Heavy-duty motors inside industrial machines can get damaged several ways. To prevent wear and tear, one must address various points of operation – including the startup process.
Why Use Soft Starters?
Motors are prone to unforeseen damage during this critical period. At startup, motors (1 HP or more) have a tendency to draw large amounts of current that is needed to get the unit up and running. In some cases, over six times what is needed, typically above the motor’s capacity.
The process is sudden and can cause heat to build up, as well as mechanical shock, resulting in premature failure and/or supply network issues around the industrial facility (if left unaddressed).
This unnecessary stress and tension can be avoided using a soft starter.
A soft starter (also known as a reduced voltage starter) is a solid-state device that adjusts the acceleration of the connected motor. It does this by controlling the voltage supplied to the unit, so that it can start slowly and reach full speed without drawing large amounts of current.
Soft starters can also be used to ease the stopping process of motors.
Soft Starter Applications
Soft starters are commonly utilized in the following:
- Manufacturing conveyor systems
- Industrial fans
- Rolling mills
- Compressors
- Industrial pumps
- Mixers
Larson Electronics offers a selection of 480V three-phase (430-525V) soft starters for industrial use. We provide units ranging from 10 HP to 300 HP, with cutting-edge start, stop and control modes. Equipped with protective functions, the soft starters are easily programmable via a digital panel interface.
Our units are in stock and ready to be shipped upon completion of the order. View our three-phase soft starters in the link below!
