Key Project Steps

At the outset of every project, Benshaw provides an overview of the key steps in our process. As a project unfolds, we also provide regular updates to help your team monitor progress and allocate internal resources. During the specification phase of a project, we:

1. Review Your Application

We begin with discussions designed to help us understand your specific application and expectations. These discussions include environmental conditions, electricity supply, motor and load in the context of your intended application.

2. Conduct a Thorough Needs Analysis

We then guide you through a detailed needs analysis to identify and address project requirements. We know that one size doesn’t fit all, so we work hard to ensure that you get the best motor control solution for your unique situation. Our medium voltage soft start specialists use advanced, proprietary tools to specify the ideal Benshaw medium voltage solution for your application. We provide a detailed technical datasheet including calculations for motor starting, heat dissipation, supply capacity, transformer and cable voltage drops, and selection of fuses and power factor correction.

3. Develop a Proposed Solution

The ideal solution is the one that best matches your application, safety, operational efficiency and capital cost requirements. We match a starter to your motor to ensure it is capable of a lifetime of service. We also won’t specify product beyond what you need so you don’t waste budget.

4. Document the Project

When we complete the specification process, you will receive:

• A detailed technical datasheet
• An itemized list of products included in your quote
• Relevant Benshaw product information bulletins
• Electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• A list of additional options you may want to consider
• Suggested spare parts kits (if required)
• Contract terms and conditions
• Site preparation guidance
• Clear pricing information

Benshaw contracts provide a plain language description of project terms and conditions. We begin with a standard template, but can often modify product and service delivery to meet the requirements of both parties. Freight is typically arranged with your preferred freight forwarder, but we can also assist with recommendations for alternative (ground, marine or air freight) options, as needed.

Design

When you work with Benshaw you work directly with our experienced application engineers, as well as others involved in our design, manufacturing and assembly processes. As a team, we carefully consider end user (operator) requirements, environmental conditions, installation parameters and potential commissioning issues in advance to ensure the smoothest possible process start to finish. We also understand the importance of human/machine interaction and design our motor control solutions to provide features such as withdrawable phase arms or cassettes, intuitive displays and shared menu structures between products, reducing learning curves and improving operational efficiency.

Fabrication

Benshaw draws on the experience gained through hundreds of successfully completed motor control projects around the world, offering a depth of knowledge that greatly benefits the design and fabrications processes for your custom control solution, both from an applications standpoint and in terms of meeting local market compliance requirements.

Procurement

Our global procurement process leverages Benshaw’s buying power and established relationships with leading component manufacturers around the world, ensuring that your project is assembled from the right components — at the right price — for maximum value.

Communication

Our sales team provides regular updates during all phases of a project, including photos of your equipment as it passes through each stage of production. We’ll keep you informed of important dates along the way, and welcome any questions you may have.

Acceptance Tests

Acceptance testing is available at all of our manufacturing facilities. As part of your visit, Benshaw will host your team and make arrangements to share the unique cultures and amenities of each facility’s location.

Site Survey

As part of our commissioning process, Benshaw will provide guidance to ensure that space/clearance requirements are clearly communicated. Our sales engineers can arrange a visit to your site, as needed, to complete a site survey. In addition to space considerations, this survey may include recommendations involving personnel safety and critical equipment security.

Commissioning

On-site commissioning support is available to help your first start go as smoothly as possible. If requested, one or more members of the Benshaw engineering team can direct the commissioning process, allowing your team to focus on what they do best. Our engineers have the experience to identify and address potential application and motor starting issues before they occur, ensuring a successful commissioning process. This service is typically included as part of the original supply contract, but can also be quoted separately. Key steps in Benshaw’s commissioning process include:

• Inspection of site to ensure that installers have set up motor starting equipment correctly
• Inspection of equipment to ensure that cabling is sufficient in capacity and insulation resistance
• Inspection of motor starter inputs and outputs
• Low voltage simulation testing (where appropriate/applicable)
• Guidance provided to equipment operators (as needed)
• Delivery of a written commissioning report (including original parameter settings). Benshaw can retain a copy of this report for your future reference, if requested.
• Training for both maintenance and operator staff
• Other services as required/requested

Please note: Benshaw requires commissioning appointments to be agreed upon in advance (typically at contract signing). Customers should make sure that all required equipment is installed and that supply voltage is ready to avoid delays in commissioning.

Documentation/Training

Benshaw provides comprehensive documentation for all completed motor control projects. We also provide extensive training opportunities to share our knowledge with your team and any associated contractors, as needed. Training is typically provided at Benshaw, but can also be provided on-site with the support of our Online Training Center. Topics include:

• Motor start theory
• Benshaw product proficiency
• Control operation and programming
• Networking and communications
• Repairs and maintenance
• Fault-finding

Technical Support/Troubleshooting

Benshaw’s Technical Support Center is staffed 24/7/365 to assist with any technical questions you may have. Support inquiries, whether requested through our Technical Support Hotline, by email or through our online ticketing system, are routed to qualified engineers with extensive experience. Our support team has access to a myriad of diagnostic tools to help them understand the conditions of any indicated fault. Field Service can also be arranged, as needed, to help troubleshoot and repair complex issues or faults that cannot be resolved remotely.

Service Contracts/Retrofits

Benshaw offers cradle-to-grave support options for your motor control center to ensure continued reliability, safety and lower overall running costs. For existing or decommissioned motor control centers, Benshaw can advise an upgrade path or retrofit option that can help you make the most of existing equipment investments. For new equipment, recommended maintenance schedules are provided during the commissioning process. Service contracts are available to provide peace of mind and maximum productivity for your motor controls and motor driven equipment.