Overview
The KB Electronics KBPC-240D Penta-Drive is a variable speed-torque SCR DC motor control designed for applications requiring washdown watertight integrity. Its housing is ruggedly constructed of die-cast aluminium and protected with an acrylic coating for corrosion resistance, with all switches sealed using rubber boots and a shaft seal on the main speed potentiometer.
A single model, the KBPC-240D, covers a wide horsepower range — 1/50 to 1 HP at 115 VAC and 1/25 to 2 HP at 230 VAC — through jumper selectable AC line voltage and DC armature voltage settings. The drive is available in black (P/N 9338) or FDA-approved white case (P/N 9342) finishes, suiting both general industrial use and food and beverage washdown environments.
Key Features
The KBPC includes short circuit and transient protection for the ultimate in reliability, alongside electronic overload protection that prevents motor burnout and demagnetization of PM motors. The control can be operated in either Speed or Torque mode via a jumper selection, and the jumper selectable current range eliminates the need to calibrate IR compensation and current limit for most applications. Additional jumper selections cover AC line voltage (115/230 VAC), DC armature voltage (90/180 VDC) and feedback type — armature feedback or tachometer feedback for tighter speed regulation.
Standard features include built-in armature fusing, electronic Start/Stop, and an LED indicator array for Power On, Stop and Overload conditions. Although the KBPC is factory set for most applications, a range of trimpots allows fine adjustment of Minimum and Maximum speed, Acceleration, Deceleration, Current Limit, IR Compensation and Timed Current Limit.
Drive Options
The KBPC offers the ultimate in flexibility with a range of customer-installed options. These include the Forward-Brake-Reverse switch with hesitation feature (includes switch and prewired dynamic brake resistor), the Run-Stop-Jog switch, the KBSI-240D signal isolator, an On/Off AC line switch, the KBEP-240D electronic potentiometer, an Anti Plug Reversing Module, and an Auto/Manual kit. A complete instruction manual is included with the drive.
Common Applications
The KBPC Penta-Drive is suited to applications requiring washdown or outdoor-rated DC motor control, including conveyors, feeders, pumps, machine tools and other equipment using shunt wound or PM motors in wet, washdown or exposed environments where standard chassis or NEMA 1 controls would not be appropriate.
Selection Considerations
Because the KBPC-240D covers both 115 and 230 VAC supply via jumper selection, the primary considerations are the motor’s horsepower, armature voltage (90 or 180 VDC) and the desired feedback type — armature feedback for standard applications, or tachometer feedback where tighter speed regulation is required. Applications needing reversing, jogging, remote signal isolation or electronic potentiometer control should also factor in the relevant customer-installed option.
Motordrives Australia can help confirm the correct jumper configuration and any required drive options based on your motor’s horsepower, voltage and control requirements.
Support And Enquiries
Motordrives Australia supplies and supports the KB Electronics KBPC-240D Penta-Drive for Australian machine builders and maintenance teams operating in washdown or outdoor environments. For assistance with jumper configuration, drive option selection or motor matching, contact our team with your motor’s horsepower, voltage and application details.
