Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Technical Articles / The basics of built-in motor protection for engineers beginners

Why is motor protection necessary?

In order to avoid unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs and subsequent losses due to motor downtime, it is important that the motor is fitted with some sort of protective device. This article will deal with built-in motor protection with thermal overload protection to avoid damage and breakdown of motor.

Basics of Built-in Motor Protection for Beginners
The basics of Built-in Motor Protection for Beginners (on photo: View of installed thermostat inside motor; credit: johndearmond.com)

The built-in protector always require an external circuit breaker while some built-in motor protection types even require an overload relay.


Internal protection / Built into the motor

Why have built-in motor protection, when the motor is already fitted with overload relays and fuses? Sometimes the overload relay does not register a motor overload.

Here are a couple examples of this:

  1. If the motor is covered and is slowly warmed up to a high damaging temperature.
  2. In general, high ambient temperature.
  3. If the external motor protection is set at a too high trip current or is installed in a wrong way.
  4. If a motor, within a short period of time, is restarted several times, the locked rotor current warms up the motor and eventually damages it.

The degree of protection that an internal protection device provides is classified in the IEC 60034-11 standard.


TP designation

TP is the abbreviation for thermal protection. Different types of thermal protection exist and are identified by a TP-code (TPxxx) which indicates:

  • The type of thermal overload for which the thermal protection is designed (1 digit)
  • The numbers of levels and type of action (2 digit)
  • The category of the built-in thermal protection (3 digit)

When it comes to pump motors, the most common TP designations are:

  • TP 111 – Protection against slow overload
  • TP 211 – protection against both rapid and slow overload.
Internal protection built into windings
Internal protection built into windings

Indication of the permissible temperature level when the motor is exposed to thermal overload. Category 2 allows higher temperatures than category 1 does.

Symbol
(TP)
Technical overload with variation
(1 digit)
Number of levels and function area (2 digits)Category
(3 digits)
TP 111Only slow (i.e. constant overload)1 level at cutoff1
TP 1122
TP 1212 levels at emergency signal and cutoff1
TP 1222
TP 211Slow and fast (i.e. constant overload and blocked condition)1 level at cutoff1
TP 2122
TP 2212 levels at emergency signal and cutoff1
TP 2222
TP 311Only fast (i.e. blocked condition)1 level at cutoff1
TP 3122

Information about which type of protection has been applied to a motor can be found on the nameplate using a TP (thermal protection) designation according to IEC 60034-11.

In general, internal protection can be implemented using two types of protectors:

  1. Thermal protectors or
  2. Thermistors.

Thermal protectors – built into the terminal box

Thermal protectors or thermostats use a snapaction, bi-metallic, disc type switch to open or to close the circuit when it reaches a certain temperature. Thermal protectors are also referred to as Klixons, (trade name from Texas Instruments).

When the bi-metal disc reaches a predetermined temperature, it opens or closes a set of contacts in an energized control circuit. Thermostats are available with contacts for normally open or normally closed operation, but the same device cannot be used for both.

Thermostats are precalibrated by the manufacturer and cannot be adjusted. The discs are hermetically sealed and are placed on the terminal board.

Top nameplate: TP 211 in a MG 3.0 kW motor equipped with PTC; Bottom nameplate: TP 111 in a Grundfos MMG 18.5 kW motor equipped with PTC.
Top nameplate: TP 211 in a MG 3.0 kW motor equipped with PTC; Bottom nameplate: TP 111 in a Grundfos MMG 18.5 kW motor equipped with PTC.

Motor thermal switch symbols
Motor thermal switch symbols

Symbols (left to right):

  1. Thermal switch without heater
  2. Thermal switch with heater
  3. Thermal switch without heater for three-phase motors (star-point protector)
A thermostat can either energize an alarm circuit, if normally open, or de-energize the motor contactor, if normally closed and in series with the contactor.

Since thermostats are located on the outer surface of the coil ends, they sense the temperature at that location. In connection with three-phase motors, thermostats are considered unstable protection against stall or other rapidly changing temperature conditions.

In single phase motors thermostats do protect against locked-rotor conditions.

Go back to Index ↑


Thermal switch – built into the windings

Thermal protectors can also be built into the windings, see the illustration below. They operate as a sensitive power cut-out for both single and three-phase motors. In single-phase motors, up to a given motor size around 1.1 kW it can be mounted directly in the main circuit to serve as an on-winding protector.

Thermal protection to be connected in series with the winding or to a control circuit in the motor
Thermal protection symbol

Thermal protection to be connected in series with the winding or to a control circuit in the motor.

Thermal protection built into the windings
Thermal protection built into the windings

Klixon and Thermik are examples of thermal switch These devices are also called PTO (Protection Thermique à Ouverture).


Current and temperature sensitive thermal switches
Current and temperature sensitive thermal switches: Top: Klixons; Bottom: Thermik – PTO

Internal fitting

In single-phase motors one single thermal switch is used. In three-phase motors 2 thermal switches connected in series are placed between the phases of the motor. In that way all three phases are in contact with a thermal switch.

