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MA Relay for Motor Protection

Compact Motor Protection with Earth Leakage and Overload Detection

Level2 B-BBEE Contributor

Advanced Protection → Proven Reliability

The NewElec MA-Relay is engineered to protect your motors from the most common and costly causes of failure. Designed for today’s industrial plants, it delivers intelligent overload protection, fault diagnostics, and communication-ready control for complete peace of mind.

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Common failures in mining MCCs

Stall/locked-rotor, dry-run/jam, phase loss/unbalance in Mining MCCs.

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How MA Relay helps

Start supervision, thermal model, configurable trips, under/overload logic.

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Measured outcomes

Fewer nuisance trips, faster diagnosis, improved uptime.

Key Features & Why They Matter

Across mining, water treatment, and manufacturing, downtime costs can exceed R2 million per hour. Common failures such as overloading, phase imbalance, or earth faults often go unnoticed until it’s too late. The MA-Relay solves this with built-in smart protection features that act before your system fails.

Overload Protection

Unbalanced Current & Phase Loss

Load Loss Protection

Earth Leakage & Earth Fault Protection

Voltage Protection

Over-Temperature Protection

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

Appications in Mining

Conveyors

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Crusher motors

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Compressors

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Fans

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Screens & Feeders

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Hoists & Cranes

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Earth Leakage coordination

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Why Application-Driven Thinking Beats Spec-Sheet Shopping for Mining

Stop choosing protection relays by spec sheet. In mining, context matters — from conveyors and crushers to screens and feeders. This short thought-leadership video shows why application-driven selection delivers better reliability, fewer nuisance trips, and more defensible engineering choices.

Models for Every Application

MA-05

For Small Industrial Drives
Designed for precision and efficiency, the MA-05 handles currents up to 5A, making it ideal for small industrial drives and compact motor applications requiring dependable protection and control.

MA-10

For Control Panels and Feeders
With a current range up to 10A, the MA-10 is built for control panels, feeders, and low-power circuits, providing reliable motor protection in light-duty environments.

MA-25

For Light Manufacturing Applications
The MA-25 covers currents up to 25A, delivering versatile protection for light manufacturing processes where consistency and accuracy are key.

MA-50

For Medium Pumps and Conveyors
Supporting currents up to 50A, the MA-50 is suited for medium-duty pumps, conveyors, and process lines, ensuring smooth operation and reduced downtime.

MA-100

For Large Pumps and Mixers
The MA-100 handles currents up to 100A, making it a strong performer for large industrial pumps, mixers, and heavy mechanical systems requiring robust overload protection.

MA-250

For Heavy-Duty Motors
Built for demanding environments, the MA-250 supports currents up to 250A, providing superior protection for heavy-duty industrial motors in high-load applications.

MA-300

For High-Load Mining and Processing Motors
At the top of the range, the MA-300 manages currents up to 300A, delivering dependable performance and protection for high-load motors in mining and processing operations.

MA Relay Deep Dive

Communication-Ready Intelligence

CANBUS (MA–CAN–BBRTU)

MODBUS RTU (MA–MODBUS–BBRTU)

PROFIBUS (MA–PROFI–BBRTU)

Coordination with GA Earth Leakage

Ethernet / PROFINET / Modbus TCP / Ethernet IP (MA–ETHER–BBRTU)

Testimonial/Case Study

Support for a Complex Issue!

As an Electrical Foreman working in a Copper Mine in Africa, I faced significant challenges with frontend communication while trying to program a KD relay. After some investigation, it was determined that the issue stemmed from the computer’s COM port drivers.

The support team based in South Africa was outstanding! They patiently guided me step-by-step, troubleshooting the issue remotely from their support office. Their knowledge and expertise turned what could have been a major roadblock into a smooth resolution.

I’m incredibly grateful for their professionalism and dedication. It’s reassuring to know there’s a team like this behind the products we rely on. Thanks again for the top-notch support!

Solutions for Quarry Operations!

As a Plant Manager, I was dealing with repeated overload trips on a pump application, which didn’t make sense since we had a larger module (MA250) installed for a smaller 2.4 kW drive. After consulting with NewElec, I decided to bring the relay to their facility for further inspection and assistance with Frontend tutorials.

