Wöhner MOTUS and MOTUS C14 – Comparing Hybrid and Electronic Motor Starters

In industrial motor control systems, a motor starter does more than simply switch a motor on and off. It also has a direct impact on system reliability, equipment lifetime, maintenance requirements and the level of integration with the overall automation system.

Wöhner offers two notable solutions for these applications: MOTUS Hybrid Motor Starter and MOTUS C14 Electronic Motor Starter.

Both product families are designed to provide compact and flexible motor control, but they differ significantly in switching technology, communication capabilities and level of digitalization.

What is the Wöhner MOTUS Hybrid Motor Starter?

Wöhner MOTUS is a hybrid motor starter, combining the advantages of electronic switching elements with electromechanical switching technology in a single device.

The MOTUS Panel range includes 3-pole versions for direct and reversing motor starting and can also be used for switching resistive loads. Typical versions cover current ranges such as approximately 0.075–0.6 A, 0.18–2.4 A and 1.5–6.5 A, with selected versions also available with IO-Link.

A key advantage of hybrid switching technology is reduced mechanical contact wear compared with conventional contactor-only solutions in applications with frequent switching, while maintaining reliable operation for industrial environments.

Key Features of MOTUS Hybrid

MOTUS is designed for three-phase motor control with both direct starter and reversing starter functions integrated into one compact device.

Main advantages include:

-Integrated forward and reversing motor control

-More compact than conventional multi-contactor arrangements

-Suitable for motors and selected resistive loads

-Reduced number of devices and control wiring inside the panel

Well suited for machinery with high switching frequency

What is the Wöhner MOTUS C14 Electronic Motor Starter?

MOTUS C14 is Wöhner’s newer generation of electronic motor starter.

The range is available in two main configurations:

-MOTUS C14 Panel Basic

-MOTUS C14 Panel Connect Plus

The 2.6 A and 6.6 A versions support both direct and reversing motor starting.

The Connect Plus version includes IO-Link, display and integrated Soft Start, while the Basic version does not include IO-Link or a display.

Key Technical Features of MOTUS C14

A representative model, MOTUS C14 Panel Connect Plus 36255 000A, provides the following features:

-Current range: 0.1–2.6 A

-IEC rated voltage: 500 V AC

-UL rated voltage: 480 V AC

-Direct and reversing motor starting

-IO-Link interface

-Display

-Integrated Soft Start

-Maximum switching frequency: 2 Hz

-Up to 30 million switching cycles

-Prospective short-circuit current up to 100 kA under specified conditions

-Compliance with IEC 60947-1, IEC 60947-4-2 and UL 60947-1

The Basic 36231 000A version also covers the 0.1–2.6 A range and supports direct and reversing operation as well as CrossLink Technology, but it does not include IO-Link or a display.

In addition to the 2.6 A versions, Wöhner also offers MOTUS C14 models up to 6.6 A.

How is MOTUS C14 Different from MOTUS Hybrid?

The main difference lies in the level of digitalization and system integration.

MOTUS Hybrid is well suited for applications requiring compact, robust and straightforward motor switching.

MOTUS C14 is aimed more at modern machinery requiring:

-IO-Link communication

-Local status display

-Soft Start

-Monitoring capability

-Integration into digital automation architectures

-Advanced operating and protection functions

Wöhner MOTUS vs MOTUS C14 – Comparison

Advantages of MOTUS Hybrid

MOTUS Hybrid is a good choice when the priorities are:

-Compact design

-Reduced number of contactors

-Simple forward/reverse control

-High switching frequency

-Low maintenance requirements

More economical investment compared with a more advanced electronic solution

For many standard machines, conveyors, small pumps and packaging equipment, MOTUS Hybrid remains a very practical solution.

Advantages of MOTUS C14

MOTUS C14 is more suitable when the application requires:

-IO-Link integration

-Status display

-Soft Start

-Diagnostic data

-Operating monitoring

-Machine standardization

-Reduced commissioning effort

-Better integration with PLCs and modern automation systems

Its IO-Link capability makes MOTUS C14 particularly suitable for smart machines and Industry 4.0 applications.

CrossLink Technology on MOTUS

An important feature of MOTUS C14 is its support for CrossLink Technology.

This allows the product to integrate smoothly into Wöhner’s power distribution ecosystem.

Wöhner lists MOTUS and MOTUS C14 within systems such as:

-CrossBoard 125 A / 250 A

-CrossBoard 800 A

-30Compact

-60Classic

This allows customers to build a coordinated architecture combining power distribution and motor control.

Applications of MOTUS and MOTUS C14

Both product families are suitable for applications such as:

-Packaging machines

-Conveyors

-Food processing machinery

-Water treatment systems

-Automated production lines

-Pumps, fans and actuators

-Reversing motor applications

MOTUS C14 is especially suitable for machines requiring digital operating data and PLC connectivity.

Which One Should You Choose: MOTUS or MOTUS C14?

A simple selection guideline is:

-Choose MOTUS Hybrid when you need a compact and robust direct/reversing starter with high switching frequency and limited digital requirements.

-Choose MOTUS C14 when you need IO-Link, display, Soft Start, diagnostic data and deeper integration with a modern automation system.

For new projects where digitalization and machine standardization are key objectives, MOTUS C14 is generally the more suitable choice.

Conclusion

Wöhner MOTUS and MOTUS C14 both aim to simplify motor control inside industrial electrical panels, but they address different levels of functionality.

MOTUS Hybrid focuses on compactness, durability and frequent switching capability.

MOTUS C14 goes further with IO-Link, Soft Start, display, configuration and monitoring functions, making it better suited for next-generation automation systems.