature. When properly applied
to a motor, this device protects the motor against dangerous overheating due to
overload or failure to start.
Wiring Diagram – A diagram that is laid out in a manner to show physical location of
components and how the wiring is to be run from one to another..