The NewElec team promptly discovered that the relay was faulty and recommended replacing it with an MA10 module, which was better suited for our drive. They also provided custom settings tailored to our application and ensured we had everything needed for a seamless transition.

Since implementing the changes, the MA10 module has been performing flawlessly, and our operations are running more efficiently. NewElec’s technical expertise and proactive approach made all the difference. I highly recommend their services to anyone in the industry!

Clear Guidance and Excellent Support!

As a client unfamiliar with the NewCode product, I needed clarification on whether its digital inputs could be used as a control circuit for a Direct-On-Line (DOL) application. Additionally, I requested relevant documentation to help me understand the product better.

The NewElec team provided clear and detailed explanations, addressed all my concerns, and supplied the necessary documentation. Their expertise and patience made the process seamless, and I now feel confident using the product.

I’m thoroughly impressed with their support and professionalism. Thank you for making everything so straightforward!

Exceptional Technical Clarity and Support!

As a Consulting Engineer, I required clarification on the voltage range of the CTMB and when it would be necessary to utilize a voltage converter. The NewElec team provided clear and precise guidance, explaining that the CTMB can handle up to 550VAC, and anything above this would require a voltage converter. They also recommended adding a voltage converter and insulation lockout for optimal safety and performance.

Their detailed explanations and expert advice were invaluable. It’s always a pleasure working with a team that prioritizes customer understanding and provides tailored solutions. Highly recommended for anyone in need of reliable technical support!

FAQ

What makes the MA-Relay different from standard motor protection relays?

Unlike conventional overload relays that only trip on current thresholds, the MA-Relay offers full-spectrum intelligent protection monitoring overloads, phase loss, voltage irregularities, earth faults, and temperature conditions in real time. It combines advanced diagnostics with PLC-ready communication, enabling predictive maintenance and faster fault resolution across industrial systems.

Can the MA-Relay integrate with existing PLC and SCADA systems?

Yes. The MA-Relay supports multiple communication protocols, including MODBUS RTU, PROFIBUS, CANBUS, and Ethernet/PROFINET/Modbus TCP/Ethernet IP, allowing seamless integration with virtually any modern PLC or SCADA network. This makes it ideal for Industry 4.0 plants looking to centralize control and data monitoring.

How does the MA-Relay protect motors in pump and conveyor applications?

For pump and conveyor systems, the MA-Relay’s Load Loss Protection detects flow or pressure drops (such as dry running or jammed loads) and disconnects power to prevent mechanical damage. Its Overload and Unbalanced Current Protection features further ensure that motors don’t operate under unsafe or inefficient conditions, reducing downtime and extending equipment life.

What industries benefit most from using the MA-Relay?

The MA-Relay is widely used across mining, water treatment, manufacturing, and processing plants. It’s engineered for rugged South African conditions, making it reliable for heavy-duty, high-load, and continuous operation environments where motor downtime can cost millions per hour.

How do I select the right MA-Relay model for my application?

Each MA-Relay model is designed for a specific current range and application type:

  • MA-05 to MA-25: Compact solutions for small drives, control panels, and light manufacturing.

  • MA-50 to MA-100: Mid-range for pumps, conveyors, and mixers.

  • MA-250 to MA-300: Heavy-duty protection for mining and large processing motors.

Refer to the model selection guide or contact NewElec’s engineering team for assistance with sizing and configuration.

About the BBRTU Communication Module

The BBRTU (Base Board Remote Terminal Unit) is the intelligent backbone that makes every MA-Relay communication-ready.
It allows flexible configuration, firmware upgrades, and modular integration with your preferred industrial network.

Key BBRTU Advantages:

Modular Design
Choose your communication protocol (CANBUS, Modbus RTU, Profibus, or Ethernet) without replacing the relay.

Plug-and-Play Connectivity
Simplifies wiring and installation within MCC panels or distributed control systems.

Data Logging & Diagnostics
Enables time-stamped event data and current/fault history to support predictive maintenance.

Firmware Upgradable
Ensures future compatibility and scalability as plant systems evolve.

Seamless PLC Integration
Supports direct communication with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Schneider controllers for complete interoperability.

Whether you need basic serial control or full networked monitoring, the BBRTU gives your MA-Relay the flexibility to adapt to any plant environment.

Mining Relay Comparison Guide

Download Our Technical Guide

Please complete the form below to gin access and download the Technical Guide PDF.


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