Allen Bradley 150-F135NBD SMC Flex Soft Starter 135A 480V

The Allen-Bradley 150-F135NBD is an open-type microprocessor solid-state controller from the Bulletin 150 SMC Flex smart motor controller series. Rated for a continuous full-load operating current of 135 A, this unit provides smooth stepless acceleration and deceleration for three-phase standard squirrel-cage induction motors and inside-the-delta (wye-delta 6-lead) systems operating across line voltages from 200V to 480V AC (50/60 Hz).

The 150-F135NBD transitions seamlessly to internal bypass once the connected load reaches nominal operating velocity. This eliminates continuous silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) conduction losses, curtails switchgear cabinet heat dissipation, and prevents electrical harmonic generation during continuous duty. The controller incorporates digital metering, selectable motor overload protection curves (Class 10, 15, 20, 30), and advanced motor diagnostic protections—including phase imbalance, jam detection, stall prevention, undervoltage, and ground fault monitoring. Control logic operates on a wide 100V to 240V AC single-phase supply with four dedicated, software-configurable auxiliary contacts.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
• Series: Bulletin 150 SMC™ Flex Solid-State Controller
• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 150-F135NBD

Features

1. Dual Operational Topologies: Operates in direct-on-line standard three-phase connections (up to 135 A full load) or within 6-lead inside-the-delta topologies (up to 234 A full load), cutting SCR thermal duty and enabling smaller frame footprints for identical mechanical loads.
2. Integral Electromechanical Bypass: Incorporates internal bypass contactors across all three phases that pull in automatically when ramp-up reaches nominal line frequency, slashing electrical enclosure cooling requirements and bypassing SCR line distortion.
3. Integrated Advanced Motor Diagnostics: Microprocessor monitors and protects against current imbalance, line-side undervoltage/overvoltage, phase reversal, stall/jam protection, ground faults, and motor PTC temperature limits without external auxiliary protection relays.
4. Comprehensive Starting/Stopping Profiles: Features programmable starting algorithms including Current Limit, Dual Ramp, Linear Speed, Soft Stop (extended decelerations to eliminate fluid water hammer), and Smart Motor Braking (SMB) without external friction mechanical brakes.
5. Modular DPI Network Communication: Features a high-speed internal Drive Peripheral Interface (DPI) port to directly connect Allen-Bradley 20-HIM door-mount LCD consoles and 20-COMM fieldbus adapters (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, PROFIBUS DP).

Equipment Compatibility

• Direct Motor Matches: Standard NEMA Design B, C, D and IEC Design N induction motors rated up to 100 HP @ 460V AC (Standard Connection) or 150 HP @ 460V AC (Inside-the-Delta Connection).
• Rockwell DPI Communication Adapters:
  • 20-COMM-E (EtherNet/IP single-port)
  • 20-COMM-ER (EtherNet/IP dual-port DLR ring adapter)
  • 20-COMM-D (DeviceNet)
  • 20-COMM-C (ControlNet)
  • 20-COMM-P (PROFIBUS DP)
• Human Interface Modules (HIM): 20-HIM-A6 (IP66 door mount), 20-HIM-C6S, 20-HIM-A3 LCD diagnostic interfaces.
• Line/Load Protective Surge Modules: Bulletin 150-F84L, 150-F84M, and 150-F86L metal oxide varistor (MOV) transient surge suppression protective modules.
• Upstream Protection Devices: UL Class J, Class L, or Class CC time-delay power fuses; Allen-Bradley Bulletin 140G / 140U molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) rated according to SCCR branch coordination tables.

Part Number Cross-References

• 150-F135NBR: Identical 135 A / 480V power stage with 24V AC/DC control circuit voltage (alternative to 100–240V AC control).
• 150-F135NCD: Same 135 A / 100–240V AC control unit configured for 200…575V AC power systems (high-voltage line variant).
• 150-F135NZD: Same 135 A / 100–240V AC control unit configured for 230…690V AC systems (marine/mining ungrounded grid variant).
• 150-C135NBD: Bulletin 150 SMC-3 Series baseline compact solid-state starter (standard ramp starting, non-expandable DPI communications).
• Modern Successor Line: Rockwell Allen-Bradley SMC-50 (Bulletin 150-S) or SMC-E (150-E) advanced series for retrofit upgrades requiring expanded digital parameter logging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 150-F135NBD part number indicate?

The catalog number designates an Allen-Bradley Bulletin 150 SMC Flex open-type solid-state motor controller rated for 135 Amperes continuous current, an operating three-phase line voltage of 200 to 480V AC, and a control power supply voltage of 100 to 240V AC.

Does the 150-F135NBD require an external bypass contactor?

No. The 150-F135NBD includes factory-integrated electromechanical bypass contactors across all three phases inside the chassis. Once the motor reaches full operating speed, the controller automatically pulls in the internal bypass contacts, routing continuous motor current away from the SCRs to eliminate operational heat build-up and harmonic interference.

Can this soft starter be wired inside an inside-the-delta loop?

Yes. The SMC Flex controller is engineered for both standard in-line connection (up to 135 A) and inside-the-delta 6-lead connection. When installed inside-the-delta, the current capacity increases up to 234 A, allowing it to control motors rated up to 150 HP @ 460V AC.

What is the control voltage required for Terminal A1 and A2?

The “D” control voltage suffix on the 150-F135NBD specifies a 100V to 240V AC single-phase control power source operating at 50/60 Hz. If your control cabinet distribution is 24V AC/DC, you must source the 150-F135NBR model instead.

What communication protocols are supported on this unit?

The 150-F135NBD features a built-in DPI port that accommodates Rockwell 20-COMM communication modules, including 20-COMM-E (EtherNet/IP), 20-COMM-D (DeviceNet), 20-COMM-C (ControlNet), and 20-COMM-P (PROFIBUS DP), allowing seamless control and monitoring via PLC systems.

How does the Smart Motor Braking (SMB) function work?

Smart Motor Braking applies microprocessor-controlled DC and pulsed braking current through the existing SCR bridge directly into the AC induction motor stator windings without external resistors or mechanical disc brakes, stopping high-inertia loads safely and rapidly.