Troubleshooting Marine Switchgears and Controls

This publication examines the basic elements and controls that are incorporated into motor starter circuitry. It describes circuit measurement, electrical fault-finding techniques and the equipment used by marine engineers. It also looks at motor starter applications, types of marine motors and troubleshooting techniques. The text is extensively illustrated with component and circuit diagrams.

This publication should be used to enhance and supplement your knowledge and skills. It will provide familiarisation with a variety of electrical appliances that are part of, or associated with, marine starter safety and control circuits.

Interactive circuit simulations are available in the eBook version of this publication.

Ships have become increasingly automated, which has highlighted the inadequacies of existing education and training. Problems encountered with the application of automated systems, and the failures of automation and associated processor-based motor starters, are factors that will undoubtedly contribute to future marine accidents.

It is essential that marine engineers and ETOs have a good understanding of automated systems to maintain them in an efficient and safe operational condition.

This training package should be used to enhance and supplement your knowledge and skills. It will provide familiarisation with a variety of electrical appliances that are part of, or associated with, modern marine starter safety and control circuits.

This training package is appropriate for:

• Management level marine engineers
• operational level marine engineers
• electricians with a lack of experience
• engineering cadets
• electrical engineering cadets
• anyone who is starting to work with switchgear starters.

1. Basics of Marine Switchgear Starters
1.1 Basic Elements
1.2 Basic Circuits

2. Basic Measurements
2.1 Measuring a Circuit’s Potential Difference Using a Voltage Tester
2.2 Measuring a Circuit’s Potential Difference Using a Digital Multimeter
2.3 Measuring a Circuit’s Integrity Using a Digital Multimeter
2.4 Induction Motor Basics
2.5 Checking Stator Winding

3. Direct On Line (DOL) Motor Starters
3.1 Induction Motor Starting Characteristics
3.2 DOL Operating Principles
3.3 DOL Starter Operation Basics
3.4 Troubleshooting Techniques for DOL Starter Power and Control Circuits
3.5 DOL Starter Reversing
3.6 Protection and Monitoring Relays
3.7 DOL Starter Simulator with Incorporated Protection and Monitoring Relays

4. Star-Delta (Wye-Delta) Motor Starters
4.1 Starting Characteristics
4.2 Operating Principles
4.3 Star-Delta Starter Principles
4.4 Fault Finding Techniques
4.5 Star-Delta Starter Application
4.6 Star-Delta Reversing Starter
4.7 Motor Starters Troubleshooting Chart

Witherby Publishing Group

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.

Alexandr Yakimchuk

Alexandr Yakimchuk has over 30 years’ experience in marine automation. He graduated from State Maritime Academy in 1987 and has a Master’s degree in Marine Automation and Electrical Installations Engineering. He gained sea experience on board cruise liners, rising to the position of Chief Electrical Engineer.

In 1997, Alexandr moved to a German ship management company with a fleet of over 40 container and heavy lift vessels. He became superintendent for automation in 2000 and undertakes inspections, repairs, and regular and emergency online troubleshooting tasks for the company managed fleet.

Alexandr is also a part-time interactive training developer and a trainer for Marlow Navigation – he has personally trained over 2,500 marine engineers. He has extensive experience in 2D and 3D CG and modelling, as well as circuit simulation skills. Alexandr works with a few training centres in Odessa and also manages emergency troubleshooting cases for various German shipowners. He has worked with Witherby Publishing Group since 2010 as an author and marine automation consultant.