Thermal switches can be retrofitted on the coil end, but the result is an increased reaction time. The switches have to be connected to an external monitoring system. In that way the motor is protected against a slow overload. The thermal switches do not require an amplifier relay.

Thermal switches CANNOT protect against locked- rotor conditions.

Go back to Index ↑


How does a thermal switch function?

The curve on your right-hand side shows the resistance as a function of the temperature for a typical thermal switch. Depending on the thermal switch manufacturer, the curve changes.

TN is typically around 150 – 160°C.

Resistance as a function of the temperature for a typical thermal switch
Resistance as a function of the temperature for a typical thermal switch

Go back to Index ↑


Connection

Connection of a three-phase motor with built-in thermal switch and overload relay.


TP designation for the diagram

Protection according to the IEC 60034-11 standard: TP 111 (slow overload). In order to handle a locked-rotor, the motor has to be fitted with an overload relay.

Automatic reclosing (left) and manual reclosing (right)
Automatic reclosing (left) and manual reclosing (right)

Where:

  • S1 – On/off switch
  • S2 – Off switch
  • K1 – Contactor
  • t – Thermal switch in motor
  • M – Motor
  • MV – Overload relay

Thermal switches can be loaded as followed:

Umax = 250 V AC
IN = 1.5 A

Imax = 5.0 A (cut-in and cut-out current)

Go back to Index ↑


Thermistors – also built into the windings

The second type of internal protection is the thermistors or Positive Temperature Coefficient sensors (PTC). The thermistors are built into the motor windings and protect the motor against locked-rotor conditions, continuous overload and high ambient temperature.

Thermal protection is then achieved by monitoring the temperature of the motor windings with PTC sensors. If the windings exceed the rated trip temperature, the sensor undergoes a rapid change in resistance relative to the change in temperature.

As a result of this change, the internal relays de-energize the control coil of the external line break contactor. As the motor cools and an acceptable motor winding temperature has been restored, the sensor resistance decreases to the reset level.

At this point, the module resets itself automatically, unless it was set up for manual reset. When the thermistors are retrofitted on the coil ends, the thermistors can only be classified as TP 111. The reason is that the thermistors do not have complete contact with the coil ends, and therefore, it cannot react as quickly as it would if they were fitted into the winding originally.

Thermistor / PTC
Thermistor / PTC

The thermistor temperature sensing system consists of positive temperature coefficient sensors (PTC) embedded in series of three – one between each phase – and a matched solid-state electronic switch in an enclosed control module. A set of sensors consists of three sensors, one per phase.

PTC protection built into windings
PTC protection built into windings

Only temperature sensitive. The thermistor has to be connected to a control circuit, which can convert the resistance signal, which again has to disconnect the motor. Used in three-phase motors.

The resistance in the sensor remains relatively low and constant over a wide temperature band and increases abruptly at a pre-determined temperature or trip point.

When this occurs, the sensor acts as a solid-state thermal switch and de-energizes a pilot relay.

The relay opens the machine’s control circuit to shut down the protected equipment. When the winding temperature returns to a safe value, the module permits manual reset.

Go back to Index ↑

Reference // Grundfos – Motor Book (Download here)

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, electrical engineering guides, research studies and much more! It helps you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
More Information
author-pic

Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

22 Comments


  1. Paul Morillo Donquis
    May 16, 2023

    Can the wiring between the ptc sensor and the electrical control cabinet have intermediate splices? Would that affect the signal between the sender and the receiver?


  2. Jesus Mayoral
    Jan 25, 2023

    Hello Edvard,
    I am modifying a pedal car for my son (5) to run with a 24 vdc biphasic geared motor. I already damaged 2 motors (both of them run only at 12 vdc, I guess one phase is gone. and I know now why :-). I thought I was protecting it by using a 10-amp fuse connected to the battery but realized I could not be more wrong after reading your article. I don’t think I can modify the motor I am using to internally add any protection, but can you specify an external protection I can get?

    Thanks,
    Jesus Mayoral
    P.D. The pedal car break pedaling back but I realized I can’t use the same system to break with the motor.


  3. Thomas Connolly
    Mar 11, 2021

    Wondering if I can swap out a two-lead thermal overload breaker for a three-wire one. This is on a table saw motor. Would it be legit to connect the two load wires (one for the motor and the other for the capacitor) and use a two-wire breaker?


  4. jhonny
    May 10, 2020

    Hello,

    My washing machine motor has a black box above the coil with a 1 white wire enters and leaves on the other side. Looks like Thermal cut out . the connector coming from the coil is burnt. What can i do to have the machine up and running during lockdown?


    • Mark Mitchell
      Jul 10, 2020

      Thermal Overloads are a control circuit interrupter. meaning power goes in and out, when temps get hot they open up and block power until it cools down. in the situation you’re describing, I would just jumper the 2 wires in the cabinet before it goes down to the motor and make sure nothing connected to the motor and wire leads are capped with wire nuts.


