Appleton PlexPower Reduces Total Cost of Ownership of Industrial Motor Starters

PlexPower™ motor starters are faster to install, require less maintenance, and easier to operate than traditional cast motor starters

January 30, 2023

The Appleton PlexPower is a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and simple-to-operate alternative to traditional cast and bolted motor starters. Appleton PlexPower motor starters deliver savings of up to 73% compared to the total cost of ownership of traditional cast and bolted motor starters. Designed for hazardous, wet, or corrosive locations such as oil refineries and chemical plants.

Fabricated from lightweight 316L stainless steel instead of heavy-cast aluminum, PlexPower motor starters require fewer people and less labor time to install. Also, there is no need for conduit seals or cable glands like with traditional cast and bolted motor starters. Because they are not limited only to switch rack mounting, PlexPower motor started can be located closer to motors and equipment, letting electricians shorten cable runs to lower materials costs. Also, because they us off-the-shelf breakers, PlexPower motor starters ensure faster, less expensive maintenance by making replacements readily available from multiple suppliers.

Accessibility to enclosures is one of the biggest challenges for end users operating and maintaining motor starters. To access internal components in a traditional cast and bolted enclosure, up to 70 bolts must be loosened and then tightened again, leading to extended production downtime and the risk of arc flash accidents. Improperly torqued or missing bolts can also be dangerous and cause accidents. Instead, the PlexPower quickly opens with a few quarter-turn latches rather than dozens of bolts, which means production lines can be up and running in less time and with greater profitability.

The modular design improves worker safety by limiting workers’ exposure to high levels of incident energy when installed close to the application. Component-level protection means every component has its own module featuring an individual flame path.

Appleton PlexPower Motor Starters are available with NEMA 1 size starter and have NEC and CEC Certification for Class I, Division 2 or Class I, Zone 1 and Type 4X applications. 

More Information

Appleton PlexPower Motor Starters

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