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Compare Motor Protection for Mining Applications

From conveyors to crushers, find the best-fit motor protection path

From conveyors to crushers, find the best-fit motor protection path

Mining operations demand precision and reliability. This page helps you compare NewElec’s range of motor protection relays across key mining applications — conveyors, crushers, fans, screens, feeders, and more.
Scan the application fit, check core attributes, watch our explainer video, and download the full Comparison Guide (PDF) or use the Relay Selector to shortlist the right protection system for your site.

Table 1 – Application Fit (Mining)

Product

Conveyors

Crusher Motors

Compressors

Fans

Screens & Feeders

Hoists & Cranes

Earth Leakage Coordination

MA Series

Best fit start supervision, stall/jam/ underload protection

Handles stall windows, thermal modelling

◑ Suitable if frequent starts monitored

Ideal for ventilation motors

Manages cyclic loads

◑ Verify interlocks

Advanced EL coordination

NewCode

Adds logic/permissives for conveyors with sequencing

PLC-linked stall & unbalance logic

Anti-cycling control via logic

Communication with fans in PLC

Perfect for feeders needing permissives

◑ Requires PLC interlock validation

Dual-Ethernet, VFD-safe

NewFeed

◑ Good for ancillary pump or booster circuits

Not for crushers

Designed for auxiliary compressors

Secondary ventilation fans

◑ For light-duty feeders

-

◑ Basic EL trip

KD Series

◑ Feeder-level PQ trends, upstream diagnostics

-

Power quality monitoring

◑ Condition-monitor only

PQ data supports EL analysis

KE Series

◑ Basic conveyor protection

◑ Suitable for small crusher drives

Basic overload/phase loss

Simple fan protection

◑ Entry-level feeder circuits

-

◑ Fixed EL thresholds

GA Earth Leakage

For plant-wide EL

Used for MCC coordination

Suitable for all motor zones

Detects insulation degradation

Supports long-cable VFDs

Multi-zone EL selectivity

Main EL coordination relay

Coal Mine Conveyor

Application Guides

Conveyors

Conveyors experience high inertia starts, jam risks, and mechanical strain. Look for relays offering start supervision, stall protection, and jam/underload detection. Earth Leakage must coordinate with long-cable VFD drives to prevent nuisance trips.

Crusher motors

Crushers demand accurate thermal modelling and stall window configuration to avoid costly downtime. Relays like MA Series and NewCode handle heavy-duty starting and detect unbalance or locked rotor conditions effectively.

Compressors

Frequent starts and pressure-based cycling can overheat motors. Use relays with anti-cycling logic, underload/overload bands, and temperature input monitoring.

Fans

Critical for mine ventilation and extraction. Balanced under/overload symmetry and phase loss protection are key. Ensure the chosen relay supports continuous duty and insulation leakage detection.

Screens & Feeders

Cyclic loads require protection that tolerates vibration and stop-start conditions. NewCode supports permissive logic and anti-cycling to minimize wear.

Hoists & Cranes

Require precise sequencing and interlocks to ensure safety. Select relays that accommodate brake control and verify interlocks for fail-safe operation.

Earth Leakage coordination

Proper EL coordination avoids false trips across MCC zones. Adjust thresholds and delays per motor class, verifying selectivity across the plant.

Need guidance on relay selection for your needs?

Protect Your Mining Equipment

Understanding mining motor protection: how to match relays by application and coordinate EL with VFD systems.

EL with VFDs & long cables, what to check

Start supervision vs stall, high inertia

PQ unbalance signals and next steps

Table 2 – Technical Attributes Fit (Mining)

Product

Key Protection Functions

Communications

Mounting & Retrofit

Environment & Ingress

Voltage Class / Motor kW Range

Certifications / Compliance

Notes / Assumptions

MA Series

Comprehensive motor protection (stall, jam, earth fault, under/overload, start supervision).

