The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 is an advanced digital soft start solution for 11–315 kW motors. The soft starters provide a complete
range of motor and system protection features and are designed for reliable performance in the most demanding installation
situations.
1.2 Document Version
This manual is regularly reviewed and updated. All suggestions for improvement are welcome.
Table 1: Document Version
EditionRemarks
AQ262141844215Model range extended. Parameter numbering changed.
1.3 Additional Resources
Other resources are available to understand advanced soft starter functions and programming.
•Operating guides for operation with optional equipment.
•Installation guides for installing various accessories.
•WinStart Design Tool to help with selecting the right soft starter for an application.
Supplementary publications and manuals are available from www.danfoss.com/en/search/?filter=type%3Adocumentation.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
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Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
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Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Safety
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Indicates a property damage message.
2.2 Qualified Personnel
Correct and reliable transport, storage, installation, operation, and maintenance are required for the trouble-free and safe operation of
the soft starter. Only qualified personnel are allowed to install or operate this equipment.
Qualified personnel are defined as trained staff, who are authorized to install, commission, and maintain equipment, systems, and
circuits in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations. Also, the qualifed personnel must be familiar with the instructions and
safety measures described in this manual.
2.3 Safety Precautions
Safety precautions cannot cover every potential cause of equipment damage, but can highlight common causes of damage. It is the
installer's responsibility to:
•Read and understand all instructions in this manual before installing, operating, or maintaining the equipment.
•Follow good electrical practice including applying appropriate personal protective equipment.
•Seek advice before operating this equipment in a manner other than described in this manual.
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The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 is not user serviceable. The unit should only be serviced by authorized service personnel.
Unauthorized tampering with the unit voids the product warranty.
It is the responsibility of the installer of the soft starter to provide proper grounding and branch circuit protection according to
local electrical safety codes. Not providing proper grounding and branch circuit protection may lead to death, personal injury,
or equipment damage.
Disconnect the soft starter from mains voltage before carrying out repair work.
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UNINTENDED START
When the soft starter is connected to AC mains, DC supply, or load sharing, the motor can start at any time. Unintended start
during programming, service, or repair work can result in death, serious injury or property damage. The motor can start with an
external switch, a fieldbus command, an input reference signal from the LCP, or after a cleared fault condition.
Press [Off/Reset] on the LCP before programming parameters.
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Disconnect the soft starter from the mains.
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Completely wire and assemble the soft starter, motor, and any driven equipment before connecting the soft starter to AC
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mains, DC supply, or load sharing.
Fit the power supply to the soft starter with an isolating switch and a circuit-breaking device (for example a power
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contactor) controllable through an external safety system (for example an emergency stop or a fault detector).
Safety
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POWER FACTOR CORRECTION
Connecting power factor correction capacitors to the output side will damage the soft starter.
Do not connect power factor correction capacitors to the output of the soft starter. If static power factor correction is
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employed, it must be connected to the supply side of the soft starter.
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SHORT CIRCUIT
The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 is not circuit proof.
After severe overload or short circuit, the operation of the MCD 600 should be fully tested by an authorized service agent.
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CA UT IO N
MECHANICAL DAMAGE FROM UNEXPECTED RESTART
The motor could restart after the causes of a shutdown are rectified, which may be dangerous for certain machines or
installations.
Ensure that appropriate arrangements are made against restarting after unscheduled stops of the motor.
The soft starter is not a safety device and does not provide electrical isolation or disconnection from the supply.
If isolation is required, the soft starter must be installed with a main contactor.
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Do not rely on the start and stop functions for safety of personnel. Faults occurring in the mains supply, the motor
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connection, or the electronics of the soft starter can cause motor starts or stops.
If faults occur in the electronics of the soft starter, a stopped motor may start. A temporary fault in the mains supply or loss
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of motor connection can also cause a stopped motor to start.
To provide safety of personnel and equipment, control the isolation device through an external safety system.
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Before changing any parameter settings, save the current parameter set to a file using MCD PC Software or the Save User
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Set function.
Safety
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Use the Auto-start feature with caution. Read all the notes related to auto-start before operation.
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Disclaimer
The examples and diagrams in this manual are included solely for illustrative purposes. The information contained in this manual is
subject to change at any time and without prior notice. Responsibility or liability is never accepted for direct, indirect, or consequential
damage resulting from the use or application of this equipment.
