Melink Corporation (513) 965-7300 www.melinkcorp.com
All wiring must comply with the National Electric Code (NEC
and local code requirements.
Install Electronic Motor Starter
For new construction, the Intelli-Hood includes an Electronic Motor Starter (also referred to as
Variable Frequency Drive or VFD) for each kitchen exhaust and make-up air fan. This type of
starter is for use with 3-phase motors only. It not only turns the fans on and off, but also
varies the speed of the motors by varying the output frequency and voltage. Therefore, you do
not need a conventional magnetic motor starter with our system. Caution: If you have a
tempered make-up air unit, then the control circuit for the heating system must be fed by a
separate power source and NOT from the Electronic Motor Starter! The output of the Electronic
Motor Starter must be wired to the motor ONLY and NOT to a transformer or any part of a control
circuit!
If there is a make-up air unit, then the Electronic Motor Starter for this unit must be interlocked
with the fire suppression micro-switch so that this fan turns off in the event of a fire. This is
accomplished by connecting a low-voltage cable between designated terminals on the Electronic
Motor Starter (01 and 04 for Allen-Bradley) and the Normally Closed (NC) terminals on the micro-
switch. Caution: With variable frequency drives, there must be a separate conduit run for the
output of each VFD (inputs may be run together if desired). If this is not done, there is a strong
probability of problems due to line interference and inaccurate motor control.
For retrofits, the only difference between new construction and retrofits is that on retrofits you
will already have conventional magnetic motor starters installed. In most cases, it is
recommended that you install the Electronic Motor Starters on the output side of the existing
starters. This will enable the cooks/chefs to use the existing hood fan (and light) switch and not
have to change their habits. This will also allow you to keep the existing circuit intact between
the magnetic starter for the make-up air unit and the fire suppression system micro-switch.
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A Verify Electronic Motor Starter Wiring
MELINK
Intelli-Hood Controls
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