Schneider TeSys Tera Gives Motors a Voice on the Floor

Schneider Electric’s TeSys Tera smart motor management system is designed to reduce downtime by combining predictive monitoring, circuit protection, and motor control into a compact, cabinet-mounted platform. The modular device provides real-time visibility into voltage, current, power consumption, and power factor while supporting additional sensor inputs for broader equipment monitoring. Features such as load shedding, controlled auto-restart, pre-fault alarms, and trip logging help improve system resilience and recovery after power disturbances. With support for major industrial communication protocols and configuration through Schneider’s SoMove software, the TeSys Tera can integrate into both modern and legacy automation environments while simplifying predictive maintenance strategies.

The TeSys Tera Smart Monitor. Image used courtesy of Schneider Electric

TeSys Tera Smart Monitor

The TeSys Tera is a compact, modular smart monitor that not only reads data on downstream motors, such as voltage, current, power consumption, and power factor, but also has analog inputs to allow additional sensors to be monitored as well. To aid recovery from power outages, the TeSys Tera is equipped with load-shedding features and an auto-restart to prevent unnecessary manual intervention. The TeSys also comes pre-configured with pre-fault alarms and trip logging to aid with power grid malfunctions. Load imbalances and overheating issues can also be identified with the TeSys monitor.

The SoMove software used to monitor and program the TeSys Tera. Image used courtesy of Schneider Electric

Programming The Monitor

Thanks to Schneider's SoMove software, you will not need a computer engineering degree to configure your TeSys. The SoMove software provides a user-friendly interface that lets users configure and monitor the TeSys device. SoMove is also used to configure Schneider VFDs and servo drives, so the interface may be familiar to some people. The SoMove software allows technicians to build custom programming that stays with the unit, reducing reliance on PLC software.

A series of electric-motor-driven pumps, the TeSys can monitor and help control them with its auto-restart feature. Image used courtesy of Unsplash

Communicating With The Smart Monitor

Monitoring data is one step toward predicting downtime; collecting and analyzing the data is another. The TeSys Tera offers connection over EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, ProfiBus DP, and Profinet. Virtually every industrial protocol is supported, so even legacy SCADA systems can connect to the TeSys Tera.

Advanced Features

The TeSys Tera is equipped with load shedding, a process that deliberately shuts down electrical loads during high demand, preventing failure of the electrical system. The load shedding feature on the TeSys will reduce non-critical loads during high demand, helping prevent circuit overload.

The TeSys Tera installed with additional modules. Image used courtesy of Schneider Electric

Restarting large motors after a power outage needs to be done in a controlled manner. Starting multiple large motors simultaneously can overload the electrical system and cause excessive current draw. The auto-restart feature on the TeSys Tera enables a controlled restart sequence, greatly reducing start-up current draw and minimizing operational disruptions.

Giving Machines A Voice

Using devices like the TeSys Tera is a way that machine builders and technicians can give a machine a voice. The real-time monitoring capability, combined with the communication protocols, allows the TeSys to be installed in either new or existing equipment and empowers end users to better understand how their machine is functioning.