Electric Motor Control Basics - Book - Page 73
NEMA vs IEC Motor Controls
It’s imperative that the engineering, maintenance, and service personnel are familiar
with these standards. Most production equipment finding its way to the U.S. market
from overseas must meet the IEC standards.
What is NEMA?
NEMA is the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It’s the largest trade
association of electrical equipment manufacturers in the U.S. It was founded in 1926,
to urge manufacturers to use a standard frame size for motor control and lighting
applications.
This would allow the standardization of parts from different manufacturers. It also sees
to it that manufacturers design components that meet the safety factors of the design
ratings. The association also dictates the configuration and performance parameters of
electrical components.
Those used in power generation, distribution, control, transmission, and end use must
comply with NEMA standards. This has been a daunting responsibility, but one which
NEMA has carried out with distinction all through.
The advantages of NEMA ratings are that they’re better at withstanding short circuits.
They’re also versatile and highly suitable for a wide range of applications.
What is IEC?
IEC is the International Electro-technical Commission that oversees the standards for
the European electrical communities. It was formed in 1906 and mainly focused on the
Industrial Control
Basics:
Part 1, Contactors
Industrial Control
Basics: Part 2,
Overload Relays
Industrial Control
Basics: Part 3,
Starters
The Benefits of Type E/F
Motor Protection
Circuit Breakers
Basic Pump Control:
Three Phase DOL Starter
Control of an Electric Pump
Applying Motor Control
in a Wastewater
Application
NEMA vs IEC Motor
Controls
Understanding
IP Ratings
73
