Eaton ECH AMPGARD Medium Voltage Motor Control Device

Eaton ECH AMPGARD Medium Voltage Motor Control Device

Eaton ECH AMPGARD (commonly referred to as AMPGARD) is a medium voltage metal armored motor control and protection equipment under the Cutler Hammer brand of Eaton. It provides full voltage, step-down starting, and comprehensive protection for 2.3kV~13.8kV medium voltage motors, and is a benchmark for high reliability medium voltage starting solutions in the industrial field.

The Eaton ECH AMPGARD series is a well-established, metal-clad medium-voltage motor control center designed for reliable starting, control, and protection of three-phase induction motors across industrial and utility applications. Built on Eaton’s proven medium-voltage technology, AMPGARD provides safe, compact, and maintainable motor control solutions with robust arc-flash mitigation and multiple starting methods.

It features a modular, front-accessible, metal-enclosed structure with integrated vacuum contactors, power fusing, disconnecting devices, and protective relaying. The design emphasizes personnel safety, operational durability, and ease of service, making it a widely adopted solution for heavy-duty motor control.

2. Typical Applications

• Oil & gas: pumps, compressors, injection systems
• Mining: fans, conveyors, mine ventilation systems
• Water & wastewater: booster pumps, aeration blowers
• Power generation: cooling water pumps, auxiliary fans
• Pulp & paper, chemical, and metals processing
• Large HVAC and industrial process systems

3. Key Product Specifications

Electrical Ratings

• Rated voltage: 2.3 kV, 4.16 kV, 7.2 kV, 13.8 kV
• Basic impulse insulation level (BIL): 60 kV, 75 kV, 95 kV depending on voltage class
• Continuous current ratings: typically up to 800 A per section
• Bus current: up to 3000 A
• Suitable motor horsepower: up to 8000 HP based on voltage and configuration

Mechanical & Environmental

• Enclosure type: NEMA 1, NEMA 12, NEMA 3R available
• Arc-resistant design available per IEEE C37.20.7
• Front-maintenance construction, no rear access required
• Rugged construction for industrial environments

Starting Modes

• Full voltage non-reversing (FVNR)
• Reactor voltage reduction (RVR)
• Auto-transformer starting
• Solid-state reduced voltage starting (optional)

Protection Features

• Overload, short-circuit, phase loss, and locked-rotor protection
• Over/undervoltage monitoring
• Optional advanced motor protection relays
• Internal arc mitigation and safety interlocks

4. Key Advantages

• Proven reliability over decades of industrial service
• High personnel safety with interlocks and arc-resistant options
• Flexible configurations for various starting requirements
• Long service life with low maintenance needs
• Compliance with UL, NEMA, IEEE, and CSA standards