Vocabulary Term

Definition

AC Magnetic Motor Starter

A type of starter for AC induction motors that combines a magnetic contactor and
an overload relay. Magnetic motor starters can be operated remotely.

Across-The-Line Starter

A category of starters in which the motor is directly connected to the supply lines,
allowing full voltage when the motor starts.

Amperage

A measurement that indicates the amount of current flowing in a circuit.

Amperage is measured in amperes.

Arc Chute

A method of arc suppression that extinguishes arcs by channeling them into

chambers above the contacts.

Arc Column

A string-like spark of electricity that connects across the gap between two
contacts. Arc columns occur when electricity flows via ionized air molecules or
vaporized metal and results in damage to the contacts.

Arc Suppression

Any method used for extinguishing electrical arcs between contacts. Arc
suppression is necessary to ensure worker safety and prolong contact life.

Arcing

The flow of electricity through the air from one conductor to another. Arcing can
produce visible flashes and flames.

Auto-Transformer

A type of reduced voltage motor starter that uses a single-coil transformer to step
voltage up or down.

Bimetallic Strip

A strip made by bonding together two unlike metals that expand at different rates
when heated. The different rates of expansion cause the bimetallic strip to curl.

Bimetallic Thermal Overload Relay

A type of thermal overload mechanism that uses a strip composed of two

different metals. When heated, the two metals expand at different rates, causing
the strip to warp and create an opening in the circuit.

Blowout Coil

A method of arc suppression that uses magnetic coils to create a magnetic field
that pushes an arc upward until it breaks.

Break

The term for the number of places in which a circuit can be made or broken.

Circuit Breaker

A safety device that detects overcurrent in a circuit. A circuit breaker often

contains a bimetallic strip that bends and trips a switch that opens a circuit.

Closed Contact

A point where two contacts connect with each other and allow current to flow,
creating a circuit.

Contact

A conductive metal part in an electrical circuit that opens or closes the circuit by
either separating from or touching a matching part.

Contactor

A device that uses a small control current to energize or de-energize a load.

Contactors can handle high amounts of current and are also combined with
overload relays to create motor starters.

Control Component

Any device that controls circuits, motors, and other electric or mechanical
devices.

Control Relay

An electrical switch that opens and closes a circuit. Relays can open or close one
or many sets of contacts.

Delta

A connection of three components where a triangular series circuit is formed.

Delta connections are used in wye delta reduced voltage starters.

Double-Pole Double-Throw

A set of 2 moveable contacts that can break a circuit in 2 places each.

Double-Pole Single-Throw

A set of 2 moveable contacts that can break a circuit in 1 place each.

Electronic Overload Relay

A type of overload relay with a heaterless design that detects overload by

monitoring motor current.

Electronic Reduced Voltage Starter

A type of reduced voltage motor starter that is electronically controlled with no

moving parts. Electronic reduced voltage starters regulate voltage to the motor in
a series of small bursts of power until the motor reaches full power.

Eutectic Overload

A type of thermal overload relay that uses a melting alloy to activate mechanical
devices to open a circuit in the case of overload.

Fuse

A safety device that detects excess current in a circuit. Fuses often have a

Vocabulary Term

Definition
component that melts and opens the circuit.

Heat Sensitivity

The ability of a device to detect heat.

IEC

The International Electrotechnical Commission, which governs electrical

equipment standards in Europe and all other international countries.

Induction Motor

A commonly used industrial motor in which power is connected only to the stator.
Alternating current in the stator induces current in the rotor and creates an
electromagnetic field that produces rotation in the armature.

Inrush Current

The initial surge of a current into a motor. Inrush current can be 12 times higher
than current required for normal motor operation.

Knife Blade Switch

A lever-type switch that is used to control contactors.

Magnetic Contactor

A type of contactor that is operated remotely through solenoid action.

Magnetic Overload Relay

A type of overload relay that is operated remotely through solenoid action.

Magnetic Relay

A type of overload relay that senses the strength of the magnetic field that the
current flow produces. Magnetic relays are often used in areas that experience
extreme changes in temperature.

Manual Contactor

A type of contactor that is operated by a person who activates a switch on the

contactor.

Manual Controller

An input device that requires a manual switch to control the flow of current in a
circuit.

Manual Starter

A type of starter that is operated by a person who activates a switch on the

starter.

Melting Alloy Overload Relay

A type of thermal overload relay that uses a melting alloy to activate mechanical
devices to open a circuit in the case of overload.

Motor Overload Protection

The use of devices such as overload relays to open the circuit in the event of an
overload to prevent the motor from overheating.

Motor Starter

An electrically operated switch that uses magnetic induction to provide the

startup current for a motor.

Movable Contact

A contact on an armature that moves and connects to a matching stationary

contact.

NEMA

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, which sets standards for

equipment used in the United States.

Normally Closed

Contacts that keep the circuit connected during normal operation and disconnect
to open the circuit when the relay is activated.

Open Contact

A contact that is separated with space between another matching contact,

allowing no current to flow.

Output Device

A device that performs a mechanical action after receiving the electrical signal to
do so.

Overcurrent

Excess current. Devices like fuses and circuit breakers protect against
overcurrent.

Overload

Excessive heating due to motor overcurrent and failure of motor to start.

Overload Relay

A relay that is attached to a contactor in order to create a motor starter. Overload

relays protect the motor from overload by disconnecting the power to the motor
and stopping its operation.

Part-Winding Starter

A type of reduced voltage starter that applies power to only one set of windings,
then to the other set as the motor comes up to speed.

Pole

The term for a set of moveable contacts that belong to a single circuit.

Power Relay

A relay with heavy-duty contacts that is usually rated 15 amperes or higher.

Power relays are also known as contactors.

Primary Resistor

A type of reduced voltage starter that uses resistors to create an initial 30% drop

Vocabulary Term

Definition
in voltage before allowing full current to the motor.

Reduced Voltage Starter

A category of motor starters that reduce the power coming into the motor when it
is initially started.

Relay

An electrical switch that opens and closes a circuit. Relays can open or close one
or many sets of contacts.

Resistor

Am electronic component that regulates, limits, or opposes the flow of electrical

current. Resistors tend to convert electrical energy into heat.

Secondary Arc

An arc caused by contact bounce. The first arc is extinguished when contacts
close, then a second arc is created when contacts bounce open again.

Solder Pot Overload

A type of thermal overload relay that uses a melting alloy to activate mechanical
devices to open a circuit in the case of overload.

Solenoid Principle

The use of a coil that enables voltage to convert electrical energy to mechanical
energy via magnetic fields.

Solid State

Any device or system that functions by means of electronic components without

the use of moving parts.

Squirrel Cage

A type of three phase AC rotor that is constructed by connecting metal bars

together at each end. It is the most common AC rotor type.

Stationary Contact

A contact that remains in a fixed position during operation.

Switch

A control device that can make or break a circuit by closing or opening. A switch
can be either manual, mechanical, or automatic.

Tap

An intermediate connection point on an electrical transformer.

Thermal Relay

A type of overload relay that connects a heater with a motor. A thermal relay
protects a motor by shutting it down if the relay detects excessive heat.

Throw

The term for the number of contacts that match the moveable contacts.

Tip Bar

A mechanical part in a magnetic overload relay that tilts during overload and
releases the support to a set of closed contacts, causing them to open and break
the circuit.

Trip Time

The time it takes for a device to open a circuit in the event of an overload.

Wye Delta

The configuration of motor windings in which windings form the shape of the
letter Y, then a triangle shape called a delta.