Motor Control Centers (MCCs) generally include the following elements and features:
• Motor Control Compartments:
These compartments house the control and power circuits required to operate individual motors. They include starters, relays, contactors, overload protection, and other control components. Operators can start, stop, control, and monitor motors through these individual control panels.
• Horizontal Busbar (Main Bus):
This busbar distributes the main incoming power across the length of the MCC panel and supplies power to the respective vertical bus sections.
• Vertical Busbar (Power Bus):
Also known as the distribution or power bus, it delivers power to multiple motor starter units within the MCC. It carries the combined load of all connected motors and power feeders.
• Control, Monitoring, and Protection Systems:
Modern MCCs are equipped with advanced monitoring and management features for remote operation and diagnostics. These include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters, communication modules, and web connectivity.