Power + control together
Trace 400 V main power and 24 V control instead of learning each half in isolation.
Motor-control circuit simulator
Motor control training you can operate, trace and diagnose.
A complete browser workbench for DOL, forward/reverse, jog, Hand/Off/Auto and star-delta circuits—with guided commissioning, recognizable components, live power paths and a virtual multimeter.
Responsive touch controls · momentary buttons work while held · safe training model
Quick answer: a motor-control simulator should show both the low-voltage decision circuit and the three-phase power path. This workbench combines recognizable starter hardware, live contacts, motor behavior, exact meter nodes, inserted faults and commissioning checks.
DOL starter assemblyKM1 closed
1450 rpm
8.2 A
RUNNING
Recognize the circuit before you operate it
Six motor-control relationships, shown in their real industrial context.
Use these component-level views to connect the schematic symbols to the power path, control decisions, interlocks, starting sequence and measurements you will make in the interactive workbench.
Pro commissioning path4 scenarios · saved progress · PLC/HMI handoff
The guide is public. The working lab is Pro.
Use this page to understand the equipment, workflow and terminology. Sign in to the Pro path to operate the full physics model, complete commissioning evidence, inject faults and continue into a prepared PLC–HMI Sandbox project.
- 01
DOL three-wire starter
Foundation
- 02
Forward / reverse starter
Interlocking
- 03
Run / jog control
Machine motion
- 04
Hand / Off / Auto pump
Process demand
- 05
Star–delta sequence
Advanced
Real motor control circuit simulator footage
See this exact skill in the working simulator.
Watch the real browser product respond to the task on this page, then try the same practical workflow yourself. No slides, concept mockups, install, or credit card.
Try this in the browserFrom schematic to evidence
Enough depth to commission and troubleshoot—not just press Start.
Every circuit ties the symbolic control idea to recognizable hardware, main-current behavior and the measurements used to prove what is actually wrong.
True contact state
Coils, auxiliary contacts, main poles, latches and interlocks update as the circuit operates.
Probe-based multimeter
Choose exact nodes for voltage and continuity readings, including an explicit live-circuit safety block.
Seven inserted faults
Control fuse, stop chain, coil, welded pole, overload, missing phase and failed interlock.
Motor dynamics
Direction, rpm, inrush, star current reduction, coast-down and load-side power respond over time.
Functional proving
Stop, overload, interlock, rotation and loaded-current checks complete only after demonstrated.
Shipped features · verified 15 July 2026
Motor-control capabilities available now.
These are live product capabilities, not roadmap promises. Five guided circuit workbenches, the full meter model, inserted faults and evidence records are included in Pro.
Circuit library
DOL, forward/reverse, run/jog, Hand/Off/Auto pump control and open-transition star–delta
Real hardware
Recognizable isolator, contactor, overload relay, operator controls and induction motor
Electrical model
Three-phase power path and low-voltage control path with live conductor state
Contact logic
Coils, auxiliary contacts, main poles, latches and electrical/mechanical interlocks
Measurements
Named red/black probe nodes for control voltage, line voltage and isolated continuity
Motor behavior
Direction, rpm, inrush, star current reduction, transition and coast-down
Diagnostics
Seven inserted faults across supply, stop chain, coil, poles, overload, phases and interlocks
Guidance
Step-by-step actions, reasons, expected evidence and progressive hints for every circuit
Evidence
Functional stop, overload, interlock, direction, transition and loaded-current proving checks
Visual field guide
Eight diagrams that make the control relationship visible.
The illustrations identify the physical devices, the symbolic circuit and the evidence a meter should find. The live workbench then changes the same paths and components as the circuit operates or fails.
Hardware recognition
Start with the components a technician actually sees
The isolator provides visible disconnection, the contactor switches the motor, the overload protects against sustained excess current and the motor converts the three-phase supply into mechanical motion.
DOL control
See exactly how the seal-in path works
START initially energises KM1. The contactor auxiliary contact then closes around START so the coil remains energised after release. STOP or overload opening breaks the same series path.
Reversing
Swap two phases—and block the opposite contactor
Reversal changes phase sequence. Electrical cross-interlocks and a mechanical interlock must prevent forward and reverse contactors from closing together and creating a phase-to-phase fault.
