ABB MS116 Motor Starter

# **ABB MS116 Motor Starter: Reliable, Compact, and Comprehensive Motor Protection**
In modern industrial environments, electric motors serve as the essential power source behind pumps, fans, conveyors, compressors, mixers, and various automated machinery. As automation demands continue to rise, motor protection requirements are becoming more rigorous, emphasizing reliability, safety, and ease of maintenance. The **ABB MS116 Motor Starter**, a widely adopted motor protection device, stands out as an integrated and high-performance solution designed to safeguard and control low-voltage motors in a wide range of applications.
## **1. Overview: A Multi-Function Front-End Motor Protection Device**
The ABB MS116 is a **manual motor starter (MMS)** that combines **short-circuit protection, overload protection, phase-loss protection, and manual switching functions** into one compact unit. It is designed for direct motor control and aligns with international standards **IEC/EN 60947-4-1 and IEC/EN 60947-2**.
As a core component in ABB’s motor control lineup, the MS116 is engineered for:
* High reliability
* Precise protection
* Compact installation
* Ease of operation
These attributes make it suitable for both standalone motor control and integrated motor control centers (MCCs).
## **2. Key Features: Performance, Safety, and Practical Design**
### **2.1 Dual Protection Mechanism: Thermal and Magnetic Trip Units**
The MS116 incorporates a **thermal-magnetic protection mechanism**:
* **Thermal trip unit (overload protection)**
  Uses a bimetal element that mimics motor heating characteristics, providing accurate long-term overload protection.
* **Magnetic trip unit (short-circuit protection)**
  Responds instantly to high inrush currents or short-circuit conditions, disconnecting the circuit within milliseconds.
This dual-stage protection ensures robust defense against both persistent overloads and sudden faults, effectively extending motor lifespan and reducing downtime.
### **2.2 High Breaking Capacity for Increased Safety**
Depending on the model, the MS116 offers short-circuit breaking capacities up to **50 kA**, enabling it to safely clear severe short-circuit faults without requiring an upstream protective device.
This high breaking capacity brings several advantages:
* Enhanced system safety
* Reduced need for additional circuit breakers
* Lower installation cost
* Simplified wiring and panel layout
### **2.3 Adjustable Current Settings for Flexible Applications**
The MS116 covers a wide range of adjustable rated currents, such as:
* 0.16–0.25 A
* 1.6–2.5 A
* 6–10 A
* 10–16 A
* 20–25 A
Users can easily set the motor’s rated current using the front dial, ensuring compatibility with various motor sizes and load conditions.
### **2.4 Integrated Phase-Loss Protection**
Phase-loss is a common cause of severe motor overheating. The MS116 includes internal **phase-loss sensitivity**, ensuring that the motor is immediately disconnected when a phase drops out.
This prevents:
* Motor overheating
* Winding damage
* Excessive current imbalances
* Costly repairs and downtime
### **2.5 Compact, Space-Saving Design**
The MS116 features a remarkably compact design—typically **45 mm wide**—making it ideal for applications requiring dense panel installations.
Benefits include:
* More space for additional components
* Simplified MCC design
* Reduced cabinet size and overall cost
* Faster installation with DIN-rail mounting
### **2.6 Clear Operation and Status Indication**
The device includes:
* A large rotary switch for manual ON/OFF control
* A trip indicator window (ON/OFF/TRIP)
* A built-in test function for verifying trip operation
* Easy-read setting scales
These features enhance operator convenience and minimize the risk of incorrect operation.
## **3. Extensive Compatibility and Accessory Options**
The MS116 can be combined with **ABB AF series contactors** to build various motor control schemes:
* Direct-on-line (DOL) starters
* Reversing starters
* Star-delta starters
In addition, ABB provides numerous accessory options:
* **Undervoltage release (UVT)**
* **Shunt trip (SHT)**
* **Auxiliary contacts (OF, SD)**
* **External operating handles**
* **Busbar adapters and connection kits**
This expandability makes the MS116 suitable for flexible automation architectures, including remote control and safety interlocking systems.
## **4. Typical Applications Across Industries**
Thanks to its high reliability and versatility, the MS116 is widely used in:
### **✔ Water treatment and pump systems**
Providing pump protection against overload, blockages, and dry-running conditions.
### **✔ HVAC and building ventilation systems**
Ensuring stable performance for fans, blowers, compressors, and air-handling units.
### **✔ Food, packaging, and logistics equipment**
Protecting motors in conveyors, sorting systems, and processing machinery.
### **✔ Chemical and pharmaceutical production lines**
Offering reliable protection for mixing, dosing, and continuous-process equipment.
### **✔ Machine tools and industrial manufacturing**
Safeguarding cutting machines, grinders, and automated production cells.
The MS116’s robustness enables consistent performance even in harsh or high-load environments.
## **5. Benefits in Real-World Applications**
Integrating the ABB MS116 into a motor control system brings clear advantages:
* **Reduces motor failure risk**
* **Minimizes unplanned downtime**
* **Lowers maintenance and replacement costs**
* **Improves operational safety**
* **Simplifies panel design and wiring**
* **Enhances system stability and efficiency**
For modern factories aiming to increase productivity and reliability, the MS116 is a highly cost-effective and dependable solution.
## **6. Conclusion**
The **ABB MS116 Motor Starter** is a compact, reliable, and multifunctional device designed to provide comprehensive protection for low-voltage motors. With features such as thermal-magnetic trip protection, high short-circuit breaking capacity, adjustable current settings, phase-loss protection, and wide accessory compatibility, it meets the diverse needs of industrial operations.
Whether used in new installations, system upgrades, or integrated automation projects, the MS116 delivers exceptional performance, enhanced safety, and long-term reliability—making it one of the most trusted motor protection solutions in industrial environments.
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