The size of the soft starter must match the motor and the application.
Select a soft starter that has a current rating at least equal to the motor's full load current rating (see motor nameplate) at the start
duty.
The soft starter's current rating determines the maximum motor size it can be used with. The soft starter's rating depends on the
number of starts per hour, the length and current level of the start, and the amount of time the soft starter is off (not passing current)
between starts.
The soft starter's current rating is only valid when used in the conditions specified in the AC53b code. The soft starter may have a
higher or lower current rating in different operating conditions.
3.4 Current Ratings (IEC Ratings)
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Contact the local supplier for ratings under operating conditions not covered by these rating charts.
Illustration 2: AC53b Format
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All ratings are calculated at an altitude of 1000 m (3280 ft) and an ambient temperature of 40 °C (104 °F).
Clearance between soft startersClearance to solid surfaces
A [mm (in)]B [mm (in)]C [mm (in)]D [mm (in)]
>100 (3.9)>10 (0.4)>100 (3.9)>10 (0.4)
3.7 Accessories
3.7.1 Expansion Cards
The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 offers expansion cards for users requiring additional inputs and outputs or advanced functionality. Each
MCD 600 can support a maximum of 1 expansion card.
3.7.1.1 Smart Card
The smart card has been designed to support integration with pumping applications and provides the following additional inputs and
outputs:
The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 supports network communication via easy-to-install communication expansion cards. Each
communication card includes a remote LCP 601 connector port.
Table 7: Fieldbus Expansion Cards with Ordering Numbers
The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 soft starters can be used with a remote LCP mounted up to 3 m (9.8 ft) away from the soft starter. Each
expansion card includes an LCP connection port, or a dedicated LCP connector card is available.
Ordering number for the Remote LCP 601 expansion card: 175G0134.
3.7.3 Finger Guard Kit
Finger guards may be specified for personal safety. Finger guards fit over the soft starter terminals to prevent accidental contact with
live terminals. Finger guards provide IP20 protection when used with cable of diameter 22 mm or greater.
Finger guards are compatible with models MCD6-0144B ~ MCD6-0579B.
Ordering number for the finger guard kit: 175G0186.
3.7.4 Soft Starter Management Software
The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 has an installed USB flash interface. The USB flash must be formatted to FAT32 format. To format the
flash, follow the instructions on a PC when connecting a standard flash stick (minimum 4 MB) to a USB port. VLT® Motion Control Tool
MCT 10 transfers the set-up files to the USB flash stick. To load the set-up files to the soft starter, use the LCP as described in 6.7.1 Save
and Load Procedure.
The VLT® Motion Control Tool MCT 10 can help manage the soft starter. Contact the local supplier for more information.
Documentation for the VLT® Motion Control Tool MCT 10 can be downloaded from www.danfoss.com/en/search/?filter=type%3Adocumentation.
3.8 Main Contactor
A main contactor is recommended to protect the soft starter from voltage disturbances on the network while stopped. Select a
contactor with an AC3 rating greater than or equal to the FLC rating of the connected motor.
Use the main contactor output (13, 14) to control the contactor.
For wiring of the main contactor, see illustration 12 in 5.8 Typical Installation.
System Design
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SHOCK HAZARD
When the soft starter is wired in inside delta configuration, it results in a portion of the motor windings being connected to line
power at all times (even when the soft starter is switched off). This situation may cause death or serious personal injury.
Always install a main contactor or shunt trip circuit breaker when connecting the soft starter in inside delta configuration.
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3.9 Circuit Breaker
A shunt trip circuit breaker may be used instead of a main contactor to isolate the motor circuit if a soft starter trips. The shunt trip
mechanism must be powered from the supply side of the circuit breaker or from a separate control supply.
3.10 Power Factor Correction
If power factor correction is used, use a dedicated contactor to switch in the capacitors.
To use the VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 to control power factor correction, connect the PFC contactor to a programmable relay set to
Run. When the motor reaches full speed, the relay closes and power factor correction is switched in.
1 Soft starter
3 Power factor correction contactor
Illustration 5: Connection Diagram
2 Programmable output (set=Run)
4 Power factor correction
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EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Connecting power factor correction capacitors to the output side damages the soft starter.