Operator control
Run and jog differ in the holding logic
RUN uses the normal auxiliary seal-in path. JOG deliberately prevents latching, so the motor operates only while the jog command is held and stops when it is released.
Reduced-current starting
Watch the star–open–delta sequence
The main and star contactors start the motor with reduced winding voltage. Star then opens, a transition interval passes, and delta closes for normal running without overlapping the two configurations.
Electrical evidence
Place probes on named nodes
Voltage across A1–A2 proves whether the coil is being commanded. Measuring along the control chain locates the first point where voltage is lost instead of encouraging parts replacement by guesswork.
Motor behavior
Compare starting methods by current over time
DOL applies full line voltage immediately and produces the largest inrush. Star–delta reduces starting current but introduces sequencing, interlocking and transition requirements.
Troubleshooting
Measure first, then narrow the fault
A structured path separates a missing control supply, an open stop chain, a commanded but failed coil and a closed contactor with missing main power. Dangerous welded-contact and interlock faults remain explicit.
Circuit library
Five starter circuits, each with a different job.
The simulator does not present DOL, reversing, jog, Hand/Off/Auto and star–delta as interchangeable diagrams. It shows what changes in the hardware, control logic, power path and motor response.
| Circuit | Contactors | Defining control feature | Typical task |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOL three-wire | 1 | STOP, overload, START and seal-in auxiliary | Simple fixed-direction pumps, fans and conveyors |
| Forward / reverse | 2 | Cross-interlock, mechanical interlock and phase swap | Hoists, doors, traverses and reversible conveyors |
| Run / jog | 1 | Selectable maintained or momentary control path | Setup, positioning and maintenance movement |
| Hand / Off / Auto | 1 | Maintained local command, OFF override and automatic process demand | Pumps, fans and packaged process equipment |
| Star–delta | 3 | Main, star and delta sequence with open transition | Reduced-current starting of suitable six-lead motors |
Control circuit
The control circuit decides whether a coil is permitted to energise. Its series safety chain normally includes a control fuse, normally-closed STOP, normally-closed overload auxiliary, permissives or interlocks, then the command and coil return. Auxiliary contacts create holding or blocking logic.
Power circuit
The power circuit carries motor current through the isolator or breaker, contactor main poles and overload elements to the motor. The contactor coil can be correctly energised while the power circuit still has a missing phase, open pole or tripped overload.
Fault diagnosis
Use voltage to divide the circuit into smaller questions.
When a motor does not start, begin with the symptom and the approved schematic. Prove the expected control supply, follow voltage through the series chain, determine whether the coil is commanded, and only then move to the three-phase power path. The virtual meter uses named nodes so every reading has an electrical meaning.
Open control fuse
Likely evidence
No control voltage anywhere downstream
Proving action
Measure supply first, then both sides of the fuse.
Open STOP or overload chain
Likely evidence
Voltage enters the chain but does not reach START
Proving action
Find the first series contact with voltage on one side only.
Open contactor coil
Likely evidence
Correct voltage across A1–A2 but no contactor movement
Proving action
Isolate, then verify coil continuity and rating.
Welded main pole
Likely evidence
One phase remains connected after the coil drops out
Proving action
Isolate and compare line-side and load-side pole state.
Missing phase
Likely evidence
Contactor closes but motor current and torque are abnormal
Proving action
Measure all three phase-to-phase paths and inspect the power chain.
Failed reversing interlock
Likely evidence
Forward and reverse can overlap
Proving action
Treat as dangerous; isolate and prove both electrical and mechanical interlocks.
Why continuity mode is blocked while live
Resistance and continuity functions apply a meter’s internal test source; they are not intended to be connected to an energised control circuit. The simulator forces isolation before continuity testing. For live diagnosis it provides voltage mode, named probe points and an explicit live-state warning—training the meter setup as part of the fault-finding method.
Functional proving
Commission the starter after the drawing looks correct.
A tidy schematic is not proof of operation. The commissioning sheet only completes when the learner demonstrates the intended stop, protection, direction and loaded-current behavior in the simulated circuit.
