How does a soft starter work?
How does a soft starter work?
Eka Controls is a leading manufacturer and suppliers of Soft starter is used to control and protect AC motors. When a motor starts up, there is a high current surge before the motor begins running. The working principle of a motor soft starter is based on a temporary decrease in the electrical load in order to take some of the stress off the motor and the circuits. This can help protect against potential overloads while increasing the lifespan of the motor, increasing productivity, and improving reliability.
Benefits of using soft starters.
Soft starters, sometimes also referred to as reduced voltage soft starters, can be used for either single phase or 3 phase motors, in low and medium voltage industrial applications including HVAC systems, pump systems, induction motors and more. Soft starters don’t rely on a high level of torque to start up a motor which leads to smoother motor function, less maintenance, fewer burnouts, and less money spent on replacement parts.
Advantages of Using Motor Soft Starters
Smooth Starting
In contrast to typical motor starters, Soft Starters provide a progressive increase in voltage and consequently speed, resulting in a very smooth startup. There is no mechanical stress or jerks that could harm the motor.
Control Acceleration & Deceleration:
Soft Starters offer controls to accelerate and decelerate while starting the motor. This is influenced by the varying firing angle which is either quick or slow and is used widely in applications where startup acceleration is crucial. With such a significant advantage you can also determine the time to spend before powering up.
Zero Power Surges
The conventional motor starters allow maximum voltage to rush into the motor during startup. This results in a huge inrush current flowing into the motor causing circuit overload and a power surge in the motor. A soft starter protects the motor against mishaps by gradually increasing the voltage.
Multiple Startups
Starting a motor requires a lot of energy. Few applications need the motor to power on and off numerous times within shorter periods. Depending on the machinery, conventional soft starters might not be able to power up or even face overheating issues due to the high starting current.
Using a soft starter can help in increasing the number of startups within shorter time periods without having to incur damage to the motor or the circuit.
Reduction of Overheating
During power-up, the initial blast with conventional starters is greatly reduced by soft starters. It does this by allowing a gradual voltage supply during startup This prevents the motor from overheating and shutting down temporarily while increasing the life span and durability of the motors.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Conventional Motor starters can cause problems such as motor overheating, malfunctioning, power surges, and more due to a full voltage supply regularly. A Soft Starter, however, can drastically reduce the associated risks and ensure the smooth functioning of machinery for multiple applications. The maintenance needs are also reduced because of lesser mechanical faults. The availability of devices at all times will greatly contribute to the increase in overall productivity and efficiency.
Extended Life Span
Soft Starter has many advantages when compared with conventional starters. The most important ones are enabling smooth operations, zero electrical and mechanical stress, zero power surges, multiple smooth startups, and more. All these will reduce the chances of damage to machinery in turn allowing the motors to function longer.
Your #1 soft starter source.
Looking for a single phase soft starter, a 3 phase soft starter, or maybe a medium voltage soft starter? Look no further than Eka Controls. We proudly offer an extensive selection of top products from leading soft starter manufacturers. Choose from ABB soft starters, Siemens soft starters, Square D soft starters, Allen Bradley soft starters, and that’s just the beginning. So whether you need a soft starter for an induction motor or a soft starter for your air conditioner, we’re confident you’ll find what you’re looking for. Below you’ll find some of the types of soft starters we carry. Don’t see what you need? Give us a call and we’ll utilize our global supplier network to get you your soft starter, fast.