MATelec HydroSTART FPC-82143-S5.5 Mild Steel 3PH 5.5kW Soft Starter Pump Controller

Governing three-phase water transfer networks, the MATelec Australia HydroSTART FPC-82143-S5.5 utilises an integrated 5.5kW soft-starter. Housed in an IP56 powder-coated mild steel enclosure with a secure inner door, the system provides high durability in demanding outdoor or indoor installations. This soft-start model incorporates a soft starter rated at 5.5kW with adjustable acceleration and deceleration settings to gently ramp motor speeds, reducing pipeline water hammer.

The board operates in level empty control mode using float switches, or pressure boost mode via pressure switches. The standard terminal setup connects low level, duty stop, duty start, high level, and system enable inputs.

External bimetallic thermal overloads protect the pump motors by cutting power in the event of high current draw. This bimetallic relay is set according to the pump's full load current rating. An anti-seize timer runs idle motors for five seconds every seven days to prevent mechanical locking.

The enclosure has a removable gland plate to simplify cable entry and a padlockable mains power isolator for lock-out safety. Prior to installation or servicing, all supply circuits must be isolated to prevent electrical hazards or personal harm. All electrical connections must be carried out by a suitably qualified and registered electrician in accordance with relevant electrical standards.

• An onboard power supply converter that steps down supply voltage to 12Vdc low-voltage power to protect internal switch input lines.
• A capacitive keypad interface on the inner panel with dedicated LED status indicator lights for levels, running pumps, and system faults.
• An audible alarm buzzer that silences itself after five minutes of sounding, transitioning to a brief two-second chirp every five minutes.
• Direct serial RS485 terminal connections on the control board supporting Modbus RTU communication protocol for SCADA networks.
• A keypad manual mode configuration that can be set with a five-minute timeout to automatically return the pump to automatic control.
• High-level alarm selectable for a fifteen-minute delay with automatic reset, or a one-minute sewage delay with manual reset.