ALLEN BRADLEY SOFT STARTER 150-C16NBD SMART MOTOR CONTROLLER  REV A. 16A 16:54

The Allen-Bradley 150-C16NBD is a compact, fully-featured smart motor controller, commonly known as a soft starter, from Rockwell Automation’s renowned Bulletin 150 family. This device is engineered to provide controlled acceleration and deceleration for three-phase AC induction motors, making it an essential component for reducing mechanical stress on equipment and minimizing electrical inrush current.

Product Overview:

• Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)

• Product Line: Bulletin 150

• Model: 150-C16NBD

• Revision: A (Indicates a specific version or product generation)

• Type: Smart Motor Controller / Soft Starter

• Current Rating: 16 Amps

• SEO Keywords: Allen Bradley Soft Starter, Motor Controller, 150-C16NBD, 16A starter, reduced voltage starter, smart starter, motor protection.

Key Features & Capabilities

1. Controlled Starting & Stopping:

   • Soft Start: Gradually applies voltage to the motor, providing a smooth, step-less ramp-up to full speed. This eliminates the high inrush current (often 600-800% of full load current) and reduces mechanical shock to the drivetrain, belts, gears, and couplings.

   • Soft Stop: Provides a controlled deceleration, eliminating sudden jolts and water hammer effects in pump applications.

2. Compact and Integrated Design:

   • The “NBD” form factor is a space-saving, compact design that integrates the bypass contacts directly within the unit. Once the motor is at full speed, the soft starter bypasses the SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers) with an internal contactor, reducing heat generation and improving energy efficiency during run state.

3. Smart Motor Protection:

   • This is not just a starter; it’s a smart controller with integrated protection features, including:

     • Overload Protection: Protects the motor from drawing excessive current over time.

     • Phase Loss / Unbalance Detection: Shuts down the unit if a phase is lost or significantly unbalanced, protecting the motor from damage.

     • Jam Protection: Detects if the motor is mechanically jammed.

     • Over-temperature Monitoring: Protects the soft starter’s internal components.

     • Undercurrent Protection: Useful for detecting conditions like a broken belt or a pump running dry.

4. Advanced Control and Communication:

   • Integrated Keypad: Features a built-in 4-button keypad and a 2-line, 16-character LCD display for local programming, status monitoring, and fault diagnostics.

   • Communication Ready: Equipped with a built-in communication port (typically for Allen-Bradley’s network options like DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, or Remote I/O) for seamless integration into a Plant-wide control system. This allows for remote start/stop, adjustment of settings, and real-time monitoring of motor data (current, voltage, status).

5. Application Flexibility:

   • Offers multiple starting modes (Voltage Ramp, Current Ramp, Dual Ramp) and stopping modes (Coast, Soft Stop, Precision Stop) to be tailored to a wide variety of applications.

Technical Specifications

Typical Applications

The 150-C16NBD is ideal for applications where controlled starting and stopping are critical to process efficiency and equipment longevity:

• Pumps: Prevents water hammer and reduces pressure surges in pipelines.

• Fans & Blowers: Reduces belt stress and ductwork vibration during start-up.

• Conveyors: Prevents belt slippage and reduces shock loading on the conveyor structure and products.

• Compressors: Manages the high starting torque and reduces mechanical strain.

• Mixers and Agitators: Provides a smooth start for viscous materials.