Always connect power factor correction capacitors to the input side of the soft starter.
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Do not use the soft starter relay output to switch in power factor correction directly.
When designing motor circuit protection schemes, the IEC 60947-4-1 standard on soft starters and contactors defines 2 types of
coordination regarding soft starters:
•Type 1 coordination.
•Type 2 coordination.
3.11.1 Type 1 Coordination
Type 1 coordination requires that, if there is a short circuit on the output side of a soft starter, the fault must be cleared without risk of
injury to personnel and damage to installations. There is no requirement that the soft starter must remain operational after the fault.
For the soft starter to become operational again, repair and replacement of parts are required.
HRC fuses (such as Ferraz/Mersen AJT fuses) can be used for Type 1 coordination according to the IEC 60947-4-2 standard.
3.11.2 Type 2 Coordination
Type 2 coordination requires that, if there is a short circuit on the output side of a soft starter, the fault must be cleared without risk of
injury to personnel or damage to the soft starter.
Type 2 coordination has the advantage that, after the fault is cleared, authorized personnel can replace the blown fuses and check
contactors for any welding. The soft starter is then operational again.
Semiconductor fuses for Type 2 circuit protection are extra to HRC fuses or MCCBs that form part of the motor branch circuit
protection.
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DC BRAKE
A high brake torque setting can result in peak currents up to motor DOL being drawn while the motor is stopping.
Ensure that protection fuses installed in the motor branch circuit are selected appropriately.
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CA UT IO N
NO BRANCH CIRCUIT PROTECTION
Integral solid-state short-circuit protection does not provide branch circuit protection.
Provide branch circuit protection in accordance with the National Electrical Code and any additional local codes.
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3.12 IEC Coordination with Short-circuit Protection Devices
These fuses were selected based on a start current of 300% FLC for 10 s.
Suitable for use in a circuit with the prospective current noted, when protected by any listed fuses or listed circuit breakers sized according to the NEC.
3.13.2 High Fault Short-circuit Current Ratings
Table 10: Maximum Fuse Rating [A] - High Fault Short-circuit Current
ModelNominal rating [A]Short cct rating @480 V AC maximum
Listed fuse rating [A]
(1)
Fuse class
MCD6-0020B2465 kA30Any (J, T, K-1, RK1, RK5)
(1)
MCD6-0034B4250
MCD6-0042B5260
MCD6-0063B6480
MCD6-0069B6980
MCD6-0086B105125J, T, K-1, RK1
MCD6-0108B115125
MCD6-0129B135150
MCD6-0144B184200J, T
MCD6-0171B200225
MCD6-0194B229250
MCD6-0244B250300
MCD6-0287352400Any (J, T, K-1, RK1, RK5)
MCD6-0323B397450
MCD6-0410B410450
MCD6-0527B550600
MCD6-0579B580600
1
Suitable for use on a circuit capable of delivering not more than 65000 rms symmetrical amperes, 480 V AC maximum, when protected by fuses of the stated class and rating.
Table 11: Circuit Breakers - High Fault Short-circuit Current
System Design
ModelNominal rating [A]
Breaker 1: Eaton (rating, A)
(1)
Breaker 2: GE (rating, A)
(1)
Breaker 3: LS (rating, A)
MCD6-0020B24HFD3030 (30 A)SELA36AT0060 (60 A)UTS150H-xxU-040 (40 A)
MCD6-0034B42HFD3050 (50 A)UTS150H-xxU-050 (50 A)
MCD6-0042B52HFD3060 (60 A)UTS150H-xxU-060 (60 A)
MCD6-0063B64HFD3100 (100 A)SELA36AT0150 (150 A)UTS150H-xxU-100 (100 A)
MCD6-0069B69
MCD6-0086B105HFD3125 (125 A)UTS150H-xxU-125 (125 A)
MCD6-0108B115
MCD6-0129B135HFD3150 (150 A)UTS150H-xxU-150 (150 A)
MCD6-0144B184HFD3250 (250 A)SELA36AT0250 (250 A)UTS150H-xxU-250 (250 A)
MCD6-0171B200
MCD6-0194B229
MCD6-0244B250HFD3300 (300 A)SELA36AT0400 (400 A)UTS150H-xxU-300 (300 A)
MCDF6-0287B352HFD3400 (400 A)SELA36AT0600 (600 A)UTS150H-xxU-400 (400 A)
MCD6-0323B397
MCD6-0410B410HFD3600 (600 A)UTS150H-xxU-600 (600 A)
MCD6-0527B550UTS150H-xxU-800 (800 A)
(1) (2)
MCD6-0579B580UTS150H-NG0-800
1
Suitable for use on a circuit capable of delivering not more than 65000 rms symmetrical amperes, 480 V AC maximum, when protected by circuit breaker models listed in this table.