RS-485 Modbus / Optional Ethernet

Panel mount / MCC bucket

IP54–IP65 (TBD by model)

LV / MV up to ~250 kW

SABS / IEC 60255

Verify CT ratios on retrofit

NewCode

Core motor protections + logic/permissives for sequencing and anti-cycling.

Dual-Ethernet + RS-485 Modbus

DIN-rail / Panel

IP65 industrial

LV/MV (application verified)

IEC / EMC compliant

Confirm PLC comms protocol

NewFeed

Overload, phase loss, and voltage imbalance protection.

RS-485

DIN-rail

IP40–IP54

Up to 90 kW

IEC 60947

Scope TBD on comms/IP

KD Series

Quality analysis (voltage, current, harmonics, PF).

RS-485 / Modbus

Panel mount

IP54

Feeder-level monitoring

IEC 61000

For PQ trending; not for motor trip

KE Series

Basic overload & phase loss relay.

None / optional RS-485

DIN-rail

IIP40

LV only

IEC 60947

Use as secondary relay in small drives

GA Earth Leakage

Earth leakage/residual current protection; adjustable trip levels.

RS-485 optional

DIN-rail / Panel

IP40–IP65

LV–MV

IEC 60947-2

Check mine spec for EL delays

Need guidance on relay selection for your needs?

Mining Relay Comparison Guide

Download Now

Please complete the form below to gin access and download the Download full PDF.


The Vital Role of Earth Leakage Protection in Mining Safety

Case Study: Coal Mine Washing Plant: Protection & PLC Integration

NewCode Dual-Ethernet relays were deployed across conveyors and screens at a coal washing plant in Mpumalanga. The result resilient PLC communication and repeatable protection behavior with zero setup friction.

View The Case Study Flipbook

Key Performance Indicators

Nuisance Trip Rate

PLC Network Uptime

Mean Time to Diagnose (MTTD)

Commissioning Time per MCC Bucket

Operational Continuity

Energy Efficiency Index

Testimonial/Case Study

“NewCode Dual Ethernet delivered advanced protection with reliable, dual-path communication. Setup was straightforward, and performance has been consistently solid — helping the plant run without unnecessary downtime.

FAQ

How do I coordinate EL with VFDs and long cable runs?

Use relays that allow adjustable thresholds and time delays. Verify selectivity by testing across zones — downstream EL must trip first. The GA Earth Leakage and MA Series relays both support these adjustments.

When should I tighten or loosen stall timers for high-inertia starts?

In high-inertia applications like conveyors, loosen timers slightly to avoid nuisance trips during startup. Always confirm acceleration times on-site before final settings.

What anti-cycling or permissive functions help on screens & feeders?

Use NewCode’s built-in permissive logic to prevent rapid restarts. Anti-cycling features protect mechanical components from repetitive stress and overheating.

How do I distinguish PQ unbalance from relay mis-settings?

Compare phase-current imbalance readings to voltage asymmetry data. If both exceed 2–3%, investigate supply quality before adjusting relay thresholds.

Which relays support Dual-Ethernet or PLC-friendly communications?

NewCode offers Dual-Ethernet, ensuring reliable PLC integration and data redundancy. MA Series provides RS-485 Modbus with optional Ethernet.

What should I check before retrofitting into existing MCCs?

Measure available space, confirm CT/VT ratios, and check ingress protection levels. Always verify wiring diagrams and auxiliary supply compatibility.

Can I mix EL thresholds across zones without nuisance trips?

Yes, if delays are coordinated. Use upstream relays with longer trip times. Avoid equal thresholds on adjacent circuits to maintain selectivity.

What’s the difference between MA vs KE in basic applications?

MA provides full motor protection, including start supervision; KE offers overload and phase loss only. Choose KE for small or secondary drives.

Where should feeder-level PQ monitoring live (KD)

Install KD upstream to monitor MCC health and unbalance trends. It’s not a tripping device but supports diagnostic insight.

How do I use the Relay Selector effectively?

Filter by application, voltage, and communication needs. The tool returns suitable relays with datasheet links and contact options.

Optimise your Mining and Plant operations with NewElec’s innovative motor protection and control solutions

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