ABB MS132/MO132 Motor Starters

# **ABB MS132/MO132 Motor Starters: Reliable, Compact, and Efficient Protection for Modern Motor Systems**
In today’s industrial environments, motor protection is no longer limited to simple overcurrent devices. With factories moving toward higher automation, stricter safety requirements, and continuous operation demands, users require motor starters that offer **precision protection, compact size, easy installation, and long-term reliability**.
Among numerous solutions on the market, the **ABB MS132 and MO132** motor starters stand out as highly dependable and versatile devices designed to protect motors up to 15 kW while ensuring operational continuity and equipment safety.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the features, performance, applications, and advantages of ABB’s MS132/MO132 series, helping users understand why they are ideal choices for modern industrial motor protection.
## **1. Overview of the ABB MS132/MO132 Series**
The ABB MS132 and MO132 are manual motor starters designed for **motor protection, switching, and control** in low-voltage systems. They integrate multiple protective functions—including **overload protection, short-circuit protection, phase failure sensitivity, and manual disconnection**—into a single compact device.
* **MS132**: Motor starter with **thermal-magnetic protection**, suitable for motors requiring both overload and short-circuit protection.
* **MO132**: Motor starter with **thermal-only protection**, ideal for applications where short-circuit protection is provided upstream.
Both series comply with **IEC 60947-2 / 60947-4-1** standards, ensuring global compatibility and industry-wide acceptance.
## **2. Key Performance Features**
### **1. Comprehensive Motor Protection**
The MS132/MO132 series offers essential protection features needed for modern motors:
* **Thermal overload protection** with Class 10 trip characteristics
* **Phase loss sensitivity**, ensuring fast reaction when one phase drops
* **Short-circuit protection** (MS132 only) up to 100 kA
* **Manual switch disconnection** with clear ON/OFF indicators
* **Overcurrent and locked-rotor protection**
These functions help significantly reduce motor failures caused by mechanical jamming, phase imbalance, improper load, and electrical faults.
### **2. Adjustable Trip Settings**
Each starter comes with a **front-mounted adjustable dial**, allowing users to set the exact motor rated current.
Typical adjustment ranges include:
* 0.1–0.16A
* 0.16–0.25A
* 0.25–0.4A
* 1–1.6A
* 4–6.3A
* 10–16A
* Up to 32A
This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of motors, making the MS132/MO132 suitable for OEMs, machine builders, and industrial users.
### **3. Compact Design That Saves Panel Space**
ABB designed the series to fit into tight panels and dense assemblies:
* Standard width **only 45 mm**
* No need for external overload relays
* Simplified wiring and integration with ABB contactors
This compactness lowers installation cost, reduces panel size, and allows designers to optimize space in MCCs and control cabinets.
### **4. High Breaking Capacity and Robust Endurance**
Especially for the MS132, the breaking capacity is exceptional:
* **Up to 100 kA at 400 V AC**
This ensures strong protection even in harsh environments with high fault levels. Mechanical durability reaches **up to 100,000 operations**, guaranteeing long-term reliability.
### **5. Easy Installation and Operation**
Features designed for user convenience include:
* Front rotary knob for switching and resetting
* Clear trip indicator
* DIN-rail snap mounting
* Compatible accessories (auxiliary contacts, shunt releases, under-voltage releases)
* Sealable cover options for safety compliance
All these features make wiring, maintenance, and replacement extremely efficient.
## **3. Smart Integration with ABB Motor Control Solutions**
The MS132/MO132 motor starters are optimized for seamless integration with ABB’s industrial motor control portfolio, including:
* **A series and AF series contactors**
* **TA/TF thermal overload relays** (when additional protection is needed)
* **UMC100 motor management system**
* **Soft starters and drives**
The combination creates a complete, reliable motor control solution suitable for all types of machinery—from simple pumps to complex conveyor systems.
## **4. Wide Application Scenarios**
Thanks to their robustness and flexibility, the MS132/MO132 series is widely used across industries such as:
### **1. Manufacturing and Process Industry**
For pumps, conveyors, compressors, fans, mixers, and more.
### **2. HVAC and Building Automation**
Reliable control for ventilation fans, chillers, and pumps.
### **3. Water Treatment and Pumping Systems**
Excellent for motor protection in harsh environments with continuous operation.
### **4. Machine Tools and Packaging Machinery**
Fast short-circuit protection ensures uninterrupted production.
### **5. OEM Equipment Manufacturing**
Compact design and ease of wiring reduce assembly time and manufacturing costs.
## **5. Advantages Compared with Common Solutions**
ABB’s MS132/MO132 motor starters provide several advantages over conventional protection methods:
### **✔ Integrated protection in one device**
No need for separate overload relays or fuses.
### **✔ Faster trip response**
Thermal-magnetic design ensures immediate protection during faults.
### **✔ Lower energy and maintenance costs**
Fewer components → fewer wiring errors → reduced downtime.
### **✔ High reliability and global certification**
Ensures compatibility with international projects and standards.
### **✔ Suitable for both manual and automated motor control systems**
Ideal for both small standalone machines and large industrial installations.
## **6. Conclusion**
The **ABB MS132 and MO132 motor starters** are outstanding solutions for modern industrial motor protection. With integrated thermal and magnetic protection, adjustable trip settings, high reliability, and compact design, they offer exceptional performance for users seeking **simple, safe, and durable** motor control.
Whether used in manufacturing, water treatment, HVAC systems, OEM machinery, or energy-intensive industrial environments, the MS132/MO132 delivers reliable protection and long-term operational efficiency.
ABB’s engineering excellence, combined with global service support, makes these motor starters a preferred choice for engineers, system integrators, and industrial users worldwide.
If you need to purchase related products, feel free to contact us!