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3 Sequence Control

Module 3 – Sequence Control

Learning After finishing this module, you are expected to:
Objectives 1. State the purpose for starting motors in a predetermined
sequence.
2. Read and interpret sequence control schematics.
3. Convert a sequence control schematic into a wiring diagram.
4. Connect a sequence control circuit.
Topics 1.0. Overview
1.1. Example of Sequence control circuits
1.2. Do-It-Your Self
Industrial Electricity & Motor Control, Rex Miller & Mark Miller, C 2013
Industrial Motor Control, 6th Edition, Stephen L. Herman, C 2010

Warm Up
Give three things that you expect you will learn in this module.
1. _________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________
_____________

Pre-Test: Explain the circuit operation of the control circuit shown.

Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 1

Associate Professor V
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3 Sequence Control

1.0 Overview
Sequence control forces motors to start or stop in a predetermined order.
One motor cannot start until some other motor is in operation. Sequence control is
used by such machines as hydraulic presses that must have a high pressure pump
operating before it can be used, or by some air conditioning systems that require
that the blower be in operation before the compressor starts. There are several
methods by which sequence control can be achieved.

EXAMPLE #1:

One design that will meet the requirements for circuit operation is shown in
Figure - 1. In this circuit, push button #1 must be pressed before power can be
provided to push button #2. When motor starter #1 energizes, the normally open
auxiliary contact 1M closes, providing power to coil 1M and to push button #2. Motor
starter #2 can now be started by pressing push button #2. Once motor starter #2 is
energized, auxiliary contact 2M closes, providing power to coil 2M and push button
#3. If the stop button should be pressed or if any overload contact opens, power will
be interrupted to all starters.

Figure – 1: Example of Sequence control circuits and Power Circuits

Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 2

Associate Professor V
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3 Sequence Control

EXAMPLE #2:

A second method of providing sequence control circuit operation is shown

in Figure –2. Since the motor connections are the same as the previous circuit, only
the control part of the schematic is shown. In this circuit, normally open auxiliary
contacts located on motor starters 1M and 2M are used to ensure that the three
motors start in the proper sequence. A normally open 1M auxiliary contact
connected in series with starter coil 2M prevents motor #2 from starting before
motor #1, and a normally open 2M auxiliary contact connected in series with coil
3M prevents motor #3 from starting before motor #2. If the stop button should be
pressed or if any overload contact should open, power will be interrupted to all
starters.

Figure – 2

Other method to start a group of motors are:

1. Automatic Sequence Control

Circuits that permit the automatic starting of motors in sequence are common.
There are a number of methods that can be employed to determine when the next
motor should start.
 Some circuits sense motor current. When the current of a motor drops
to a predetermined level, it will permit the next motor to start.
 Other circuits sense the speed of one motor before permitting the next
one to start.
 One of the most common methods is time delay.
Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 3
Associate Professor V
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3 Sequence Control

EXAMPLE #3:

The circuit shown in Figure – 3 will permit three motors to start in sequence.
Motor #1 will start immediately when the start button is pressed.

CIRCUIT OPERATION:

Press push button 1, motor #2 will start five seconds after motor #1 starts, and
motor #3 will start five seconds after motor #2 starts. Timer coil TR1 is connected in
parallel with 1M starter coil. Since they are connected in parallel, they will energize at
the same time. After a delay of 5 seconds, TR1 contact will close and energize coils 2M
and TR2. Motor #2 will start immediately, but timed contact TR2 will delay closing for 5
seconds. After the delay period, starter coil 3M will energize and start motor #3. When
the STOP button is pushed, all motors will stop at virtually the same time.

2. Stopping the Motors in Sequence

Some circuit requirements may demand that the motors turn off in sequence
instead of turning on in sequence. This circuit will require the use of off-delay timers.
Also, a control relay with four contacts will be needed.

Figure – 3

EXAMPLE #4:

The circuit shown in Figure – 4 will permit the motors to start in sequence
from one to three when the START button is pressed. Although they start in
sequence, the action will be so fast that it will appear they all start at approximately
the same time. When the STOP button is pressed, however, they will stop in
sequence from three to one with a time delay of 5 seconds between each motor.

Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 4

Associate Professor V
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3 Sequence Control

Motor #3 will stop immediately. Five seconds later motor #2 will stop, and
five seconds after motor #2 stops, motor #1 will stop. An overload on any motor
will stop all motors immediately.

Figure – 4

Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 5

Associate Professor V
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3 Sequence Control

Do – It – Yourself #1
TASKSHEET No. 1

Name: _____________________________ Course/Year/Section: __________________

Instructor: __________________________ Rating: ______________________________

1. What is the purpose of sequence control?

2. Refer to the schematic diagram in Figure – 5. Assume that the 1M contact located
between wire numbers 29 and 30 had been connected normally closed instead of
normally open. How would this circuit operate?

3. Assume that all three motors shown in Figure – 5 are running. Now assume that
the stop button is pressed and motors #1 and #2 stop running, but motor #3
continues to operate. Which of the following could cause this problem? Explain.

a. Stop button is shorted.

b. 2M contact between wire numbers 31 and 32
is hung closed.
c. The 3M load contacts are welded shut.
d. The normally open 3M contact between wire
numbers 23 and 31 is hung closed.

4. Referring to Figure – 5, assume that the normally open 2M contact located

between wire numbers 23 and 29 is welded closed. Also assume that none of the
motors are running. What would happen if:
a. The number 2 push button were pressed before the number 1 push-
button?
b. The number 1 push button were pressed first?

5. In the control circuit shown in Figure –2, if an overload occurs on any motor, all
three motors will stop running. Using a separate sheet of paper, redesign the circuit
so that the motors must still start in sequence from 1 to 3, but an overload on any
motor will stop only that motor. If an overload should occur on motor #1, for
example, motors #2 and #3 would continue to operate.

Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 6

Associate Professor V
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3 Sequence Control

Figure – 5 Control circuit for problem 2 to 5.

6. Draw the ladder diagram of three (3) motors with an interval of 10 seconds when
PB1 is pressed, motor 1 will start first after 10 seconds, motor 1 stop and motor 2
will run, after 10 seconds, motor 2 will stop and motor 3 will run, then after 10
seconds, motor 3 will stop and motor 1 will run. The operation will continue, unless
PB2 is pressed, motors will stop from running.

Engr. Eddie L. Cabaltera 7

Associate Professor V