2
For LS circuit breakers, xx represents FM, FT, or AT.
3.14 Fuse Selection for Type 2 Coordination
Type 2 coordination is achieved by using semiconductor fuses. These fuses must be able to carry motor start current and have a total
clearing I2t less than the I2t of the soft starter SCRs.
When selecting semiconductor fuses for VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600, use the I2t values in table 12.
For further information on selecting semiconductor fuses, contact the local distributor.
See 2.3 Safety Precautions for general safety instructions.
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INDUCED VOLTAGE
Induced voltage from output motor cables that run together can charge equipment capacitors, even with the equipment
turned off and locked out. Failure to run output motor cables separately or to use shielded cables could result in death or
serious injury.
Run output motor cables separately.
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Use shielded cables.
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UNINTENDED START
When the soft starter is connected to AC mains, DC supply, or load sharing, the motor can start at any time. Unintended start
during programming, service, or repair work can result in death, serious injury or property damage. The motor can start with an
external switch, a fieldbus command, an input reference signal from the LCP, or after a cleared fault condition.
Press [Off/Reset] on the LCP before programming parameters.
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Disconnect the soft starter from the mains.
-
Completely wire and assemble the soft starter, motor, and any driven equipment before connecting the soft starter to AC
-
mains, DC supply, or load sharing.
Fit the power supply to the soft starter with an isolating switch and a circuit-breaking device (for example a power
-
contactor) controllable through an external safety system (for example an emergency stop or a fault detector).
5.2 Command Source
Start and stop the soft starter via the digital inputs, remote LCP 601, communication network, smart card, or scheduled auto-start/stop.
Set up the command source via Set-up Tools or via parameter 1-1 Command Source.
If the remote LCP is installed, the [CMD/Menu] key provides shortcut access to the Command Source function in Set-up Tools.
DI-B, COM+ Programmable input B (default = Input trip (N/O))
RESET, COM+ Reset input
DI-A, COM+ Programmable input A (default = Input trip (N/O))
USB port (for flash, no direct PC connection)
Illustration 6: Input Terminals
5.4.2 Motor Thermistor
Motor thermistors can be connected directly to the VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600. The soft starter trips when the resistance of the
thermistor circuit exceeds approximately 3.6 kΩ or drops below 20 Ω.
The thermistors must be wired in series. The thermistor circuit should be run in shielded cable and must be electrically isolated from
ground and all other power and control circuits.
The thermistor input is disabled by default, but activates automatically when a thermistor is detected. If thermistors have
previously been connected to the MCD 600 but are no longer required, use the Thermistor Reset function to disable the
thermistor. Thermistor reset is accessed via Set-up Tools.
5.4.3 Start/Stop
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The VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 requires 2-wire control.
If the start input is closed when control voltage is applied, the soft starter attempts to start.
Check that the start/stop input is open before applying control voltage.
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Installation
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The MCD 600 only accepts command from the control inputs if parameter 1-1 Command Source is set to Digital Input.
5.4.4 Reset/Starter Disable
The reset input (RESET, COM+) is normally closed by default. The soft starter does not start if the reset input is open. The display then
shows Not ready.
If the reset opens while the soft starter is running, the soft starter removes power and allows the motor to coast to stop.
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The reset input can be configured for normally open or normally closed operation. Make the selection in parameter 7-9 Reset/
Enable Logic.
5.4.5 Programmable Inputs
The programmable inputs (DI-A, COM+ and DI-V, COM+) allow external equipment to control the soft starter. The operation of the
programmable inputs is controlled by parameters 7-1 to 7-8.
5.4.6 USB Port
The USB port can be used to upload a configuration file, or download parameter settings and event log information from the soft
starter. See 6.7 USB Save & Load for details.