Soft Starters
Soft Starters: Smooth Motor Start-Up for Enhanced Performance and Longevity
At United Force Trading Company, a trusted Schneider Retail Partner, Soft Starters are essential devices designed to provide controlled acceleration and deceleration of electric motors. By reducing mechanical stress and minimizing inrush current during motor start-up, Schneider soft starters (part of the Altistart and ATS Series) protect equipment, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure reliable operation across industrial and commercial applications.
What is a Soft Starter?
A Soft Starter is an electronic device that gradually increases the voltage and current supplied to a motor during start-up, preventing sudden jolts and excessive power surges. Unlike Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters do not control motor speed during operation but focus solely on smooth acceleration and deceleration. This makes them ideal for applications requiring reduced mechanical wear, energy savings, and minimized electrical grid disturbances.
Types of Schneider Soft Starters
Altistart 22 (ATS22):
Applications: Pumps, fans, compressors, and light industrial machinery.
Features: Built-in bypass contactor, intuitive dial interface, and IP20 protection.
Altistart 48 (ATS48):
Applications: Heavy-duty motors in mining, HVAC, and material handling.
Features: High current ratings (up to 900A), torque regulation, and communication ports (MODBUS, CANopen).
Altistart 01 (ATS01):
Applications: Small motors in OEM equipment, agricultural systems.
Features: Compact design, plug-and-play setup, and basic parameter presets.
Key Features of Schneider Soft Starters:
Gradual Ramp-Up: Eliminate inrush current spikes (up to 600% reduction) to protect motors and reduce grid stress.
Torque Control: Adjust starting torque to match load requirements, preventing belt slippage or gear damage.
Soft Stop Function: Gradually decelerate motors to avoid water hammer in pumps or product spillage in conveyors.
Compact Design: Space-saving installation with DIN rail or panel-mount options.
Advanced Protection: Safeguard motors from overloads, phase loss, overheating, and voltage imbalances.
How Soft Starters Work
Controlled Start: Use thyristors (SCRs) to gradually increase voltage/current during motor acceleration.
Peak Current Reduction: Limit inrush current to 2–4x full-load current (vs. 6–8x with direct-on-line starts).
Soft Stop: Gradually decrease voltage to avoid mechanical shocks during shutdown.
Applications Across Industries
Water & Wastewater: Prevent pipe bursts in pump systems with controlled starts/stops.
HVAC: Safeguard compressors and fans from abrupt starts, reducing wear and energy spikes.
Mining & Cement: Protect conveyor belts, crushers, and mills from mechanical stress.
Food & Beverage: Ensure smooth operation of mixers, grinders, and bottling lines.
Oil & Gas: Manage pumps and compressors in pipelines and refineries.
Why Schneider Soft Starters?
Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption during start-up by up to 70% compared to direct-on-line (DOL) starters.
Extended Equipment Life: Minimize wear on bearings, belts, and gears, lowering maintenance costs.
Smart Integration:
Communication Modules: Connect to PLCs or SCADA systems via MODBUS, Ethernet, or Profibus.
EcoStruxure Compatibility: Monitor performance and energy usage through Schneider’s IoT platform.
Compliance: Meet IEC 60947-4-2, UL 508, and CE standards for safety and reliability.
Durability: Robust construction for harsh environments (dust, humidity, vibrations).
Key Benefits
Reduced Mechanical Stress: Smooth acceleration prolongs motor and driven equipment lifespan.
Lower Operational Costs: Decrease energy bills and minimize downtime from equipment failure.
Grid Protection: Prevent voltage dips and disruptions in sensitive electrical networks.
Flexibility: Adjustable start/stop times and torque limits for diverse applications.
Why Partner with United Force Trading Company?
Schneider-Certified Solutions: Genuine Altistart soft starters with full warranty and technical support.
Expert Guidance: Assistance in selecting the right soft starter for motor size, load type, and application.
Rapid Delivery: Stock availability for urgent project requirements.
End-to-End Support: Installation assistance, parameter configuration, and troubleshooting.
At United Force Trading Company, we proudly serve as an authorized Schneider Retail Partner, offering trusted power and control solutions .
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