Control System FAQs

All of T-T's control panels and systems undergo a rigorous inspection and test process in accordance with our ISO9001 QA procedures before they are shipped. This process involves over sixty key checks and full electrical testing under load conditions, after which the product is certified and test documentation stored; test result documentation is available to customers on request.

T-T's control systems can be operated with several different starting methods:

• Direct On-Line (DOL) - a relatively inexpensive starting method where the motor is connected directly to the power supply, designed for easy installation and use. They are suitable for use smaller motors or those with a large electrical supply available as it needs a higher starting current. High torque capability allows for quickly starting a motor.
• Star-Delta - an alternative to DOL, the motor is connected in a star configuration during the starting phase and then switched to a delta configuration once it has reached a certain speed; reducing the starting current by around a third compared to DOL. Star-Delta is ideal for larger motors but needs additional components in the control panel, so it is usually more expensive than DOL.
• Soft Starting - similar to Star-Delta in that it offers a reduction in starting current being drawn, but with the advantage of controlling the current restriction as it is done electronically via thyristors (for precise adjustment of the starting torque).
• Variable Speed Drive (VSD) - VSD provides full control of speed, torque and energy efficiendies, as well as optimising performance based on the application's current demand and transmitting a wide range of information from the motor to other peripheral devices. Variable Speed Drives can be costly to install as a capital cost.
• Auto-Transformer Starting - a method that uses an auto-transformer to reduce the starting current of electric motors and gradually increases the voltage during startup to prevent high currents and voltage dips. This method is ideal for large motors or when there are limitations on the electrical supply capacity. However, it may provide a lower starting torque compared to other starting methods.

Control panels are electrical devices that allow users to interact with and manage the operations of all kinds of machinery and processes, such as:
• Hand/off/auto selector switches to choose between different operating modes.
• Start/Stop buttons
• Reset button
• Interactive gauges for level control, conveyor speed, mixing processes, etc..

T-T Controls & Automation offers a range of control panels for different applications:

• Raincycle - a simple control solution for applications such as water harvesting, irrigation systems, outdoor taps (non-potable water), utilities (toilets, laundry and cleaning) and industrial processes.
• Libra Micro - a simple and effective control panel with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design that features an audible alarm and volt-free contact for remote alerts. The Libra Micro is compatible with liquid level controls such as T-T's FLO series of float switches, ideal for use in compact sump dewatering.
• Libra Midi - features a combination of PCB and compact control gear design, an intermediate motor control unit that is available in single and dual versions for use in pumping/conveyor systems, flood defenses and motor control.
• Libra Maxi - a versatile control system with a range of options to suit every application, from different starting methods to single and dual pump configurations and a multitude of system-protecting features such as a thermostatically controlled heater and motor protection fuses for optimal performance. The Libra Maxi is ideal for use in heating & ventilation and process machinery applications.
• PumpPal & PumpPal Pro - these control units are designed for operating sump and drainage pumps, with audible alarms, LED indication and volt-free contacts for remote monitoring.

Contact our team for expert selection advice call +44 (0)1630 647200; email response@ttpumps.com; or complete an enquiry form online.

T-T recommends that regular maintenance inspections are undertaken on the system to ensure that it continues operating within it's design parameters for reliable performance.  In addition to this, remote monitoring such as Seer,can provide continual 24/7  reviews of the pump station control panel and pump 'health', with its performance ensuring any anomalies are quickly identified and reported.

A PLC (Porgrammable Logic Controller) is a small comoputer that receives operating data and sends operating instructions for automating processes.

T-T Controls, Monitoring & Automation has vast experience in PLC system design, including Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) interfaces.

For more information on T-T's automation and bespoke manufacturing facilities, visit our Custom Controls, Automation & Monitoring page.