RMU Remote-Control Hardware: Motors, RTU and Supply Boundaries

Ring Main Unit Guides

Published 2026-09-07 | Updated 2026-09-07

Published by Jinxing Electric. This buyer guide supports specification discussions; confirm the final configuration and document scope for your project.

Ring Main Units for project specification review

Short Answer

Motorization is one part of an RMU remote-control package. Specify the compatible mechanism and controls for each function, then allocate contacts, wiring, auxiliary power, RTU, communications hardware and acceptance work to named suppliers.

Get a Project-Specific Recommendation

Send your single-line diagram, voltage, capacity or feeder schedule, destination country, quantity, and required standard. Jinxing will review the closest product configuration and return the missing technical questions before quotation.

Send Project Requirements

Start with the hardware that the order actually includes

A motorized RMU is not automatically a complete remote-control installation. The purchasing task is to identify the hardware and wiring between each switching mechanism and the communications handover point. A quotation should distinguish installed equipment, prepared mounting or wiring provisions, and items supplied by another contractor.

Specify which RMU functions require remote operation. The mechanism and accessories for a ring switch may differ from those for a transformer protection function. Do not infer a complete operating package from a single motor symbol on the diagram.

Confirm the mechanism and kit identity

For new equipment, request the proposed actuator and control arrangement against each functional unit. For an existing RMU, provide the serial number, production details and mechanism identification before asking about a retrofit.

Schneider Electric's RM6 guidance states that its motorization kit reference depends on equipment serial number or manufacturing year. That is a product-specific example of why identification matters; it does not demonstrate retrofit compatibility for a Jinxing RMU. Manufacturer motorization guidance.

A site retrofit also needs the equipment manufacturer's accepted work scope and procedures. The purchasing review should establish feasibility, included components and required outage conditions before the owner schedules installation. A generic motor of the correct voltage is not a confirmed replacement kit.

Issue a hardware boundary schedule

Package itemDetail to obtainHandover decision
Operating mechanismCompatible motor, coils or other required actuation componentsFactory fitted, field fitted or provision only?
Position and control contactsRequired quantity, contact arrangement and connection referencesSupplied and wired, or separately fitted?
Secondary wiringTerminal numbers, connectors and cable lengthsWhere does RMU wiring end?
Auxiliary sourceRequired duty and supplier responsibilitiesWho supplies the source and distribution?
RTU or gatewayHardware, I/O allocation, mounting and power interfaceIn the RMU package or a separate enclosure?
Communications hardwareApproved port, network equipment and physical locationWhere does the utility or integrator take over?

This schedule is a buyer worksheet, not a list of standard Jinxing inclusions. Require each bidder to identify exclusions and unresolved compatibility questions.

Check the space around the added equipment

Ask for a drawing showing the secondary compartment, cable entries and any separate control enclosure. Include access to terminals and replaceable components. An empty mounting area is not enough if installed devices obstruct the operating handle, position indication or approved maintenance access.

The drawing should also identify environmental requirements for the auxiliary equipment. An outdoor RMU enclosure does not by itself establish the suitability of every proposed electronic component. Allocate enclosure protection, thermal conditions and any required environmental provisions in the order.

Example: two complete packages leave one missing connection

Consider a hypothetical offer where the RMU supplier provides motors and terminal contacts, while the utility supplies an RTU in a separate box. The RMU price excludes interconnecting cables; the RTU price assumes those cables already exist. Both deliveries can match their individual lists while the control installation remains incomplete.

Resolve the gap with terminal-to-terminal drawings, cable supply responsibility and a named installation owner. Include the actual cable route in the auxiliary-power design. Request separate prices for excluded hardware and site work so that offers can be compared on the same completed boundary.

Connect the hardware package to the integration documents

IEC 60870-5-104 describes a telecontrol protocol for compatible monitoring and control equipment; it does not specify this complete hardware package. IEC protocol scope.

Once the physical scope is clear, coordinate it with the SCADA signal-list definition. Agree which hardware is present in factory testing and which external wiring and control-centre interfaces remain for site acceptance. Record equipment identities and tested boundaries.

Send the functional-unit schedule, mechanism information, utility hardware requirements and enclosure constraints through the RMU product range and project enquiry page. Final motorization, retrofit suitability and integration scope require technical confirmation for the offered equipment.

References

FAQ

1. Does motorization include an RTU and communications?

Not necessarily. Identify motors, contacts, wiring, power source, RTU, enclosure and communications hardware as separate scope items.

2. Can a motor kit be selected by control voltage alone?

No. Confirm its compatibility with the actual RMU and operating mechanism, using the equipment identification and the manufacturer’s approved arrangement.