Motor Control Trainers
For most of 2025, while I have been employed as the Industrial Systems Student Worker, I have been constructing our programs Motor Control Trainers. They were designed by my instructors and I was tasked with bringing them to life.
Overview
This is one of our motor control trainers in use! In total there are 16 trainers and each have industry standard parts such as NEMA Motor starters, IEC contacts, different drives and motors.
Control Panels
I built every control panel on the trainers. I started by marking where to drill the holes using a center punch. I then drilled two different sized pilot holes before using a hydraulic knock out punch to achieve the final hole. After, I installed lights, maintain switches, an emergency stop button, pushbuttons and both normally open and normally closed contacts.
NEMA & IEC Motor Starter
I also assembled and mounted both the NEMA motor starter and the IEC contacts that we use as motor starters. On the NEMA motor starters, I attached the overloads and extra auxiliary contacts. For the IEC motor starters, I attached the overloads and mechanical interlocks for the forward and reversing starters.
Potentiometer & Drive
Not only did I wire and mount the drives on the trainers, I also assisted in machining the mounts for the potentiometer. The next step before the drive and potentiometer are able to be utilized by students, is to make them touch safe by adding a piece of plexiglass to the front.
Relays, Timers, Drives, Oh My!
These are some of the other pieces on our trainers. I mounted all of the wire ducts, DIN rail, terminals and different individual components. I also constructed a set up using different electrical boxes that can be used to practice installing outlets, light switches and lamps.
Conclusion
I am very proud with how the motor control trainers have turned out. A lot hard work has gone into them, from myself and my instructors. I would love to talk in depth with you about the process and what I learned!
Call
254-383-0766