- 01
Inspect and isolate
Identify Q1, control protection, contactors, overload, operator devices and motor. Confirm the circuit is isolated before continuity work.
- 02
Prove the control chain
Check STOP and overload contacts are closed when healthy, then verify the coil path and auxiliary contact arrangement.
- 03
Energise deliberately
Close the isolator and use the intended momentary control. Observe coil, auxiliary and main-pole state rather than listening only for a click.
- 04
Test every stop path
Prove STOP removes the command and the overload auxiliary drops the contactor. Confirm a broken safety-chain conductor fails to stop.
- 05
Prove direction and interlocks
For reversing, confirm phase sequence and prove the opposite command is blocked electrically and mechanically while running.
- 06
Observe starting behavior
Compare DOL inrush or the star–open–delta sequence. Confirm no star/delta contactor overlap occurs.
- 07
Measure loaded current
Check the simulated phase condition, current and stable running speed after acceleration. Investigate imbalance or overload evidence.
- 08
Record and diagnose
Insert a fault, locate it with defensible measurements, remove the cause and repeat the affected functional check.
Safety and scope
A realistic mental model, not permission to work live.
The browser lab can make relationships visible without exposing a learner to electrical energy. It can show why a normally-closed stop is fail-safe, why an overload auxiliary sits in the coil path, why reversing needs two forms of interlock and why the meter mode matters.
It cannot assess a person’s practical competence, prove absence of voltage on real equipment, select protection, verify fault level, determine conductor size or replace supervision and local procedures. Those boundaries are displayed because credible training should clarify what has and has not been proven.
Why not full 3D?
A circuit is a relationship map. Keep it readable.
A 3D cabinet is useful for physical panel layout, reach, routing and assembly. It is weaker for understanding which auxiliary contact controls which coil, comparing two live branches or placing probes on named electrical nodes.
This simulator therefore uses realistic 2D hardware inside a schematic workspace, with live highlighting and motor animation. The learner can see the real component and the electrical relationship at the same time—even on a phone.
Continue the motor-control path
Move from visible faults to a scored diagnosis.
This page teaches the circuits with visible fault controls. The dedicated electrical troubleshooting simulator conceals the answer, counts meter and safety actions, scores the submitted diagnosis and saves an assessment record. Wiring, ladder logic and VFD practice remain linked as separate tasks.
Questions
Frequently asked.
The simulator includes direct-on-line three-wire control, forward/reverse with electrical and mechanical interlock, run/jog control, Hand/Off/Auto pump control, and open-transition star-delta starting. Each circuit includes the power circuit, 24 V control path, contactor states, overload protection, operator controls, live motor behavior and guided commissioning checks.
Motor-control circuit field guide
Motor control circuit simulator: wiring, measurements and fault diagnosis
Direct answer
A motor control circuit simulator should keep the control circuit, contactor state, overload protection, power poles, motor current and mechanical result coherent. The useful learning task is not merely energizing a coil: it is predicting named measurements, proving why the motor starts or stops and isolating one fault without unsafe bypasses.
This guide is written for electrical and automation learners practicing three-wire control, reversing, overload response, PLC interfaces and three-phase motor diagnosis. The intended result is specific: the learner can trace source through stop and permissive contacts to the coil, distinguish control from power behavior and prove the failed boundary with an appropriate voltage or isolated-continuity test.
System map / 02
NODE 01observable
Control source
Identify control voltage, reference conductor, protective device and where voltage should be present before and after each series condition.
NODE 02observable
Three-wire control
Use a momentary start, normally closed stop and auxiliary seal-in contact while maintaining deliberate stop priority.
NODE 03observable
Contactor interface
Separate coil energization, mechanical armature movement, auxiliary contacts and three power poles as related but individually observable states.
NODE 04observable
Overload protection
Interpret overload auxiliary state and trip cause without treating reset as removal of excessive current, phase loss or mechanical load.
NODE 05observable
Power circuit
Trace every phase from source through protection and contactor poles to the motor; a healthy control circuit cannot prove balanced power.
NODE 06observable
Physical feedback
Use auxiliary, speed or process feedback to distinguish a software or coil command from actual rotation and useful machine work.
