Abstract:
A three-phase motor has three phase windings connected in a wye configuration for starting. Contactors are progressively and in timed sequence actuated to connect the wye windings into a delta configuration by varying the winding connection with at least one winding energized at all times. A circuit provides timed switching by selectively opening and then closing related contacts to selectively disconnect and connect one or more windings according to a preselected sequence to the powerlines. The timed switching minimizes current transients and establishes a smooth transition. The control circuit includes an incomplete sequence current-sensing element to disconnect the control circuit and thereby the phase windings in response to a selected excessive or extended intermediate sequence operation.