The Siren Board

Hi all, what's a good 3ph aftermarket switch to use to start a 10 hp motor? what do you all use? Holler? thanks in advance...

If you're just bumping the motor once in a blue moon with minimal operation, or reguard for motor/personal/property safety isn't desired, a 10 hp 3 pole definite purpose contactor with a light switch to engage the coil will suffice. Bare bones no enclosure they run about $70. Although cheaper can probably be found with 5 minutes of googling!

A pump panel would be a good investment for regular use. My local electric supply has Size 2 240v panels for about $550. Its a Nema 3R enclosure that has a fused disconnect, starter with overload assembly, hand-off-auto/start button, and sufficient space in the box to mount relays and whatnot.

I've got a Federal 3 phase contactor/breaker out of a scrapped SD-10, from San Jose. It was activated by landline.

Kinda depends how frequent you want to use it and if you want any sort of more complex control. If I were doing a temporary test or similar I'd likely just use a 3 pole fused disconnect. You'd need a 60a for that size motor assuming 240v.

Thanks all for the input, I kind of wanted to plan on running my sd10 for new years eve this year which would render me having to rent a decent size generator for the occasion. I also have a 3ph 2t22 in pieces that I would need a starter for also. I would run the sd10 about 3 min max with maybe 2 attack cycles. Would the 3 pole contactor be up to snuff? I think the pump panel would be more suitable but a little pricey. Hacksaw's 3 phase contactor sounds tempting, best bang for the dollar, could probably make the relay work somehow...

Hacksaw wrote:I've got a Federal 3 phase contactor/breaker out of a scrapped SD-10, from San Jose. It was activated by landline.

Hey Hacksaw,you interested in parting with that? pm sent...

Yes, I'll part with it. Where's the PM?

Hacksaw wrote:Yes, I'll part with it. Where's the PM?

You never received??? ugh I'll try again...

Hacksaw wrote:Yes, I'll part with it. Where's the PM?

Be sure to check your private message inbox at the top of this page... Jeff