Procedure / 03
- 01
Read the schematic
Mark source, return, stop chain, start branch, seal-in contact, coil and overload auxiliary.
Evidence: The expected current path is known before operation.
Avoid: Following wire color rather than node function.
- 02
Predict de-energized readings
State voltage to reference and voltage across key open and closed devices.
Evidence: Probe expectations are written before the meter is placed.
Avoid: Calling every zero-volt reading a fault.
- 03
Run normal start and stop
Operate the circuit and observe coil, auxiliary, power-pole and motor state.
Evidence: The complete chain changes coherently and stop retains priority.
Avoid: Watching only the contactor animation.
- 04
Introduce one fault
Open a control condition, fail a pole, remove a phase or trip the overload.
Evidence: The original symptom and first changed evidence are preserved.
Avoid: Activating several faults simultaneously.
- 05
Divide the circuit
Use one approved measurement to decide whether the fault is upstream or downstream.
Evidence: Each reading eliminates at least one hypothesis.
Avoid: Using continuity on an energized model.
- 06
Prove restoration
Remove the cause, restore protection and repeat start, running and stop cases.
Evidence: Balanced electrical and physical behavior returns without bypasses.
Avoid: Stopping after the coil pulls in.
Diagnostic matrix / 04
| Observed symptom | Inspect | Interpretation | Next proving action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil never energizes | Control supply, stop chain, overload auxiliary, permissive, start path and coil voltage | The first point missing expected voltage locates the open branch. | Divide the series path at a named node. |
| Coil drops after Start is released | Auxiliary seal-in contact, parallel branch and mechanical contactor state | The momentary command works but maintained control is absent. | Prove voltage across the seal-in boundary. |
| Contactor pulls in, motor is idle | Line voltage, all power poles, overload path, phase balance and motor terminals | The control circuit succeeded while the power or load layer failed. | Measure phase-to-phase at approved boundaries. |
| Motor runs in one direction only | Reverse command path, electrical/mechanical interlock, second contactor and phase swap | One directional branch or power path is unavailable. | Compare forward and reverse states without defeating interlocks. |
| Overload trips repeatedly | Phase current, balance, setting, starts, cooling, voltage and mechanical load | The device may be correctly responding to thermal demand. | Record current and correct the cause before reset. |
| Motor starts unexpectedly after return | Maintained command, retentive software state, contactor state and restart policy | Control state may not require a new deliberate start. | Test power-return behavior as an explicit case. |
Product evidence / 05
What the browser practice can actually demonstrate
The browser lab connects an interactive schematic, named multimeter nodes, contactor motion, overload state, phase condition, motor behavior and controlled faults. Safety-action scoring records whether the learner used an appropriate measurement sequence.
Answer surface / 07
What does a motor control circuit simulator teach?
It teaches schematic reading, start-stop logic, contactor and overload behavior, multimeter interpretation, power-circuit tracing and fault isolation without exposing a learner to real energy.
What is a three-wire motor control circuit?
It commonly uses momentary start and stop devices plus a contactor auxiliary seal-in contact so a deliberate stop opens the maintained coil path.
Why can a contactor coil be on while the motor is off?
A failed power pole, missing phase, open overload path, disconnected motor or mechanical problem can exist downstream of a healthy coil circuit.
Where should voltage be measured?
Use named nodes and a stated reference. The correct points depend on the schematic, expected state, meter category and approved site procedure.
Can continuity be measured on a live circuit?
No. Continuity belongs to an isolated and verified de-energized state under the applicable procedure and meter instructions.
What causes an overload relay to trip?
Possible causes include excessive load, phase loss, voltage problems, repeated starts, poor cooling, incorrect setting or a motor defect. Preserve current and trip evidence.
How is reversing control interlocked?
Electrical and mechanical interlocks prevent forward and reverse contactors from being energized together; the exact circuit must also define stopping and direction-change policy.
Does simulator success qualify someone for live motor work?
No. It demonstrates learning-model reasoning only. Physical work requires employer authorization, safety training, tools, PPE decisions and supervised competence.
Motor, wiring and VFD path
Connect the control command to physical motor behavior
Move from safe control wiring and contactors into VFD parameters, measurements, faults and PLC command paths.