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The IEC motor starter is a small, compact motor starter which is commonly used by machinery builders because of the lower cost when compared to NEMA motor starters. IEC starters are rated by current (amperage) in one of several manners:
Thermal Current
The current which a contactor can withstand without becoming overheated.
Operational Current
The capability of the contactor to make and break current under different Utilization Categories.
Select the utilization category which best represents your load and manner of usage. Then check the starter manufacturer's catalog to select the appropriate starter.
AC-1
Non-inductive or slightly inductive loads (resistive loads) such as resistance furnaces.
AC-2
Slip-ring motors, starting, plugging (stopping or reversing the motor while running).
AC-3
Squirrel cage (AC Induction) motors, starting, switching off motor while running.
AC-4
Squirrel cage (AC Induction) motors, plugging, jogging, inching.
DC-1
Non-inductive or slightly inductive loads (resistive loads) such as resistance furnaces.
DC-2
Shunt motors, starting, switching off motors while running.
DC-3
Shunt motors, starting, plugging, jogging, inching.
DC-4
Series motors, starting, switching off motors while running.
DC-5
Series motors, starting, plugging, jogging, inching.