Low Voltage MCCs are used for low voltage three-phase alternating current motors from 230 V to less than 1000 V.

A low voltage motor control center (LV-MCC) is an assembly of one or more enclosed sections having a common power bus and principally containing motor control units. LV-MCCs have been used since 1950 by the automobile manufacturing industry which used large numbers of electric motors.

This configuration consists of one or more enclosed vertical compartmentalized sections bolted together and mounted on the floor. Each vertical section supports and houses one or more combination of control units and various related devices, including push buttons and selector switches. These units are mounted in an individual, isolated compartment having its own door and can be fixed or withdrawable.

An Intelligent MCC uses a smart, electronic protection device in lieu of a conventional thermal overload device, to accommodate for various protection functions, depending on configuration and software. However, each control unit uses devices that have embedded intelligence. Specifically, PLC, Soft Starters, circuit breakers, contactors and AC Drives that can provide information over an internal network which can further support communication networks to higher level systems in the operation. Most common network supported outside of the cabinet includes Profibus, ProfiNet, CCLink, Ethernet\IP, DeviceNet or Modbus). This communication link is often connected directly to the PLC mounted inside the cabinet. The PLC performs protection, communication, control and monitoring functions.

MCC are segmented by starter type, which includes the following segmentation:

Direct On Line

Motor starters referred to as Direct On Line are the simplest form of motor starters. They simply connect the motor directly to the line.

Soft Starter

Motor starters referred to as soft starters ramp the applied voltage up at the start and down at the stop

Variable Speed Drive (AC Drives)

AC Drives are the most advanced forms of motor starters. These systems allow for a full range of speed and acceleration control of the motor. Generally the AC Drive also provides more advanced diagnostics through a network connection.