  5. Rajendra Bandekar
    Apr 23, 2020

    please let me know how we can select the value of thermistor PTC to fix if the re winder wound the machine without thermistor,i will be very much thankful to you. Mostly 11kw & 45 kw motor i need first if you have chart of the PTC for all machines it will be well and good.


  6. Umair Khali
    Jun 27, 2019

    Hi there,

    What if I have a shorted motor and i need to rewind. The datasheet shows that the motor protection is PTC type. However, since there are many different types of PTC based on rated resistance. So, do i need to put a specific rated resistance PTC or will any type of PTC thermistor will do (which implies that the relay will be able to function since there will be abrupt change in temperature regardless of the rated resistance. Or the relay needs to be re-programmed to specifications of the new rated PTC). I have an ABB motor and now i do not know which PTC should i buy. I have checked the resistance of the existing PTC and it shows 200 Ohms. However, in the local market the readily available is only 100 Ohms PTC.


  7. Glen Sullivan
    Sep 04, 2018

    Thanks for the article. Only question I have is – Can over temp protection be used as overload. Our Australian standards require overload protection – I always put thermal overloads. However I have some motors with builtin over temp. Is this ever good enough?


    • Edvard
      Sep 04, 2018

      Overload protection will protect the motor and the cable. Built-in over-temperature cannot protect the cable to the motor.


  8. Jerry Deckard
    Apr 14, 2018

    I stumbled into this article because I’m needing to replace a 1/4 hp blower motor that sits right under the fire box on a 50 year old fireplace insert. It is a TP motor and I was wondering if the TP was to protect the motor from the stove heat, but thanks to your info, I now know it’s to protect the motor from overheating and damaging the motor and possibly even causing a fire. I tried to get that motor rebuilt, but the electric shop told me that motor could not be rebuilt, drats! I’ll be lucky if the motor I replace it with will last that long. The old motor is still going, mostly because it has places you can oil it every few months during cold weather. If you have any recommendations for a replacement or extending the life of this motor, this old man would appreciate an email. Thanks for the article! JD


  9. John
    Mar 21, 2018

    Espace Heater, like this like this


  10. mohammad yassine
    Feb 15, 2018

    Hello Mr.adward , I am using a 3 phase motor WEG 200kw , it contain a built in winding temperature detector , thermistor (PTC) with Max. measuring voltage =2.5Vdc, 155 degree cel.
    my question are :
    1 / is this thermistor is cutting off at 155″C temperature ??
    2 / is this sensor is operated normal if connect for a 20 meter cable distance ??
    3 / is it necessary to connected it to a control circuit, which can convert the resistance signal, which again has to disconnect the motor ? or can connect directly to the contactor coil ??
    thank you


  11. Sea Blue
    Dec 04, 2017

    Thank, very helpfull artical


  12. Najam Iqbal
    Feb 06, 2017

    Hello there,

    I am looking for thermistor (winding sensor) for 19XR carrier compressor. Does anyone know part number for it or suggest any generic brand that I can use.

    Thank you so much for your help


  13. Raj
    Dec 21, 2015

    I am a bit confused. I am under the impression that a thermistor employs a resistor as the sensing element. Very similar to an RTD. What is the sensing element in a thermal protector? Would it be the difference in metals, per the bi-metal disc? This would be much like a thermocouple, but when I look at a Thermik spec sheet on a thermal protector, I do not see where the type of thermocouple is listed (K,N,T)? If we are talking about the sensing element only, would it be acceptable that a thermal protector employs a resistor as the sensing element, much like a thermistor or RTD?


  14. Sanjay
    May 21, 2015

    Mr. Edvard, very nice article. I want to make a ppoint

    We can use 2 PTC one for alarm & other for trip. PTC 110 can be for alarm & PTC130 for trip in same motor can be fitted & both purpose can be achieved.


  15. Sanjay
    May 21, 2015

    For 3 phase machines if we use 2 different PTC then both alarm & trip can be achieved. In single motor we can emplyPTC110 for alarm & PTC130 for Trip for class F insulated motor. Hence both protections can be achieved.


  16. Joe
    May 20, 2015

    Nice topic


  17. R.Shanmugasundaram
    May 16, 2015

    Dear Edward

    I am a regular reader of your articles. Thanks for your postings. This article is really informative


  18. pakt
    May 16, 2015

    Good lucky for you…..thanks


  19. dhaval
    May 15, 2015

    nice one


  20. vipul kapuria
    May 15, 2015

    Hello Mr.adward I m vipul an electrical engineer & a self employed in the field of motor winding since last 13 years. I would like to know how can we set winding data for different types of motors for both 1 ph -3 ph. I am also interested to know how different types of servomotor works.

Leave a Reply to Edvard

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

  ×  eight  =  24

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge