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Motor Control Centers (MCC) (Engineering) - Basics

21 – 25 Apr. 2025Abu Dhabi13 – 17 Oct. 2025Dubai24 – 28 Nov. 2025Abu Dhabi


Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Introduction to Motor Control Centers (MCCs)

  • Understand the purpose and function of MCCs in electrical systems.
  • Learn about the types of MCCs:
    • Conventional MCC (Electromechanical)
    • Intelligent MCC (IMCC) with networking capabilities
    • Draw-out vs. Fixed-type MCCs
  • Recognize MCC applications in industries (oil & gas, manufacturing, water treatment, power plants).

2. MCC Components and Their Functions

  • Identify and describe key MCC components, including:
    • Main busbars and power distribution units
    • Motor starters (DOL, Star-Delta, Soft Starters, Auto-transformers)
    • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and their role in MCCs
    • Circuit breakers, fuses, and overload relays
    • PLC and HMI integration for Intelligent MCCs
    • Control wiring, interlocks, and communication networks

3. MCC Design and Configuration

  • Learn about MCC panel layouts and enclosure types.
  • Understand motor grouping strategies for efficiency.
  • Apply busbar sizing and rating considerations based on load requirements.
  • Consider fault levels and short-circuit withstand ratings.

4. Power Distribution and Protection in MCCs

  • Learn about MCC feeder and motor branch circuit protection.
  • Understand overload protection, phase failure protection, and earth fault protection.
  • Implement selective coordination to prevent cascading failures.
  • Design MCCs to withstand arc faults and transient voltage disturbances.

5. Control Systems and Automation in MCCs

  • Understand the role of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in MCCs.
  • Learn about Industrial Communication Protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, DeviceNet).
  • Integrate Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) for monitoring and control.
  • Implement energy monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions in MCCs.

6. MCC Selection, Specification, and Compliance

  • Select the appropriate MCC based on voltage, load type, and environment.
  • Ensure compliance with IEEE, IEC, NEC, UL 508A, NEMA, and NFPA standards.
  • Apply IP (Ingress Protection) and NEMA enclosure classifications.
  • Address hazardous area classification (ATEX, IECEx) for MCC installations.

7. Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of MCCs

  • Understand MCC installation best practices and alignment procedures.
  • Perform pre-commissioning checks and insulation resistance testing.
  • Conduct voltage drop analysis and load testing.
  • Verify correct wiring and interlocking mechanisms.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

  • Analyze real-world MCC design and engineering projects.
  • Participate in load calculation exercises for MCC design.
  • Develop an optimized MCC layout for a given industrial scenario.

 

Target Audience

  • Electrical and control engineers
  • MCC designers and project engineers
  • Industrial automation professionals
  • Plant maintenance and reliability engineers
  • Facility and electrical system managers