Motor control centres and VFDs
Industrial motor control centres (MCCs) integrate starters (DOL, star-delta, soft, VFD), protection relays, metering, and PLC interfaces in form-segregated assemblies (typically Form 4b for industrial duty). Variable frequency drives (VFDs) match motor speed to process demand — fans, pumps, compressors — and are increasingly preferred over DOL starting for energy savings (typically 20–40% on variable-torque loads), reduced inrush, and gentle motor handling. Isovoltech supplies VFDs from Siemens (Sinamics), ABB (ACS series), Schneider (Altivar), Rockwell (PowerFlex), and Danfoss across 0.37–2000 kW.
Cabling and accessories
Industrial power cables follow IEC 60502 or BS 6346 — XLPE-insulated for dry / underground / cable-tray runs, EPR-insulated for offshore and high-temperature service, halogen-free LSZH where fire-life-safety codes apply. Sizing follows BS 7671 / IEC 60364 with corrections for ambient temperature (UAE design temp 50 °C), grouping, and depth of installation. Cable glands match enclosure rating (IP66 / IP68, ATEX Ex e or Ex d for hazardous areas). Junction boxes, terminal blocks (Phoenix Contact, Wago), surge protection devices (DEHN, Schneider), and earth-bonding accessories complete the package.
Hazardous-area equipment
Refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore platforms classify electrical zones (Zone 0/1/2 for gas, Zone 20/21/22 for dust) per IEC 60079. Equipment in these zones must be ATEX or IECEx certified — Ex d (flameproof), Ex e (increased safety), Ex i (intrinsically safe), or Ex p (pressurised). Motors, junction boxes, lighting, push-buttons, and instrumentation cables all carry the appropriate certification. Isovoltech sources hazardous-area equipment with full certificate packs and verifies certificate validity at order placement.
Power quality and protection
UAE grid voltage and harmonics fluctuate enough to warrant active power quality solutions on sensitive loads. Capacitor banks (fixed or automatic with detuned filters) correct power factor; active harmonic filters mitigate harmonic distortion from VFD-rich installations to within IEEE 519 limits. Surge protection devices (Type 1 at incomer, Type 2 at distribution, Type 3 at sensitive load) protect against lightning and switching transients. Earthing and bonding follow BS 7430 and the local utility specification.
Motor starting methods
| Method | Inrush | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOL (direct on line) | 6× FLC | Lowest | Small motors < 15 kW, no soft requirement |
| Star-delta | ~3× FLC | Low | Constant-load motors 15–75 kW |
| Soft starter | 1.5–3× FLC | Medium | Pumps, compressors needing reduced surge |
| VFD | 1× FLC | High | Variable-speed loads, energy savings |
Frequently asked questions
What VFD do I need for a 22 kW pump motor?
Match the VFD rating to the motor's normal-duty current with at least 10% headroom; 22 kW motors typically pair with a 30 kW VFD for variable-torque service. Verify cable distance (motor cable > 30 m needs an output reactor or dV/dt filter).
Are your panels ATEX certified?
Hazardous-area motor control centres can be supplied as Ex e increased-safety enclosures or with Ex d flameproof modules per zone classification. Each unit ships with EU-type examination certificates and IECEx scheme certificates.
What's the difference between IP66 and IP68?
IP66 is dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets — fine for outdoor and washdown duty. IP68 adds continuous immersion capability (depth and duration vary by manufacturer), required for submerged and tidal-zone equipment.
Do you supply cable accessories (glands, terminations)?
Yes — full range of brass and stainless cable glands (CMP, Hawke), shrouds, locknuts, earth tags, and HV terminations (Raychem, 3M). Hazardous-area Ex glands available with the relevant certificates.