| 8EA SERIES

PTC Motor Starters

Product Overview
The Sensata Technologies 8EA motor starter, a low-cost alternative to electro-mechanical relays, performs the PTC (positive temperature coefficient)
solid-state starter function. The 8EA is suitable for compressors used in refrigerators, freezers, water coolers, de-humidifiers, vending machines and
similar refrigeration applications. It plugs directly onto the compressor terminal pins, and is frequently used with the 4TM plug-on motor protector.

Features
• Solid-state PTC motor starter
• Designed for use with most split phase, capacitor run and/or start,
fractional h.p. hermetic compressors
• Available for all single phase voltage applications
• Low power dissipation
• Easy installation
• Electrically (EMI) noise free
• Operating noise free
• Approved for use with explosive proof applications
• High reliability with no moving parts

Technical Features
• Utilizes PTC pill materials to energize / de-energize motor start windings
• Provides inherent start winding protection
• Optimal packaging approach improves efficiency
• Used in 120V or 240V applications
Exploded View • Provides lowest power consumption in industry
• Wide spectrum of resistance ranges available

Quality and Performance

• PTC pills 100% electrically tested twice
• High reliability with no moving parts
• 500K cycles min. at max. rated condition
• Dissipates less than 2 watts under normal operating conditions

Convenience
• Fits within most existing terminal fences
• Highly legible part coding
• One rating will potentially service entire compressor voltage series
• Mounts directly to the compressor terminal pins
• Compatible with world class 4TM motor protection

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 SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical Component Assembly Process

Assembly Process Description

The illustration above depicts the assembly of the 8EA onto the compressor. The 4TM motor protector is plugged onto the common pin. The 8EA plugs onto the
remaining 2 pins. Female flag connectors are connected, and the electrical cover encloses the entire assembly.

PTC Performance
When power is first applied to the compressor via the 8EA, the PTC pill is in low resistance state. Current flows through the PTC pill to the start windings,
causing a beneficial phase angle shift between start and main windings, and resulting in an increase in the starting torque.

Common Electrical Rating

Nominal Resistance Heat Capacity
8EA Series Application Voltage V
maxImax
(Ohms) MCP
14CX 120 180 / 12 4.7±20% 1.40
15CX 120 200 / 12 6.8±20% 1.40
16CX 120 200 / 10 10 ±20% 1.40
17CX 240 300 / 7 22 ±20% 1.40
18CX 240 355 / 6 33 ±20% 1.40
19CX 240 300 / 8 5 ±20% 1.40
20CX 240 400 / 5 47 ±20% 1.40

For other ratings contact Sensata.

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8EA PTC Motor Starter Design Chart
Device Property
Independent Variable
Switch Time Power Max. Voltage Cool Rate
Resistance á â â á â
PTCR Mass â â â â â
Switch Temp. â â â — á

General trends are shown for changes in the PTCR element specifications and the corresponding 8EA device properties.

Curves

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 DIMENSIONS AND DIAGRAMS
Dimensions in mm

Wiring Diagrams

Terminal Configurations

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 APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Step 1: Assemble Data Required for New Applications

Example Example
R0 Resistance 5.0 Ohms Motor Type RSCR

Max. Volt (Vmax) 162 VAC < 80 Sec @ Nom. Volt

Reset Time Ambient 25°C
Max Current • 250K Cycles @ Max.
8 Amp
(In Rush) Operational Conditions
Test Requirements • 300 Hrs. @
Switch > 0.5 Sec @ 8 Amp
Max. Volt +10%
Time of Motor Ambient 25oC

Step 2: Select PTC pill based on resistance and maximum operating conditions.
(See electrical rating on previous page).

Step 3: Select 8EA physical configuration based on motor type.

(See terminal configurations on previous page).

Step 4: Switch Time Calculation

The amount of time required for PTC to switch into its high resistance state can be approximated as follows:

Equation Example
M P (TS-TA)
C
5.0 Ohms
Time R (R=5x.8=4)
IR
2

Heat Capacity I 8 Amps

C
M P (Watt-Sec/°C)
TS 120°C
TS Switch Temperature (°C)
TA 25°C
TA Ambient Temperature (°C)
C
M P
1.60
I Inrush Current (Amps-Rms)
Initial Device Resistance
R Under Voltage 1.60 (95)
(Use R0 x 0.8) Time (Sec)
(82) (4)
Switch Time 0.59 Sec.

Theoretical Calculated PTC Switch Time

Should Be Time Required to Start Motor

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Glossary
Measured resistance value at 2 5 Application rated supplied
R0 oC Max. voltage of 2.0 volts. VR voltage/ 120 or 240 VAC
(below Vmax)
Time required for the PTC
Cooldown Time resistance to return to two times
ISS
Steady state current remaining at
the initial value (2R0) maximum operating voltage.
Temperature obtained with a
Curie Point resistance value of two times (2R0)
IMAX Maximum operating current.
(Switch Temp.) the minimum resistance value (R0)
Maximum operating voltage
which may be applied across the
VMAX PTC continuously at the ambient
temperature specified and in a
steady high resistance state.

Application Notes
1. The surface and terminals of the 8EA device can reach high temperatures under normal running conditions. Any material in contact with the 8EA and its
terminals, including wire and quick-connect receptacle plastic insulation, should have a minimum temperature rating (RTI) of 105oC. Adequate spacing
should be provided to insulate lower-rated materials from this heat source.

2. The 8EA device should be protected from potential sources of liquid, such as the evaporator tray and water connections.

3. Certain materials, such as chlorine (Cl) containing gases, can degrade the characteristics of the 8EA device. The 8EA device should not be exposed to sulfur
(S) or chlorine (Cl) containing gases, and must be kept away from materials that can generate them. In particular, avoid the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
insulation in contact with the 8EA terminals.

4. The 8EA device is designed to be used in conjunction with an electrical cover.

Important Notice:
Sensata Technologies reserves the right to make changes to, or to discontinue, any product or service identified in this publication without notice. Before
placing orders, users should obtain the latest version of the relevant information to verify that the information being relied upon is current. S

Sensata Technologies assumes no responsibility for customers’ product designs or applications. Users must determine the suitability of the Sensata device
described in this publication for their application, including the level of reliability required. Many factors beyond Sensata’s control can affect the use and
performance of a Sensata product in a particular application, including the conditions under which the product is used and the time and environmental
conditions in which the product is expected to perform. As these factors are uniquely within the user’s knowledge and control, it is essential that the user
evaluate the Sensata product to determine whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the user’s application.

Sensata Technologies products are sold subject to Sensata’s Terms and Conditions of Sale which can be found at www.sensata.com/terms.htm

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 8EA CODING SYSTEM Example : 8EA XXXXXX - XX

8EA XXXXX XX
Sensata Product Number

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 AGENCY APPROVALS & CERTIFICATIONS

UL / CUL File SA3745

IEC US/4312/UL
Demko 129508-1

CCEE CH003840-99
ENEC 2018218.01

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