Type 1 vs. Type 2 Coordination for MCC Motor Starters

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Coordination for MCC Motor Starters

Quick Answer: Type 1 and Type 2 coordination describe different post-short-circuit conditions for a motor-starter combination. The specified breaker or fuse, contactor, overload relay, and motor circuit must be verified as a tested combination at the stated voltage and fault level.

This guide is for electrical engineers, EPC teams, panel builders, asset owners, and procurement teams specifying low-voltage switchgear. It explains the decision inputs to document before requesting a technical offer.

AI Snapshot

• Type 1 and Type 2 coordination describe different post-short-circuit conditions for a motor-starter combination. The specified breaker or fuse, contactor, overload relay, and motor circuit must be verified as a tested combination at the stated voltage and fault level.
• Typical applications include motor control centers for pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, and process loads.
• Key decisions include motor full-load current and starting method are known, prospective fault current at the mcc is calculated, all combination components match the published table.
• Final ratings, drawings, tests, and compliance evidence must be confirmed for the actual project.

Where Type 1 vs. Type 2 Coordination for MCC Motor Starters Fits

Coordination type is tied to a defined combination, voltage, and short-circuit test level. Ask for the manufacturer's coordination table or evidence for the exact component references. Do not infer Type 2 performance from a breaker and contactor selected independently.

Review the Low-Voltage Switchgear product category together with Circuit Breakers. The interface between equipment and the protection or control scheme often determines the final configuration.

Configuration Options

State the intended duty and the available alternatives in the RFQ rather than asking the supplier to infer the application:

• manufacturer-tested Type 1 combination
• manufacturer-tested Type 2 combination
• short-circuit protective device matched to the starter
• spare or bypass arrangement only where engineered

Selection Checklist

• Motor full-load current and starting method are known
• Prospective fault current at the MCC is calculated
• All combination components match the published table
• Replacement parts preserve the tested combination

Engineering Decision Table

Application and Interface Notes

Confirm upstream source data, connected loads, fault level, grounding, protection, metering, cable terminations, auxiliary power, communications, and physical access. Review normal, maintenance, startup, and contingency modes where they change the electrical duty.

Environmental inputs should include ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, dust, corrosion, indoor or outdoor location, and ventilation. Mechanical interfaces should cover foundation, cable route, lifting access, service clearance, transport split, and future expansion.

Common Specification Mistakes

• Mixing breaker, contactor, and overload relay references from different coordination tables
• Using a coordination designation without stating the prospective fault current

RFQ Information to Send

Include the following with the single-line diagram, equipment schedule, and relevant study data. Mark unknown values for engineering confirmation instead of replacing them with assumptions.

• motor power, voltage, and starting duty
• prospective fault current at the MCC
• required coordination type
• exact breaker/fuse, contactor, and overload references
• test evidence and spare-part policy

Standards, Tests, and Evidence

Check the current IEC 60947-4-1 requirements and the manufacturer's tested coordination tables. The precise definition and test conditions must be taken from the contract edition. See the official IEC 60947-4-1 reference. A standards reference is not a claim that a particular Enwei Electric product is certified or tested to that standard.

Ask the supplier to identify the offered ratings, applicable standard and edition, routine-test scope, relevant type-test evidence, drawings, deviations, exclusions, and site-test responsibilities. Do not assume one report covers every rating or configuration.

Related Enwei Electric Products

• Low-Voltage Switchgear
• Circuit Breakers
• Send the project data and request a technical quotation

Related Reading

• Read the related engineering guide
• Review a connected product application

Entity Signals

• Motor Control Center
• Type 1 Coordination
• Type 2 Coordination
• Motor Starter
• Low-Voltage Switchgear
• Enwei Electric

FAQ

Does Type 2 mean the starter is indestructible?

No. It defines a performance outcome under a specified test and combination, not immunity from every fault or maintenance issue.

Can I replace only the contactor with another model?

Only if the replacement is approved for the same tested combination and rating. Confirm with the manufacturer before substitution.

Is Type 1 always less safe?

The coordination type addresses serviceability after a defined short-circuit test. Application safety also depends on enclosure, protection, installation, and operating procedures.

Conclusion

Specify Type 1 vs Type 2 coordination motor starter around the actual system duty, interfaces, and acceptance evidence. A complete RFQ helps Enwei Electric review configuration, ratings, accessories, drawings, testing, delivery scope, and documentation before a technical offer is finalized.

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