Product Introduction

The Cutler-Hammer W200M5CFC is a NEMA Size 5, three-pole, full-voltage non-reversing motor starter from the Advantage series. It is designed for three-phase AC motor starting and stopping, with a 120 VAC, 60 Hz control coil and a continuous current rating of 270 A. The starter is rated for systems up to 600 VAC and can support motor applications up to 200 HP depending on operating voltage and motor conditions.

The unit uses across-the-line starting, meaning the motor receives full line voltage when the starter is energized. This makes it suitable for large pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, machine tools, and other industrial motor loads where full-voltage starting is acceptable.

The W200M5CFC is an older/discontinued Cutler-Hammer model, so replacement units are commonly sourced from industrial surplus and replacement-part inventories. Actual condition should be confirmed from the individual unit before installation.

 

📋 Product Datasheet

Parameter	Value
Brand	Cutler-Hammer
Model	W200M5CFC
Series	Advantage
Product Name	Motor Starter
Origin	United States
Product Status	Discontinued / Replacement-market availability
Dimensions	Approx. 10 × 8 × 12 in
Weight	Approx. 31–32 lb
Rated Voltage	600 VAC maximum
Current / Power	270 A continuous / up to 200 HP

Additional technical details: 3-phase, 3-pole, NEMA Size 5, non-reversing, open style, 120 VAC coil at 60 Hz, and full-voltage starting. Published dimensional information varies between supplier references, so cabinet layout should be checked against the actual unit before fabrication.

 

⚙️ Operating Standards and How to Use

Before installation, verify the motor nameplate voltage, full-load current, phase configuration, control voltage, starter rating, and available short-circuit protection. The motor current must remain within the applicable starter and overload protection range.

🔹 Mount the starter securely inside an appropriate electrical cabinet or control panel.

🔹 Connect the three-phase incoming supply to the line terminals and the motor conductors to the load terminals according to the applicable wiring diagram.

🔹 Connect the 120 VAC control circuit to the starter coil through the appropriate control device, such as a start/stop pushbutton circuit, relay output, or PLC-controlled relay.

🔹 Verify that the overload protection is correctly selected and adjusted for the connected motor.

🔹 Check grounding and protective bonding before energizing the equipment.

🔹 Confirm that all terminals are tightened to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

🔹 Perform insulation, continuity, phase-sequence, and control-circuit checks before connecting the motor to the production process.

The starter is a full-voltage, non-reversing device. It is not intended to provide variable-speed control. If the motor requires controlled acceleration, reduced starting current, or variable speed, a soft starter or variable-frequency drive should be considered instead.

 

🔌 Startup Sequence

1. Confirm that the motor and mechanical equipment are safe to operate.
2. Check incoming three-phase voltage and phase sequence.
3. Verify that the control circuit is supplied with the correct 120 VAC control voltage.
4. Confirm that overload protection is reset and no fault condition is present.
5. Energize the main power supply.
6. Activate the start command.
7. The starter coil energizes and the main contacts close.
8. The motor receives full line voltage and begins acceleration.
9. Monitor motor current, abnormal vibration, noise, temperature, and rotation direction.

⚠️ For large motors, do not repeatedly start and stop the motor without allowing adequate cooling time. Across-the-line starting can produce a high starting current.

 

🛑 Shutdown Sequence

1. Remove the start command or press the normal STOP control.
2. Allow the starter to de-energize.
3. Confirm that the motor has completely stopped.
4. For maintenance, isolate the upstream power source.
5. Apply the required lockout/tagout procedure.
6. Verify absence of voltage before opening the starter or touching conductors.

Never rely only on the control STOP button for electrical isolation.

 

📘 Product Usage Instructions

The W200M5CFC is normally used as the switching and motor-starting element in a three-phase motor control circuit.

A typical control arrangement is:

Main Disconnect → Short-Circuit Protection → W200M5CFC Starter → Three-Phase Motor

The control side can be integrated with conventional pushbuttons, relays, contact outputs, or a PLC control system. When the 120 VAC coil receives its control signal, the starter closes its power contacts and supplies the motor.

For PLC applications, the PLC should normally control an appropriately rated interposing relay or control circuit rather than directly switching a high-power starter coil unless the PLC output is specifically rated for the required load.

For replacement applications, compare the existing starter’s pole count, NEMA size, coil voltage, horsepower rating, overload arrangement, enclosure requirements, and terminal configuration before substitution.

 

🛠️ Installation and Commissioning Checks

🔹 Confirm model and nameplate information.

🔹 Check mechanical mounting and clearances.

🔹 Inspect contact surfaces and terminals.

🔹 Verify the 120 VAC control circuit.

🔹 Verify three-phase input voltage.

🔹 Confirm motor FLA against overload settings.

🔹 Check motor rotation direction during the first test run.

🔹 Measure running current on all three phases.

🔹 Check for excessive contact heating or abnormal noise.

🔹 Perform a controlled load test before returning the motor to continuous service.

 

❓ Common Questions & Answers

Q: Is the W200M5CFC a reversing starter?
A: No. It is a three-pole, non-reversing starter.

Q: What is the control coil voltage?
A: The published specification is 120 VAC at 60 Hz.

Q: What is the maximum current rating?
A: The published continuous current rating is 270 A.

Q: What voltage can it switch?
A: The starter is listed for applications up to 600 VAC.

Q: How large a motor can it control?
A: Published specifications give a maximum rating of 200 HP at 460/575 VAC. Other horsepower ratings depend on the motor voltage and application.

Q: Is this a soft starter?
A: No. The W200M5CFC is a full-voltage starter. It applies line voltage to the motor during starting.

Q: Is the model still in current production?
A: Available industrial references identify the W200M5CFC as discontinued, so replacement and surplus sourcing may be required.

Q: Can it be used with a PLC?
A: Yes. A PLC can provide the start/stop command through a properly rated relay or control interface. The PLC output and 120 VAC coil circuit must be electrically compatible.

Q: Can I replace another Size 5 starter with this model?
A: Not automatically. Check voltage, current, horsepower, coil voltage, overload characteristics, enclosure, wiring, and application requirements before replacement.

Q: What should be checked before buying a used unit?
A: Check the nameplate, coil condition, contact condition, terminal condition, insulation, mechanical operation, overload components, and actual electrical test results.

 

⭐ Recommended Cutler-Hammer / Eaton Motor Control Alternatives

1. W200M1CFC — NEMA Size 1 motor starter
2. W200M2CFC — NEMA Size 2 motor starter
3. W200M3CFC — NEMA Size 3 motor starter
4. W200M4CFC — NEMA Size 4 motor starter
5. W200M6CFC — NEMA Size 6 motor starter
6. W+200M1CFC — Advantage+ NEMA Size 1 starter
7. W+200M2CFC — Advantage+ NEMA Size 2 starter
8. W+200M3CFC — Advantage+ NEMA Size 3 starter
9. W+200M4CFC — Advantage+ NEMA Size 4 starter
10. W+200M5CFC — Advantage+ NEMA Size 5 starter

Eaton’s aftermarket documentation specifically identifies the W200 and W+200 starter families across NEMA Sizes 1 through 6.

For applications where reduced-voltage starting is required, Eaton’s S811+/S801+ soft-starter family is another option; these products are designed for three-phase motors and provide reduced-voltage starting and additional motor protection functions.